'Matoian Way' unveiled

By Tom Uribes
University Communications

Save Mart Center supporter Mathias "Matty" Matoian was honored by Fresno State in October when a campus street was renamed and dedicated in his family's name -- "Matoian Way."

Matoian Way is the main road that provides access to the Save Mart Center from either Woodrow or Chestnut Avenues.

The first portion of Matoian Way , formerly Scott Avenue , begins at Chestnut and runs along the north side of the year-old center that was privately financed by such donations and gifts as Matoian's.

After crossing Woodrow Ave. , Matoian Way winds southwest around to the front of the Smittcamp Alumni House and ends at Maple Avenue where it resumes as Keats Avenue .

Matoian and his family and friends were on hand as President Welty, accompanied by university and community dignitaries, ceremoniously unveiled the new street sign just before noon at the corner of Woodrow and the new Matoian Way at the western end of the North Lot .

"We are pleased to recognize and honor Matty Matoian and his family for their generous contribution to the Save Mart Center project," Welty said. "Their contribution demonstrated the spirit of support our community has for our university and was a catalyst in encouraging others to follow suit. It is appropriate that the main road that provides access to the Save Mart Center be known to all as Matoian Way ."

A longtime supporter of the university, Matoian had expressed his desire for "the university to accelerate its leadership role in bringing top-level sports, entertainment and cultural events to Central California ."

Matoian, who is a 1965 graduate from the School of Business at Fresno State , is the president and chief executive officer of OK Produce, a company started in 1950 by his father. Matoian became president of OK Produce in 1979 and has built it into a leading wholesale distributor to major supermarkets and restaurants throughout the entire Central Valley . His two sons, Brady and Chad , also work in the business.