An Egg Above the Rest

Steve Gemperle, President of Gemperle Family Farms, Follows in his Father’s Footsteps with Stanislaus State Foundation Board

By Kimberly Horg

The torch in this case is an egg — or at least that is what one might imagine when Steve Gemperle joined the Stanislaus State Foundation Board in 2006, following the legacy of his father Ernie Gemperle, who served as a board member from 1989 to 2006 and held the role of president from 1992 to 1993. Ernie, a longtime supporter of Stanislaus State, was named a Foundation Board Emeritus in 2008 and honored posthumously in December 2023 with the annual Honoring the Past, Forging the Future award.

Steve’s introduction to the University came early. Growing up, his father introduced him to numerous Foundation Board members and past presidents of the University, making his eventual involvement with the Foundation Board a natural progression.

“I have always felt that the relationship between the community and the University is very important,” Steve said. “I feel strongly about strengthening that relationship between the University and region and increasing collaboration.”

As a local business leader and president of Gemperle Family Farms — a poultry and egg packing operation in Turlock founded by his father and one of the leading producers of organic and cage free eggs throughout the Western United States — he sees firsthand how a strong University contributes to the region’s economy.

“A thriving University is one that is successfully educating the youth of our area in order to promote a work force that attracts employers who will provide quality jobs and contribute to the success of our community,” Steve added.

Through his work with the University’s Foundation, he would like to see the Board grow with qualified individuals who are also invested in the success of the University and the economic vitality of the region.

“Many of our employees are graduates of Stan State,” Steve said. “This contributes to a quality work force while also helping support students and the University.”

Many of our company employees are graduates of Stan State. This contributes to a quality work force while also helping support students and the University.

- Steve Gemperle

Steve spends his time working at the family business and giving back to the community as well as Stan State. He serves on the Stan State Foundation’s Executive Committee and the Audit Committee and is also active in the broader community, as a member and past president of Turlock Rotary and past chair of the Turlock Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

“My parents instilled in my family the sense of community and sharing our success,” Steve shared. “We grew up with many examples of charity in our daily lives.”

The sixth of seven siblings, Steve and the entire Gemperle family remain close, and all are committed to the values of service and generosity instilled in them by their parents, Ernie and Annemarie Gemperle.

Steve and his wife, Alison (Ali) Morr Gemperle, are dedicated to living these values. Actively involved in a variety of local organizations and causes, they dedicate their time to volunteering and strengthening connections within the region, all with a focus on family.

“Steve is an honest and genuine person and that comes out immediately when you meet him,” Ali said.

It may not come as a big surprise, but the Gemperles eat a lot of eggs. Whether the eggs are used for baking, scrambled, hard boiled or over easy, eggs are always in the kitchen.

“Steve’s eggs benedicts are amazing,” she added.

Ali brings her own leadership to the region, serving on United Samaritans Foundation Board of Directors, Jessica’s House Heart Circle, Off Center Thrift & Gift’s CARE Committee and she recently completed her final board term for Turlock Community Theatre. Additionally, Ali volunteers her professional university advancement skills with Stan State’s Office of Development as needed.

Together, the couple shares a passion for community building, education and philanthropy. They contribute regularly to organizations including United Samaritans Foundation, All Saints Catholic Church and Jessica’s House.

A Turlock resident, Steve grew up locally and attended Turlock High School. After graduating, he attended UC Davis where he earned a B.S. in Agricultural and Managerial Economics in 1988.

“The intention was always to come back to help with our family farm and give back to the community,” Steve said.

He added the main reason he remains in Turlock is to be close to family. In addition to their engagement within community organizations, Gemperle Family Farms also donates eggs to local charities and supports scholarships for students at Stanislaus State, a tradition that began with Steve Gemperle’s parents and has continued through the decades.

Since 1986, the Gemperle family has given more than $1.27 million to Stan State, which includes support for scholarships and supporting agricultural studies.

Steve believes that while many people in the community are struggling with basic needs, access to higher education can provide them with an essential opportunity for economic mobility and make a difference for generations to come.

“Providing scholarships to students, especially those with significant need, helps give the next generation hope.”