Fresno State alumni Jim and Chelisa Vagim and their daughters, Madeline and Georgia, believe university faculty play an essential role in student success and community development, which is why they have donated $100,000 to the Craig School of Business to support faculty research.
The Vagims said giving back to Fresno State is important to them because of their close ties to the university, Fresno and the Central Valley. Although they now live in Pasadena, the Vagims are originally from Porterville, where Jim and Chelisa’s families ran rival car dealerships on opposite corners.
After Jim and Chelisa attended Fresno State, they married and moved to the Los Angeles area, where Jim continued the family tradition of car sales, building a career in auto finance. In addition to their recent donation, the Vagims have long hosted the Send Off BBQ for incoming Fresno State students from Southern California.
The Vagims believe their gift to the Craig School will provide greater economic opportunities for Fresno State students who will in turn serve the Central Valley.
“Faculty are forming our future generations, so it’s important for them to get the funding they need,” Chelisa Vagim said. “I know some kids struggle in college, but having teachers who can make an impact on their lives is one of the most important things we can do.”
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