Ullman brothers donate $1.5 million to CLU

Even though Corky (George Jr.) and Steve Ullman played football and wrestled, respectively, when they were students at California Lutheran University, their latest donation will benefit the baseball program at their alma mater.

The brothers have donated $1.5 million to build a baseball stadium around the new field on CLU's growing athletics complex.

George "Sparky" Anderson Baseball Field opened in time for the spring season after a celebrity-filled opening weekend in January. However, the field is still awaiting the completion of a 308-seat stadium that will be named Ullman Stadium.

Corky (Class of 1976) and Steve (Class of 1977) have been longtime supporters of the CLU baseball program, having grown up with CLU baseball coach Marty Slimak.

"We feel very strongly about the importance of the new athletics complex at CLU," said Steve Ullman, who participated in the inaugural events at the field earlier this year.

The Ullman family has been supporting academic and athletic programs at CLU since 1987, when the Ullman Family Scholarship was established by Corky and Steve's parents, Joy and George Ullman Sr.

When a friend donated $10,000 in celebration of George's 60th birthday, George and Joy decided to use the funds to establish the scholarship.

For a number of years, the fund was bolstered by proceeds from the annual George Ullman Memorial Golf Tournament, established by the family after the elder Ullman's death.

Though the tournament no longer is held, the scholarship's endowment continues to grow, helping support students who otherwise would not be able to pay for their education.

"Steve and Corky Ullman are outstanding examples of successful CLU alumni who have

stepped forward to generously support the continued growth and development of the university," said Stephen Wheatly, vice president of University Advancement.

"They have made a difference here, and their gift will benefit generations of future CLU students and student-athletes."

The Ullman brothers are both businessmen. They own and manage Grant Parking Inc., a diversified portfolio of business enterprises including Ullman Bros. Land and Cattle Co. and Ullman Partners LLC. Corky Ullman serves as a member of the CLU Board of Regents.