Cal State San Marcos to Name Library After Philanthropists Jean and W. Keith Kellogg

California State University San Marcos President Alexander Gonzalez announced today that the library under construction on campus will be named for Rancho Santa Fe philanthropists Jean and W. Keith Kellogg II, pending approval by the CSU Board of Trustees.

"I am pleased to announce today a major event in the university's history," Gonzalez told several hundred faculty and staff employees assembled for the Convocation that opens each academic year. "The Kellogg Library will serve as a perpetual reminder of the kindness, generosity, and graciousness of two of the nicest people you would ever want to meet," Gonzalez added.

The Kelloggs have been instrumental in the development of Cal State San Marcos. They began supporting the campus in 1992, and have donated or pledged millions of dollars.

Their early giving in 1996-98 funded planning for the library that will bear their name. Funding initial planning with money from private sources allowed the campus to move the library higher on the priority list of CSU projects. As a result, the building will be completed 18 to 24 months sooner than it might have been, according to Russell Decker, director of Planning, Design and Construction.

Keith Kellogg II, an avid golfer, also donated start up funding for the Cal State San Marcos golf program. His donation in 1998 allowed the campus to hire a golf coach and to equip the team, which has sent players to NAIA national championships each year since the program began (men's team for two of three years; women's team for three of three years).

Initial planning money for a campus student union was also donated by the Kelloggs in 1995. Decker says it allowed planners to develop concepts for the third of three "jewel buildings" on the campus. (The other "jewel buildings" are Craven Hall and the Kellogg Library.) "The study helped us envision what the last of our centerpiece buildings could be like, and how it could enhance student activities, which is important to the Kelloggs," Decker added.

In addition, the Kelloggs have donated generously to the President's Discretionary fund, which is used for a variety of priority projects. They have also created the Kellogg Endowed Scholarship at Cal State San Marcos.

Keith Kellogg II is the grandson of the cereal company founder. The couple moved to the San Diego area from the Midwest in the 1970s. The couple received the first Cal State San Marcos President's Distinguished Service Award in May 1998. Jean Kellogg received the first honorary degree awarded by the campus at Commencement exercises in May 1999.

The proposed naming will be considered by the CSU Board of Trustees at its September meeting. Approval is expected.

Contact: Rick Moore, Director of Communications, (760) 750-4011