In October, Chobani Inc., New Berlin, N.Y., donated $1.5 million to Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y., to promote innovation in dairy and food science. In a press release in October, Chobani stated “the partnership marks an important step in elevating the broader dairy industry and New York State’s role as a Greek Yogurt leader through innovative research and reinforces Chobani’s continued focus on manufacturing and quality.”

“Cornell’s Department of Food Science is one of the leading programs of its kind globally — a match to Chobani’s leading role in Greek yogurt and our mission to bring better food options to everyone, said Chobani President and Chief Operating Officer David Denholm.

“This partnership will strengthen the science behind New York’s dairy industry and help us better accomplish our land-grant mission to bring new information, technologies and a well-prepared workforce to this expansive industry,” said Kathryn J. Boor, the Ronald P. Lynch Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. “Our goal is not only high-quality dairy products, but also economic growth in communities that need it the most.”

 Chobani’s gift will establish a research and training program that will support graduate student research along with work force development in dairy quality. Chobani also named Alejandro Mazzotta Vice President of Global Quality, Food Safety, and Regulatory Affairs.