Names of Note: Stan State launches library drive. Almond Alliance has new leader
A fundraiser has launched to enhance the newly renovated library at California State University, Stanislaus.
Turlock residents John and Jeani Ferrari and Class of 1972 alumna Marlene Stante are leading the drive, dubbed The Next Chapter. It will fund technology, “formative guest experiences” and other efforts, a news release said.
The renovation forced a two-year closure of the J. Burton Vasché Library, named for the university’s first president.
The campaign will run to May 1, 2022. Donors of $10,000 to $150,000 can name one of 35 spaces within the library. Everyone giving at least $100 will be listed on a commemorative wall.
“Our enthusiasm for community-based fundraising coupled with our love of libraries called us to lead this campaign for the university,” the Ferraris said in a joint statement.
They and Stante are among 13 committee members for the drive with University Library Dean Ron Rodriguez and Michele Lahti, vice president of university advancement.
For more information, call 209-667-3131 or email giving@csustan.edu.
Bettencourt leads Almond Alliance
Aubrey Bettencourt is the new president and CEO of the Almond Alliance of California, based in Modesto. She succeeds Elaine Trevino, who is awaiting Senate confirmation as chief agriculture negotiator for the U.S. Trade Representative.
Bettencourt most recently was director for sustainability at the California Cattle Council and Western United Dairies. She also has been state director of the USDA Farm Service Agency and deputy assistant secretary in the Water and Science Division of the U.S. Department of the Interior.
Bettencourt starts Dec. 1 with the Almond Alliance, which advocates for the Central Valley’s top-grossing crop.
“Aubrey comes to us with a wealth of diverse knowledge and innovative advocacy work on behalf of farmers and ranchers,” said board Chairman Mike Curry, who hulls and shells nuts near Denair, in a news release.
Bettencourt noted issues such as water, labor, energy, supply chain and climate change.
“Rather than reacting, we will lead with our own achievable, common-sense solutions to these challenges for the continued success of our farmers, our communities, our businesses, our environment and our consumers,” she said.
The group is separate from the Almond Board of California, which does research, marketing and other work from its Modesto headquarters.
Names of Note recognizes people and organizations for their contribution to their communities. Submit items to jholland@modbee.com.
This story was originally published November 28, 2021 at 6:00 AM.
