The Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology at Fresno State received a $40,000 gift Friday from funds raised in August at the Taste of Vino event. The contribution is part of a campaign that is nearly halfway to its $3 million goal to ensure the V.E. Petrucci Library’s use for future generations of students and industry members.
Hosted by Vino & Friends Wine Store and Bistro, the annual Taste of Vino event was held Aug. 9, and was attended by 850 guests.
“We sincerely thank Chuck and Jen Van Fleet at Vino & Friends for this gift,” said Sandra Witte, Jordan College interim dean. “Tying our campus viticulture and enology program to the local and state industry as well as the community has always been a central theme in Dr. Petrucci’s legacy. This donation will help the library continue to offer the most up-to-date grape and wine knowledge and research from around the world.”
An endowment was established in 1996 by the Viticulture and Enology Alumni Association in honor of Dr. Vincent E. Petrucci, who founded Fresno State’s viticulture and enology program and taught from 1948 to 1993.
“The Taste of Vino event is our way of thanking loyal customers and giving back to the community,” said Chuck Van Fleet, who owns Vino & Friends with his wife Jen. “The V.E. Petrucci Library was a great beneficiary since it is Vince’s 90th birthday this year. We’re always excited to support the education and research of an industry that we’re so passionate about, while honoring a man who is known by many as the father of the University’s successful grape and wine program.”
The V.E. Petrucci Library includes resources on grape growing, winemaking, sensory science and raisin production and processing. Used by students and faculty for academic and research work, the Petrucci Library is also free and open to the community.
In July, the Petrucci Library was classified as a collection of the Henry Madden Library to increase its reach and service to students, researchers and professionals.
“Industry and alumni support have always been an essential part of this department as it has grown and developed its reputation as a leader,” Petrucci said. “The library plays an important role in connecting our students, staff and industry with resources that support scientific research and problem solving, with a practical application. Professors rely on it for their lectures, and students refer to it constantly, as do alumni, industry and community members. It’s very complete and even includes information dating back to the 1800s and the evolution of practices since then.”
More information on the Petrucci Library is available by contacting 559.278.5388 or brfoster@csufresno.edu, or by visiting www.fresnostate.edu/jcast/petruccilibrary.
Information on donations to the Petrucci Library endowment is available by contacting 559.278.4266 or www.fresnostate.edu/jcast/agonefoundation.
