On Tuesday, January 28, the Board of Trustees of the California State University approved the establishment of the Grimm Family Center for Agricultural Business at CSU Bakersfield, made possible by an extraordinary endowment created by Barbara Grimm-Marshall and Kari Grimm Anderson that reflects their abiding commitment to the future of the region’s leading industry.
The $5 million pledge of support for the Center is the single largest gift in the 50-year history of the university. The gift coincides with the 50th anniversary of family-owned Grimmway Farms and honors the legacy of the company’s founders, Rod and Bob Grimm.
“The Grimm family believes that lives are transformed through education, and that certainly applies to agricultural education,” said Mrs. Grimm-Marshall. “Ever-evolving technologies and more sophisticated business practices mean that students who wish to pursue a career in agriculture must spend as much time in the classroom as in the field. The Center will allow students to work with the best minds in agribusiness today to secure our region’s position as a pioneer and global leader in the industry that has created opportunity and prosperity for so many.”
“With this commitment, our family is affirming our belief that agriculture is the economic and cultural cornerstone of our Valley,” Mrs. Grimm Anderson said. “Kern County has always been a leader in innovative and advanced farming practices. Building on that legacy requires investment in agribusiness education, and we are proud to work with CSU Bakersfield to ensure the Center advances knowledge and expertise while honoring the ingenuity of the generations of growers who have made our Valley the envy of the world.”
During its regularly scheduled meeting at the Office of the Chancellor in Long Beach, the Board of Trustees voted unanimously today to establish the Grimm Family Center for Agricultural Business at CSU Bakersfield.
“The Grimm Family Center for Agricultural Business represents a transformative opportunity for CSU Bakersfield students, our local workforce, economy and the very future of farming,” President Zelezny said.
Mrs. Grimm-Marshall, Mrs. Grimm Anderson, Brandon Grimm and President Zelezny joined CSU Chancellor Timothy P. White at the podium for remarks and the presentation of a resolution honoring the Grimm family’s generous gift.
“What a wonderful legacy for your family,” said Chancellor White, who noted that the Grimms have touched thousands of Kern County families through the power of their philanthropy.
The Grimm Family Center for Agricultural Business will offer unprecedented educational opportunities to CSUB’s agribusiness students, who will learn by doing, getting experience directly out in the field, working with experts immersed in the day-to-day enterprise of running successful agribusinesses.
For more information: 
Valorie Sill
Grimmway Farms
Tel: +1 (661) 845-5222
Email: [email protected]
www.grimmway.com
Jennifer Self
CSU Bakersfield
Tel: +1 (661) 654-3526
Email: [email protected]
www.csub.edu