Mrs. Grimm-Marshall said the gift was the result of a family conversation focused on how to thank the region upon the 50th anniversary of Grimmway Farms.
“We hope, in a small way, that our gift will help the great state of California continue to feed the world with fresh ideas, healthy food and an abundance of talent.”
Mrs. Grimm Anderson noted the relationship between her family’s business and the university.
“As our fledgling carrot company grew, so did Cal State Bakersfield.”
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.
The Center will create a nexus for conversation and collaboration with the region’s best and brightest agricultural minds and bolster the university’s existing Business School program, led by Dr. Angappa Gunasekaran, dean of the School of Business and Public Administration.
“Agribusiness is an extremely sophisticated and complex world, and change is constant,” Dr. Gunasekaran said. “How to use emerging technologies to advance the industry as well as the regulatory environment that dictates so many day-to-day decisions drive the need for a well-rounded education in this dynamic field.”
The Center will be operated by an executive director, who will create a strategic plan, build a regional network of professionals and experts and oversee the development of curriculum, events and programs, including a lecture series, forums and workshops, professional development, research and scholarships for students.
“The Grimm family is a pacesetter in the worlds of agriculture and philanthropy,” said CSU Bakersfield Vice President for University Advancement Victor Martin. “To work with such visionary leaders will distinguish the Center and attract students from all over who wish to achieve an unparalleled education in agribusiness.
“But beyond the Grimms’ reputation in the world of agriculture, there is something more meaningful behind this extraordinary gift. The Grimms are saying to all of the families in our region that farming remains an excellent career as well as a proud tradition that connects us with a way of life that has become a cherished part of our collective heritage.”
The Grimm families and Grimmway Farms have long been dedicated to serving the needs of the community they call home. The Grimm families serve the children of Kern County on a daily basis through two Grimmway Academy charter schools and the Robert A. Grimm Children’s Pavilion for Emergency Services at Memorial Hospital. Additionally, Grimmway Farms has been awarding the Rod and Bob Grimm Memorial Scholarship since 1997, bestowing more than 680 scholarships valued at $1.7 million in tuition support for students who have a parent or guardian employed by Grimmway.