By Mark Muckenfuss

It’s been 15 years since the doors were opened at California State University, Monterey Bay’s Tanimura & Antle Family Memorial Library. On Friday, Dec. 1, campus officials, members of both families and about 100 people gathered in the atrium of what is one of the university’s premier structures, to celebrate its history and have a bit of birthday cake. 

One of the Salinas Valley’s largest agricultural firms, Tanimura & Antle has not only supported the university by helping to fund the construction of the library with a $4 million donation – the largest private contribution – but it also provides the ongoing Bob Antle Memorial Scholarship for first-generation students from farmworker families.

“We’ve always been very proud at [Tanimura & Antle] to be a part of this,” said Brian Antle, who has followed in his late father’s footsteps at the company and now serves as executive vice president of sales. “Hopefully, this is one of the things we can continue to do.”

Company owner Gary Tanimura said Bob Antle saw the library as a way to invest in the community. 

“Bob was a very smart fellow,” Tanimura said. “He realized, what more can we ask for? We have a grand university here in Monterey. What better way to get great workers for [Tanimura & Antle]? It’s been a great partnership between the school and our company.”

CSUMB President Vanya Quiñones said the library is an anchor for the campus community. Addressing the two families, she told them their contributions have made a difference for students who use the library every day. 

“Your support and your commitment show that you are really moving this generation forward and really moving the community forward,” Quiñones said of the space that has served more than 24,000 students since it opened. “You guys are part of our raft and we’re very thankful and proud that you are part of our family.”

A LEED Silver designated building, Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Andrew Lawson said the library serves as an example of CSUMB’s commitment to sustainability. 

“The building continues to be an embodiment of CSUMB values,” Lawson said, noting that it was designed by the same firm that designed the Monterey Bay Aquarium. “The library is … an icon of architecture on our campus.”

It also provided a much-needed improvement to the school’s profile at the time it was constructed, said Sharon Anderson, associate dean for advising, career and student success.

“This building made all the difference in the world for the students,” Anderson said, adding that it made the campus feel like a true university. “The impact cannot be overstated.”