In the heart of California's Central Valley, a unique collaboration is flourishing between Stanislaus State and E. & J. Gallo Winery, a partnership that not only celebrates shared values but also paves the way for the success of future generations of Stan State alumni.
Recently, key leaders from E. & J. Gallo Winery, who are also proud Stan State alumni, gathered with University leaders to celebrate this strategic partnership and explore ways to further support the career success of Warriors. The impact of the strategic partnership between the two organizations is undeniable, with more than 460 Stan State alumni currently thriving as Gallo employees.
Stephanie Gallo, senior director and chief marketing officer at E. & J. Gallo Winery, encapsulates the essence of this partnership: “Our corporate values are respect, commitment, teamwork, innovation, integrity and humility, and when I think about the Stan State alumni throughout our organization, each and every one of them embodies our corporate values. This is one of the reasons why we have such strong success with Stan State alumni.”
For Stanislaus State Interim President Susan Borrego, this partnership is not just about numbers; it's about creating invaluable connections for the University's diverse and motivated student body: “This is a great opportunity for our students, 64% who come from underrepresented backgrounds and more than 70% first-generation college students. After graduation, they don’t aways have an established network to launch their career. Gallo is asking us to send them here and to create a network that serves our students and their future success.”
The success stories of Stan State alumni at E. & J. Gallo Winery evidence the diverse career paths that can unfold from a university education. Take Deb Juergenson, who turned her geology degree into a flourishing career in winemaking at Gallo. Her advice to fellow Warriors is simple yet powerful: “Get your first job, talk to people, find out what drives you and find your path from there.”
Rachel Williams, Director of Human Resources, echoes the sentiment that finding one’s passion is key. Reflecting on her journey from psychology to human resources, she emphasizes the importance of soft skills: “Learn to interview, write a good resume, and practice. Think about those things before you graduate.”
David Booth, a Stan State MBA graduate, highlights the broadening effect of education and the significance of building connections: “The MBA program at Stan State broadened my overall knowledge, both in business and in other industries, and the connections I made were really valuable.” His advice to current students is clear: “Make connections, whether with other students or with industry professionals. Those connections are the start of a conversation for what a future job might be.”
As Warriors pursue their academic endeavors at Stan State, they’re not just gaining knowledge; they’re building a foundation for a successful future. The partnership between Stan State and Gallo exemplifies the power of collaboration, creating a network where mentorship, shared values and a commitment to success intersect. To our current and future Warriors, embrace your journey, connect with your people and follow your passion — the world is waiting for the next generation of Stan State alumni to leave an indelible mark.
