The Collegian

Dairy giant and California State University, Fresno benefactor Larry A. Shehadey died Saturday morning. He was 102 years old.

Mr. Shehadey̢۪s $3 million donation to the Save Mart Center in 2000 was the largest personal gift given to the project according to Peter Smits, vice president for university advancement at Fresno State.

“He was a giant in the community. His generosity really changed the community,â€Â Smits said.

Mr. Shehadey bought a controlling interest in Producer̢۪s Delivery Dairy Co. in 1951, and moved his family to Fresno shortly after. By 1954, Producer̢۪s was the top dairy in Fresno.

Mr. Shehadey was generous with Fresno State in many ways.

According to a press release by Fresno State, Shehadey was a supporter of the Craig School of Business, the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, and Bulldog athletics.

“Larry Shehadey was truly a pillar of the community. He was a dedicated business leader who knew the importance of giving back to his community,â€Â Fresno State President John D. Welty said in a press release. “His life was one of hard work and accomplishment, and he leaves a legacy for us to emulate.â€Â

The Larry A. Shehadey Tower, located on the southeast corner of the Save Mart Center, is one of the tallest towers on a CSU campus.

Debbie Adishian-Astone, associate vice president for auxiliary operations, also values Shehadey̢۪s contributions.

“The generosity of Mr. Shehadey and his sons (John and Richard) to the University over the years has made a real difference,â€Â Adishian-Astone said in an email interview. “But in particular his $3 million gift for the naming of the Larry A. Shehadey Clock Tower and the Larry and Elayne Shehadey Lobby was key to making the Save Mart Center the premier sports and entertainment venue that it has become.â€Â