- Winter 1995 "Update" Newsletter Article -
Endowment pledges reach $1 million
From CATI Publication #950101
Copyright © 1995. All rights reserved.
Fundraising efforts in a multi-million dollar endowment campaign for the Viticulture and Enology Research Center (VERC) have reached the $1 million mark, providing for the establishment of the Ricchuiti Chair of Viticulture Research at California State University, Fresno.
Capping of the $1 million mark was accomplished last October with a $250,000 gift to the campaign by Pat and Frances Ricchuiti, whose family owns fruit growing and packing operations near Clovis, California.
The Ricchiuti Chair will support the viticulture research scientist position currently held by VERC research scientist Keith Streigler. Streigler's work encompasses pest resistant rootstock development, vineyard trellis design, dried-on-the-vine raisin production, cover crop management and sustainable agricultural practices.
Former VERC Director and Professor Emeritus Vince Petrucci, who established the university's viticulture and enology programs, expressed thanks to the Richuiti family during an October reception honoring all those who had contributed to the endowment. Gifts in support of the ongoing fundraising campaign have been received from alumni, friends, and from business and industry throughout California.{ page top }