Henry and Madelyne Trione have committed $500,000 to the Wine Business Program at Sonoma State University:
The Wine Business Program is offered through the School of Business and offers students an emphasis on the business strategies associated with the wine industry such as marketing and finance. The program was praised by then-Governor Pete Wilson as an effective partnership between the University and the local wine industry, meeting the needs of both.
"We don't realize the importance of the north coast wine industry to the rest of the world. The Wine Business Program at Sonoma State is enviable and industry leaders around the world would be happy to have an academic program such as this," said Trione.
Henry Trione. and his wife Madelyne, prominent civic and business leaders in California and long-time supporters of education and the arts, have been involved with the University for more than 20 years, and continue to be avid cheerleaders for its programs.
As former owner of Geyser Peak Winery, Henry Trione is a highly respected advocate for the California wine industry and was instrumental in the establishment of the Wine Business Education Program at Sonoma State University in 1996.
"The Trione gift will help the Wine Business Program to achieve our vision: to provide world-class, cutting-edge business solutions for students and winery professionals," said Ahmad Hosseini, dean of the School of Business and Economics.
Trione's association with Sonoma State University began in the early 1970's. He served on the President's Advisory Board for more than 20 years. During that period he initiated the university's first fund raising effort, the President's Associates. He also founded the SSU Development Council and was honorary chair of the first Annual Drive.
"Henry and Madelyne are well-known for their generous support of Sonoma State University and other programs in the community," said Ruben Arminana, SSU President. "We are delighted that they recognize the value to the region of the Wine Business Program."
