special supplement
HORNET PRIDE
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
DENNIS GARDEMEYER
BUSINESS SUCCESS BEGINS AT SACRAMENTO STATE
Always an achiever , Dennis Gardemeyer has made great efforts to advance himself in life from a very young age . He worked his way through high school , community college and Sacramento State , honing his work ethic through owning and managing businesses along with gaining an education . Looking back on a lifetime as a renowned entrepreneur , farmer , developer , philanthropist and much more , he gives ample credit to his Sacramento State education and experience .
Gardemeyer earned a BS degree in finance and an MBA at Sacramento State . With his keen interest in business and the recognition that the university ’ s College of Business would benefit from a real-world dimension , he helped found the school ’ s Center for Small Business in 1969 and served as director for its first three years . He ’ s been involved with it ever since as a consultant and philanthropist . He and his wife Denice have also supported Sacramento State students with scholarships for 30 years .
“ Sacramento State ’ s Center for Small Business is one of the nation ’ s largest and longest-serving small business centers , and many other universities patterned their programs after ours ,” says Gardemeyer , who chaired the College of Business ’ s advisory board for many years and still sits on the board . “ The Center has served more than 2,000 small businesses and given students critical experience throughout its history .”
Now a significant builder and developer and one of Northern California ’ s largest farmers with 20 successful businesses on his resume , he says , “ I owe so much of my success to Sacramento State . At the time , it was the university I could afford , and it ’ s served me well . I ’ ve gone toe-to-toe with some of the biggest names in business and have always been proud of my education . Sacramento State continues to provide useful and valuable education to people from all walks of life , and produces graduates that succeed in the real world .”
“ Sacramento State continues to provide useful and valuable education to people from all walks of life , and produces graduates that succeed in the real world .”
— Dennis Gardemeyer Alumnus Sacramento State
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