Modesto-based E&J Gallo Winery, the nation’s largest winemaker, on Thursday presented California State University Stanislaus with a $100,000 check earmarked for upgrading the Computer Information Systems Department’s computer laboratory, where students are trained in the use of technology for the business world.

In addition to the check, the grant also includes 20 computer workstations and several notebook computers.

“This generous gift adds another chapter to the partnership between CSU Stanislaus and E&J Gallo, for which the university is highly appreciative,” CSUS President Marvalene Hughes said in a statement. “The Gallo Lab is one of the trademarks of quality and excellence at CSU Stanislaus. It enables our students to gain top-flight training and to be highly competitive for high-tech jobs.”

Hughes said the university’s partnership with Gallo contributed to the successful attainment of full accreditation from The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International by the College of Business Administration in April.

“The Gallo family is pleased to assist in the development of CSU Stanislaus students who will make a successful transition into the regional work force," said Ron Emerzian, Gallo Winery’s vice president for community affairs.

Emerzian and Kent Kushar, vice president and chief information officer at Gallo, made the presentation on behalf of the Gallo family.

The upgrades will allow students to experience hands-on projects they will be expected to accomplish on the job.

They also enable students to gain remote access through the Internet to business application programs, specialized equipment and software.

“This really gives meaning to the word ‘distance education,’” said Ronald Lodewyck, chair of the CIS Department.

He noted that a number of CIS graduates are employed at Gallo, and many others have successful careers with some of the country’s top high-technology employers. The high-tech education that students receive in the program benefits a number of companies in the region that need trained workers, Lodewyck said.

“Gallo’s continued support of the program has been absolutely critical to its growth and quality, putting us on par with the best business schools in the country,” Lodewyck said.

Gallo’s professional association with CSU Stanislaus began in 1985 when the state-of-the-art CIS/Gallo Computer Laboratory opened with the help of a substantial grant from E&J Gallo.

In addition to its financial support for new equipment in the computer lab, Gallo has provided input on the department’s curriculum and company officials have been guest lecturers in computer information systems classes. A number of students gain internships at Gallo that often lead to employment.

Kushar, who has been a guest lecturer at CSUS computer information systems classes, said Gallo Winery enjoys a strong relationship with the university staff.