University of San Francisco Athletics

Roger Salquist, who along with his wife Claudia provided the lead gift for the renovation of USF's intercollegiate weight room, has been named "Don of the Year," as announced by Director of Athletics Scott Sidwell.
 
The Don of the Year award is presented to an individual or family who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to USF Athletics and its student-athletes. The Salquists will be presented with their award at the Father Hubert "Hub" Flynn Hall of Fame Dinner on Feb. 6.
 
"Roger and Claudia's continued support, unwavering commitment and outstanding contributions have enriched the experience of USF's student-athletes both on and off the field," said Sidwell. "They are outstanding representatives of the university and very deserving of this award."
 
"The most rewarding and exciting thing I have done in the past 25 years has been to get involved with USF Athletics," said Salquist. "Getting to know our student-athletes is a constant source of pride and inspiration."
 
Salquist, a member of the University's Board of Trustees, is a longtime supporter of the university and its athletic program. His contributions have had a lasting impact on the California Prize for Service and Common Good event, USF's School of Management and the Lo Schiavo Center for Science and Innovation, to name a few.
 
A two-time graduate of Stanford University, Salquist was the founder of Calgene, a biotechnology research and development firm, which was acquired by Monsanto in 1996. He was a leading spokesman for the agricultural and biotechnology industry through the 1980's and also served as the chief risk officer for Zoecon. He has held director positions at Galileo Labs, OmegaTech, Aqua Berry Farms and retired from his position as managing partner of Bay City Capital in 2000. He currently serves as the chairman of the board for Davis, Calif.-based Gold Standard Diagnostics.
 
The Salquists are the parents of two sons, Kevin and Mark, who both graduated from USF.