Cultivate Spring 2021

FROM THE DEAN

One year. A full year ago, our lives changed dramatically, seemingly in an instant. We dug deep to continue to provide the Learn by Doing education that we know our students thrive from. We pivoted resources, shifted from what we were accustomed to accepted the challenge, and grew stronger.

In this issue, you’ll read stories about the brilliant accomplishments that our faculty, staff and students continue to make in the face of adversity. You’ll also read about the future. A $5 million donation made to the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences by Grimmway Farms will change the landscape of organic agriculture. This is a direct investment in our students, our future. With this gift we will prepare students to address the global challenges we know lie ahead.

Just as we came together at the start of the pandemic to overcome the obstacles that awaited, it is essential that we continue to collaborate to advance the future of our food supplies, environmental health, and a better future overall.

We’ve learned a lot this last year, and I’ve been reminded of the strength in unity. Looking forward, I’m confident we can do anything we set our minds to, as long as we all continue to work together.

ANDREW J. THULIN, DEAN

College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences