Alumni Ken Grossman, founder of Sierra Nevada Brewery, and his wife Katie Gonser donated $1 million to Butte College this week.

The purpose of the donation is to sponsor the implementation of the new Promise Scholarship Program. The program will provide two semesters of free tuition and fees to first-time, full-time students beginning Fall 2018.

“Investing in education is always a good idea. My wife and I are proud to donate to The Promise Program to help make college more available to students who will contribute to our workforce and community,” said Grossman.

Samia Yaquub, president of Butte College, voiced hope that the Grossman family’s generous donation will be followed by more contributions from community members. Reaching their desired goal of $ 2.7 million could increase the length of the program to two years, along with the addition of book vouchers.

“We couldn’t be more thankful for their (Grossman family) investment in our students”, said Yaquub.

Tisha Cheney can be reached at [email protected] or @orionnews_TC on Twitter.