Meredith Helm

They Go to Bat for Students Who Excel

As you would expect from a salesman, Merideth “Matt” Helm, second from left in photograph, likes to engage in conversation, especially about Cal State Fullerton, his beloved alma mater.

Matt graduated in 1965 with a degree in business administration and joined Procter & Gamble immediately thereafter. He spent 14 years in retail sales before moving to military sales, where he finished his career at the manufacturing giant. In 1996, he retired, and eventually, he and his wife Ruth bought a 40-acre hay farm in Missouri, where the couple resides today.

Like many Cal State Fullerton graduates, Matt believes in giving back. An avid Titan baseball fan, Matt has contributed thousands of dollars to the baseball program and baseball complex – plus Cal State Fullerton is included in his and Ruth’s estate plan. “I was one of the players on the original baseball team in 1963, and I admire the kind of young men we recruit to play baseball here today,” he said.

In addition, Matt and Ruth are generous contributors to the President’s Scholars, a scholarship program based on academic excellence, leadership ability and community service. “I worked hard academically,” said Matt. “I think it’s important to support the kids coming up and to reward academic achievements.”

When Matt recently met with two of the scholars, he urged them to become supporters of the university. He told them, “I want to see your names on the donor list so we can create a legacy of success stories. We all need to give back.”