Merced College in California has announced a $5 million gift from Raj Kahlon in support of its agricultural programs and a planned 20,000-square foot Agriculture and Industrial Technology Complex.

The gift from Kahlon, a local pistachio and almond farmer, is the largest in the college's 57-year history. The agreement with the Merced College Foundation includes plans to develop approximately a hundred acres of pistachios, which will generate additional funds for the college and provide an agricultural land lab where students can learn production and harvesting practices. In recognition of the gift, the school's board will consider naming the new Agriculture and Industrial Technology Building after Kahlon.

"I believe that Merced College is the foundation of the Merced community," said Kahlon. "They've had strong ties to local agriculture since the school opened and continue to educate the area's future agriculturists and leaders....It is the reason I entered this partnership. Helping to grow the workforce of Merced County is important to everyone. I want to be a part of that growth."