K.C Fugelsang/C.J. Muller Enology Endowment

Awarded to students pursuing degrees in Enology 

Kenneth Claire Fugelsang was born in Fresno, CA to proud parents, Ardith and Paul Fugelsang, in 1946. He attended Madison Grammar School, Central High School, Fresno City College, and graduated with a degree in Biology from California State University Fresno in 1969. Ken completed his masters degree in 1972.  

Ken was Professor Emertius of Enology and Winemaster at California State University, Fresno where he continued to teach part-time for the Department of Viticulture and Enology until May 2016. Since joining the university in 1971, he had published over 150 technical papers and 18 books including Wine Analysis and Production and Wine Microbiology- Practical Applications and Procedures with Charles Edwards of Washington State University. The latter received the 2007 Prix d 1'OIV representing only the second time in history of the award that an American author was recognized in the field of Enology. Ken is the past president of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi and recipient of the University's Outstanding Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity Award, the Salgo-Noren and NACTA Awards, the Claude Lavelle Award for Innovative technology, and the Outstanding Alumnus Award ("Top Dog" Classes of 1969 and 1972). 
Along with his colleagues, Ken was instrumental in establishing the commercial winery at Fresno State in 1997, which has the honor of being the first bonded winery on a university campus in the United States. During his tenure, he also managed the winery where his students not only received practical training, but also received over 500 awards in major wine competitions. 

For four decades (1971-2016), Ken made a positive impact on the grape and wine industry all over the world by training students to become winemakers at the institution. He was a teacher, mentor, colleague and friend to the university, college, department, and wine industry. Ken lost his battle with cancer on February 20, 2017. His contributions will always be remembered.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Ardith and Paul Fugelsang. He is survived by his wife, Ann of 45 years and his son, Jeffrey, his brother Paul Fugelsang, and sister-in-law Cheryl.

Support the K.C. Fugelsang/C.J. Muller Enology Endowment