Alumni, donors, faculty, staff and friends of the Cal State Fullerton College of Business and Economics gathered on Oct. 2 to celebrate the $4.5 million gift by Jerry Conrey and Victoria Shook Conrey, resulting in the naming of the Conrey Center for Entrepreneurship. The gift is among the largest in the history of Cal State Fullerton business education.  

The celebration in the college’s courtyard featured remarks from CSUF President Ron Rochon, Dean Sri Sundaram, and Conrey Center Director D. Scott Taylor. The courtyard buzzed with conversation as guests gathered to mark the milestone, reconnect with colleagues, and share in the excitement of the center’s new chapter.

“For decades, Cal State Fullerton has been a leader in entrepreneurship education and developing the next generation of entrepreneurs,” says Dean Sri Sundaram. “Jerry and Victoria’s generosity has elevated these efforts, providing the Conrey Center with new opportunities to expand its impact on our students and in Orange County. Alongside our donors, mentors, and supporters, they are helping ensure the center thrives for future generations of students and strengthens the entrepreneurial community across Southern California.”

Reflecting on the mission and future of the Conrey Center in the years to come, Taylor, the center’s director, noted that the center’s identity is increasingly involving an interdisciplinary focus, encompassing trends such as artificial intelligence and cutting-edge engineering methods. The academic programs the center supports are focused on integrating the lessons learned in the classroom in real-world experiential opportunities, such as the Small Business Institute (SBI) consulting projects benefiting Orange County businesses.  

“Our strength is in our students: diverse, ambitious, and driven to make an impact,” says Taylor. “The Conrey Center gives them not only the education, but the space to test ideas, take risks, and create change beyond campus. And, with the support of an experience-rich alumni network, students are guided through the difficult but rewarding journey from idea to operation.” 

Do you want to be a part of the future of Orange County entrepreneurship? The Conrey Center for Entrepreneurship invites donors and mentors to be part of building the next chapter of innovation in Orange County. Opportunities are available for financial and in-kind donations, board membership to advise on latest industry trends, guest lecturing, startup mentorship, advising student consulting teams, judging competitions, and sponsoring events. For more information, reach out to [email protected].