Fresno Equipment Company creates ag scholarship endowment

(November 8, 2017) – The Ag One Foundation announced the creation of the Fresno Equipment Company – Mark Vucovich Endowment by Marsha Vucovich and the Fresno Equipment Company, a full-service John Deere dealership in Fresno and Five Points.

The endowment, created by a $25,000 gift, will provide scholarships to deserving Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology students from the agricultural business, animal sciences and agricultural education, industrial technology, plant science and viticulture and enology departments.

“We thank Marsha Vucovich for her leadership, generosity and support of agriculture students at Fresno State,” said Sandra Witte, dean of the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology. “She is a role model for multigenerational leadership and strong ties to her community, and I know that our students appreciate the role that businesses like Fresno Equipment Company have played in their lives. These scholarships will directly benefit students who will be future leaders in agriculture in our region.”

Fresno State Equipment Company (FEC) was established in 1961 by Mark Vucovich, an entrepreneur who helped introduce John Deere tractors, combines, cotton picking and planting equipment to Central Valley farmers. He established a loyal following of customers who were drawn to the brand and the dealership’s customer support.

The company’s equipment line has expanded to a wider assortment of agricultural products and services, including specialty orchard and vineyard equipment and precision agricultural technology.

Mark’s daughter, Marsha Vucovich, is the company’s owner and CEO and continues to advance the company’s core values after she began working for the company in 1977. FEC is one of the only woman-owned John Deere dealerships in the nation, and has received the John Deere Leaders Club Award representing excellence in sales and marketing 14 times. Her company was recognized with the Baker, Peterson & Franklin Ag Business Award for 2010.

She has also served as the Ag One president in 2010 to 2011 and was on its board of directors from 2006 to 2016. She continues to be a key volunteer and ag industry stakeholder, and the yearly Ag One Alumni and Friends West Side agriculture lunch is hosted at the Five Points dealership.

“Fresno State students and academic programs are vital to our community,” Vucovich said. “I’m honored to establish this endowment in my father’s name because he was passionate about agriculture’s role in California’s economy and way of life.”

Established in 1979, Ag One has raised more than $19.5 million to benefit, promote and support the college and its programs. In that span, more than 3,700 students have received more than $2.7 million in scholarships and grants. In the 2017-18 academic year, Ag One will provide nearly $600,000 to deserving students and programs.

To discuss potential partnership opportunities, contact Alcidia Freitas Gomes at alcidia@csufresno.edu or 559.278.4266.