College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences

With Illinois Campaign wraps up, but giving continues

“With Illinois” was the most ambitious philanthropic endeavor in the history of the University of Illinois, raising $2.7 billion from October 2017 to June 2022. The College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences surpassed its $200 million campaign goal 18 months ahead of schedule — and since then has continued to raise millions more to support our land-grant institution’s mission. A celebration was held on October 14, 2022, to showcase the transformational power of gifts accrued during the campaign. Read more.

ACES welcomes 27 students as new Jonathan Baldwin Turner scholars

Last fall, 27 students joined the Jonathan Baldwin Turner (JBT) Scholars program in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES). JBT Scholars is a competitive scholarship program open to undergraduate students in all ACES majors. The 2022 cohort is the first to experience a revamped program that adds leadership training and experience to the financial award.

“JBT Scholars is our premier leadership scholars program in the College of ACES. It is a renewable, merit-based scholarship program providing financial support and experiences to develop future leaders in food and agricultural sciences,” says Anna Ball, ACES associate dean for Academic Programs. Read more.

State Farm among first to support U of I neurodiversity initiative

The Illinois Neurodiversity Initiative (INI) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign received a major, five-year grant from State Farm to help fund the program, which provides academic and social support for students with autism and helps them prepare for the workplace and connect with potential employers. INI is housed at the Family Resiliency Center in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS), part of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at U of I.

“The grant from State Farm is going directly toward supporting the students in the program – it will be a key factor in allowing us to continue next year,” says Jeanne Kramer, director of the Autism Program and professor in HDFS. Read more.

Philanthropy for the Pershings is a family affair

“Blessed,” was the simple response from Roscoe and Ann Pershing when asked why they give back. The Pershings, whose relationship with the university began more than four decades ago, find it important to provide opportunities for others, especially those in ACES. They support multiple programs from Illinois 4-H to study abroad to various scholarships— including two special funds that serve as remembrances. Read more.

Larry Hageman: Cultivating food access through 4-H endowment

Larry Hageman is wrapping up his 40-year career by giving back to the organization that played a pivotal role in his personal and professional development: 4-H. His recent gift to create an endowed 4-H State Award will provide an annual scholarship to support the next generation of 4-H members helping ensure food access. Read more.