As a top performing student, agriculture major Samuel Johnson of Escalon received the Stanislaus State agriculture department’s Outstanding Student Award at its 2022 Graduation Dinner. Three local businesses were also recognized for their ongoing contributions to the ag department and its students during the years of 2020, 2021 and 2022, despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Called the Roots Awards to symbolize steadfast and essential support, the honors went to Duarte Nursery, Inc. for 2020, Frantz Wholesale Nursery, LLC for 2021 and Yosemite Farm Credit for 2022.

California State University, Stanislaus serves a diverse student body of more than 10,000 at two locations in the Central Valley; a 228-acre campus in Turlock and the Stockton Campus, located in the city’s historic Magnolia District. Widely recognized for its dedicated faculty and high-quality academic programs, the University offers 43 majors, 41 minors and more than 100 areas of concentration, along with 16 master’s degree programs, seven credential programs and a doctorate in educational leadership.