|
Mrs. Dee Jordan,
center, was recognized for the Jordan family gift of $29.4
million to Fresno State with a Senate resolution Monday, July
13. Also pictured are, from left, Alcidia Freitas Gomes, Ag One
Executive Director/College Development Director; Bill Henson, a
guest of Mrs. Jordan's; Dr. Charles Boyer, dean of the Jordan
College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology; and Sen. Dave
Cogdill, who spearheaded the Senate tribute. Photo by Lorie
Shelley, California State Senate. |
The California State Senate
today (July 13, 2009) honored the Jordan family for their generous
donation of $29.4 million to the California State University, Fresno
College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, now known as the Jordan
College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology. The donation, from the
late Hanabul “Bud” Jordan, and his brother, the late Lowell Jordan, is
the largest single cash gift ever given to any California State
University. Bud ran a general contracting business in Hayward and Lowell
ranched cattle in Dublin.
“The kindness and generosity of the Jordan family will benefit students
for generations to come and help the future of agriculture for our state
as a whole,” said Senator Cogdill (R-Modesto).
Neither man had ever set foot on the Fresno State campus, but donated
generously to the agriculture program over the years, including a
$130,000 endowment that has provided annual scholarships since 1995.
Fresno State President John D. Welty said the Jordan gift will play a
major role in further strengthening the agricultural program at the
university. “This incredible gift will fund projects that the college
had only just dreamed of,” Welty said. “It’s a rare and wonderful
opportunity to make a profound impact on the college. We know we have
outstanding, world-class agriculture programs. This gift will definitely
establish Fresno State as the university of choice for top agriculture
students.”
The contributions began after agriculture economics professor emeritus
Bob Glim and his family met the Jordan family at motor home rallies.
Professor Glim shared stories about the campus and its students. Over
the years, they developed a friendship and Professor Glim shared
products from the university’s farm, such as raisins and wine.
“This incredible story is a testament to the value of friendships. The
strong bonds between Fresno State and the Jordan family continue, even
after Bud and Lowell’s passing,” said Cogdill. “The Jordan family’s
generosity is without parallel. In these tough economic times when we
are forced to cut back, it is heartwarming that individuals are stepping
up to help others. This big-hearted family has created a legacy of
community involvement that will serve as an inspiration to all
Californians.”
Dee Jordan, Bud Jordan’s wife; Dr. Charles Boyer, dean of the Jordan
College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology; and Alcidia Freitas
Gomes, Ag One Executive Director/College Development Director attended
today’s ceremony on the Senate Floor.
|
