Harvey estate establishes$1.5 million scholarship fund

The estate of Dr. John M. and Cora G. Harvey of Fresno is providing $1.5 million to establish a scholarship fund for students studying within the College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology. The largest cash bequest in the college’s history will establish an endowment fund for about $75,000 in annual scholarship awards to deserving students, with priority given to graduate students. Dr. Harvey, who received a biology degree from Fresno State in 1942, worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Fresno for many years to prevent decay in fruit between harvest and market. He died in 1996 and his wife died last year. Cora Harvey died in January 2005, nine years after her husband. 
 
“The Harveys have provided significant contributions to the advancement of agriculture in California,” said Dr. Daniel Bartell, dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology. “Their generous estate planning will provide support for future generations of agricultural leaders.

“This support comes at an especially critical time as we work to help the agricultural industry sustain growth and remain competitive in a global market. We are in a very good position to help California agriculture and the food industry. A high-quality master’s degree program with high-quality students will allow us to provide the hands-on research that is needed.” 

The College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology at Fresno State is dedicated to improving the environment and quality of life through education, research and public service in agriculture, food, technology and the family.

To contact the development office for the College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, please call Alcidia Freitas Gomes at 559.278.4266 or e-mail her at alcidia@csufresno.edu. For more information about planned giving at Fresno State, contact Carol Widmer at 559.278.8337 or e-mail her at cwidmer@csufresno.edu