The Stanislaus Community Foundation has established the Robert Woolley Memorial Scholarship, honoring the life and legacy of one of the Central Valley’s most influential horticulturists.
This annual scholarship will award $10,000 to a graduating high school senior from Stanislaus County, Calif., who plans to attend a four-year university to study horticulture. The foundation made this announcement at a recent memorial event honoring the life and legacy of Woolley.
Robert Woolley, who passed away in May 2025, was a visionary nurseryman and longtime leader of Dave Wilson Nursery (DWN), one of the largest growers of deciduous fruit, nut, and shade trees in the United States. Woolley joined the nursery in 1980 and, alongside his wife Jane Wynne Woolley, purchased the company in 1989. Under his leadership, the nursery expanded its operations and influence to grow its reputation of agricultural innovation in California, according to the company.
“Robert Woolley’s legacy is rooted in innovation, generosity and a deep love for horticulture. This scholarship will help cultivate the next generation of agricultural leaders in Stanislaus County, just as Robert cultivated excellence in his field,” said Melissa Van Diepen, chief philanthropy officer at Stanislaus Community Foundation.
Born in Stockton and raised across the country and abroad as part of a Naval family, Woolley graduated from Modesto High School in 1967 and later from San Francisco State University. He was a passionate advocate for preserving heirloom fruit varieties and advancing horticultural practices. His work impacted growers across North America — and beyond — as his pioneering partnership with Zaiger Genetics led to the development of the first self-fertile almond variety, Independence, establishing DWN as the self-fertile tree experts, according to the company.
“My dad believed in the power of education and the importance of nurturing both plants and people. We are honored to support students who share his passion for horticulture and who will carry forward his commitment to sustainable agriculture and community,” Erica Woolley, Robert’s daughter and owner of Dave Wilson Nursery.
The Robert Woolley Memorial Scholarship will open for applications early January 2026. Eligible students must be graduating seniors from Stanislaus County who plan to pursue a degree in horticulture at a four-year university.
