07/08/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/08/2025 14:00
COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) has successfully concluded its participation in the Time and Change: The Ohio State Campaign, exceeding expectations and achieving transformational results in student support, research, and infrastructure.
Launched publicly in 2019, the campaign garnered support from nearly 29,000 CFAES donors-more than 9,300 of whom were alumni-and created 137 new endowments and 327 new current-use funds.
Thanks to this overwhelming support, the college enhanced student success, advanced scientific discovery, and expanded state-of-the-art facilities such as the Waterman Agricultural and Natural Resources Laboratory.
"This campaign has been a testament to the unwavering commitment and generosity of our alumni, partners, and friends," said Cathann A. Kress, Ohio State vice president for agricultural administration and CFAES dean. "Together, we strive to address grand challenges facing humanity and our world through discovery and research, education, and partnership.
At the heart of the campaign was a commitment to student success. With millions raised for student support, including 128 new scholarships, the impact is already being felt by current students.
"Receiving this scholarship from the Mahle Family was such a blessing," said Olivia Hawk, a third-year student studying agriscience education. "It has helped me with paying for an invaluable education and preparing me for my future career.
"I am so happy they believed in my efforts in my education and in my passions to educate the youth of our nation."
Students also benefited from opportunities that go beyond tuition assistance, including research, internships, and global learning.
"I have been fortunate enough to receive scholarships that have given me the chance to pursue experiences both in and outside of the classroom," said Molly Cordonnier, a student in animal sciences. "This has allowed me to get a well-rounded experience in the real world that complements what I am learning in lectures."
Another cornerstone of the campaign was investment in facilities, particularly the continued development of the Waterman Agricultural and Natural Resources Laboratory, a 261-acre hub for research, teaching, and public engagement.
The campaign helped support projects such as the Controlled Environment Agriculture Research Complex (CEARC), the Kunz-Brundige Franklin County Extension Building, and the Multispecies Animal Learning Complex (MALC) and dairy, which are set to open in 2026.
"Agriculture is critically important, not only for states like Ohio, but for our nation and our world," said Ohio State President Walter "Ted" Carter Jr. "This Multispecies Animal Learning Complex is going to benefit our students by providing hands-on training that leads to careers in animal agriculture.
"It's going to benefit the industry by being a hub for research and workforce development. This university exists to serve, and this new facility is going to help us better serve the state of Ohio."
For alumni like Diane Thompson, '77 BS agribusiness and applied economics, supporting the campaign was a way to honor her family and give back to the college that shaped her.
"The new MALC facilities will be a game-changer for CFAES students and will bring learning about animal agriculture in a meaningful way to the Columbus community," Thompson said. "In short, who else but CFAES provides a means to bring agriculture, food, and environmental sciences to an increasingly urban campus?"
The campaign's success was also reflected in philanthropic partnerships, such as the contribution from the Priva Group in support of CEARC.
"We have immense trust in Professor Kubota and her team, who are recognized as thought leaders in horticulture worldwide," said Meiny Prins, chair of the Priva Group.
As the campaign comes to a close, CFAES leaders say the impact will be long-lasting.
"Our investment ensures that students and researchers have the tools and environment they need to solve real-world challenges and advance Ohio's agricultural excellence," said Lt. Col. Dorothy Case, '82 BS horticulture, and her husband, David Case, both supporters of the campaign.
Reflecting on the campaign's achievements, Dean Kress emphasized that the work of the college continues.
"Everything we do is possible because of you and the community we have built. Together, we will continue to drive innovation, inspire future leaders, and make a positive difference in the world."