The Conrey Center for Entrepreneurship: A Launchpad for Students’ Bold Ideas

At Cal State Fullerton, the newly named Conrey Center for Entrepreneurship stands as a testament to the power of education, generosity, and bold ambition. Named in honor of Jerry Conrey and his wife, Dr. Victoria Shook Conrey, this center represents more than just an institution—it is a beacon guiding students toward innovation and impactful ventures.

Jerry Conrey, founder and principal of Conrey Insurance Brokers and Risk Managers, alongside his wife, who is a retired physician dedicated to healing, have made a $4.5 million planned gift to the college. Their commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial spirit among students stems from their shared values of service, care, and leaving things better than they found them. For nearly two decades, they’ve supported the college through scholarships and student mentorship, emphasizing that “wealth put into action” is a key ingredient in fostering societal progress.

The Conrey Center for Entrepreneurship was formally established in 2001 as a hub of innovation within Cal State Fullerton’s College of Business and Economics. On October 2nd, during a naming ceremony filled with gratitude and optimism, the university celebrated this pivotal contribution. The center is envisioned as a space where students are emboldened to take risks, learn from failures, and create ventures that make significant contributions to their communities.

CSUF President Ronald Rochon lauded the Conreys for their generosity and enduring support of entrepreneurial education. He underscored the importance of such philanthropy in cultivating bold thinkers and leaders who will shape future landscapes. The dedication of faculty members like Sri Sundaram, dean of the College of Business and Economics, John Bradley Jackson ’77, a retired leader of the entrepreneurship center, and current director Scott Taylor was also acknowledged for their pivotal roles in creating a foundation that benefits generations to come.

The impact of this gift extends beyond academic walls, influencing the broader Southern California entrepreneurial community. Students like Enrique “Ricky” Guerrero, who benefited from the Conrey Insurance Brokers and Risk Managers Entrepreneurial Scholarship, exemplify the transformative power of mentorship and support provided by the center. Guerrero’s journey to higher education—once unimaginable—is a testament to how such initiatives can alter life paths for the better.

In closing his remarks, Jerry Conrey issued a challenge: invest in people. He emphasized that the highest return on investment comes from investing in human potential—a guarantee without fine print or exclusions.

This initiative not only supports individual students like Guerrero but also reinforces the belief that education and mentorship are critical to personal and community growth. The Conrey Center for Entrepreneurship will undoubtedly continue to inspire, challenge, and lead future innovators as they strive to make a difference in an ever-evolving world.

原始文章来源：Conrey Center for Entrepreneurship Supports Students’ Bold Ideas