Volume 30 · Number 3 · Spring 2013
Alumni: Served with Aggie pride
UC Davis connections provide nourishment for these restaurateurs as well:
Rhonda Gruska, left, and Major Baisden
Rhonda Gruska ’99
Major: Spanish
Business: Monticello Seasonal Cuisine, Davis
Gruska is a strong supporter of the farm-to-table movement and is a life member of the Cal Aggie Alumni Association.
Why is the alumni connection important?
“Our uniqueness as a business draws in people who have similar values, and since UC Davis is a top-notch ag school, the alumni base often happens to be our customers, staff and suppliers. We are very tied into the community. In addition to sourcing and serving local food, we also support and promote many local wineries.”
How has UC Davis helped your business?
“Our business has grown out of the many relationships we have forged both with UC Davis and the community. Two of the three owners for Monticello cuisine have degrees from UC Davis, many of our staff members are currently attending . . . and we frequently host events and cater for a variety of academic units on campus.”
Major Baisden ’01
Major: philosophy
Businesses: Tannin Wine Bar & Kitchen, Kansas City;
and Iris Data Services of Olathe, Kan.
Baisden graduated from UC Davis at age 19. In 2007, he launched Iris Data Services, which provides law firms with electronic discovery services. He purchased his Kansas City wine bar in 2011.
Why is the alumni connection important?
“Being involved in the wine industry goes hand in hand in working with or running into UC Davis alumni. Western Missouri has quite a few Davis grads from the viticulture program.” Tannin hosted a CAAA alumni networking event in Kansas City on March 28.
Staying connected to alumni—especially those in law—also helped Baisden build his client base for Iris Discovery Management.
For details on alumni networks and corporate partnerships, visit the Cal Aggie Alumni Association.
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