On behalf of Sonoma State University, President Ruben Armi-ana and Wine Business Director Armand Gilinsky have accepted a $25,000 grant from the Wells Fargo Bank Foundation to develop a pilot for the Wine Business Student Internship Program. The grant was presented by Mike Sullivan, Senior Vice President of Wells Fargo Bank's North Coast Regional office in Santa Rosa. Sullivan says, "This program is something I believe in. It is a great program with viability."
The purpose of the pilot Student Internship and In-Service Program is to give students experience working in the wine industry and assist with the need for additional human resource support with business training. Dean of the School of Business and Economics, Larry Clark said, "It is essential that students gain practical knowledge in this unique industry." Wine Business student Paul Finn agrees that "Hands-on experience is a must in this industry."
Beginning in May of 2001, $500 will be awarded from the Wells Fargo grant annually to an outstanding student intern participant. "This award will promote the development of better and stronger candidates for internships and eventual career placement in the wine industry. It's a win-win situation," says Clark.
For more information on the Wine Business Program contact Becky Montrose at (707) 664-2260 or e-mail becky.montrose@sonoma.edu.
