The Foundation: CSU Funding Options are a High Priority

By Mike Schleining, CCNP, Colorado Horticulture Research & Education Foundation

Mike Schleining, CCNP, Colorado Horticulture Research & Education Foundation

The CHREF Board of Directors met on March 9th to discuss business with new directors as well as funding for CSU initiatives beyond the normal research and scholarships.

The Board welcomes Diana Reavis and Jan Gulley as directors. Jan is replacing Gene Pielin. The board thanks Gene for his years of service and his dedication to the industry.

Funding for CSU initiatives was discussed in depth and the board has pledged up to $375,000 ($75,000/year for 5 years) from the endowment. This movement proves to the university that our industry is serious about making an impact on the Department of Horticulture and the College of Agricultural Sciences at CSU. A subcommittee was formed to discuss potential funding options and what would benefit industry stakeholders the greatest. Some of those discussed are:

  • A recruiter specifically hired for recruiting into horticulture and environmental horticulture majors
  • Seeding and recruiting scholarships to entice incoming freshman to declare a major in horticulture
  • Name recognition in the new Nutrien Agricultural Sciences building for CHREF, CNGA, or individual donors with the goal of telling the story of our industry

– Subcommittee members:

      – Jack Fetig, Fossil Creek Nursery

      – Matt Edmundson, Arbor Valley Nursery

      – Gary Epstein, formerly Fort Collins Wholesale Nursery

      – Gene Pielin, Ex-Officio, Gulley Greenhouse

      – Dr. Jim Klett, Ex-Officio, CSU

If you are interested in learning about individual donation opportunities, or have ideas on the directionality of the funds, CHREF would like to hear from you. Please reach out to info@coloradonga.com for more information.

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