Ron Samuel

Fresno State alumnus and former Ag One Foundation board member, Ron Samuel grew up and lived in Los Banos, CA. His father worked at Wolfsen Land and Cattle managing anywhere between 50,000 to 75,000 range cattle. This is where Ron started his journey towards his career path in agriculture.

After graduating from Merced Junior College, he decided to attend Fresno State. Initially Ron focused on animal science but then switched to agricultural business. He graduated in 1976 with a master's degree in agricultural economics from the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (JCAST). Ron spent his first 23 years out of college as a produce sales and marketing director and for the last almost 20 years, as a financial advisor.

Ron continues to be involved with Fresno State and JCAST in some way or another - either by hanging out with fellow alumni, attending football and basketball games, or being involved with his fraternity by serving on its board of directors and past president. He is most proud of his work with his fraternity and the mentorship he has been able to provide its current student members. He has also recently finished his term as a current board member of the Ag One Foundation. He is very proud of the leadership he has been able to give throughout all his terms.

During an interview with the Jordan College, Ron was asked what areas of the Jordan College and campus farm he keeps tabs on today and sees a continued need for support by others. Ron responded "I always look at the whole farm as an impressive entity. Personally, I like row and tree crops and livestock. I'm also always interested in the winery. I like it all. One of my old classmates from Los Banos - John Cordeiro - just officially retired from the sheep unit. I'd always stop and talk to him. I enjoy all of it and want to see it preserved. It's such a big asset for the university. I think it's also important to the agriculture students from a hands-on angle, like being able to work at the dairy, winery, or even having crop research projects."

Ron has named the Ag One Foundation in his estate plans to support deserving students majoring in agricultural business and create new opportunities for future generations of students.

If you are interested in supporting student success through a planned gift, please contact us today.

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