University of California Athletics

The Service Award is given for outstanding long-term contributions to Cal Athletics and presented to an individual for demonstrating exemplary leadership and setting a standard for excellence in enhancing the student-athlete experience. Cronk, who earned his degree in business administration and was a member of the Cal water polo team, has directed much of his energy to supporting the University as a whole and Cal Athletics in particular. Along with Ned Spieker, Don Fisher and Warren Hellman, he helped create the Splash Club to benefit Cal Aquatics. Cronk is a member of the Director’s Advisory Board and was a major donor to the Simpson Center for Student-Athlete High Performance. In 1993, he was named the Haas School of Business Alumnus of the Year. Cronk is the retired president of Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream and he and his partner, Gary Rogers (Service Award 2013), built the company into the nation's largest manufacturer and distributor of premium ice cream brands. Cronk has also been deeply involved with the Boy Scouts of America, where he is a former national president and a past chairman of the World Scout Foundation.