The W.K. Kellogg Foundation made the largest donation in the history of the California State University system Monday, awarding Cal Poly Pomona $42 million to increase access to education opportunities.

“In celebration of the 150th anniversary of the birth of our founder, W.K. Kellogg, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation is proud that this grant will benefit Cal Poly Pomona in its efforts to extend and bolster educational opportunities for current and aspiring students,” stated Sterling K. Speirn, the foundation's president and CEO.

According to a Kellogg statement, the grant is to be given over five years and is excepted to bolster the university's ability to serve underrepresented communities in Southern California, give educational opportunities to first generation college students, veterans and emancipated foster youth.

“This will be transformational,” University President Michael Ortiz stated. “With these resources we will be able to change lives and contribute to the economic growth and prosperity of the region.”

The second largest gift to a CSU campus, which amounted to $40 million, was given in 2000 by PepsiCo to Fresno State.

-With reporting from City News Service. Got news? Email us. Follow us on Twitter, too: @dennisjromero.

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