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By Rebecca Renshaw<\/p>\n
We often share stories of donors giving to the university, or of gifts received for specific initiatives, but rarely do we hear stories of the impact those gifts make upon students.<\/p>\n
This is one of those rare times.<\/p>\n
With the first successful SIU crowdfunding venture for the College of Agricultural Sciences<\/a> LED lights, the 32 donors who generously gave between $10 and $450 (with a total amount of just over $3,000) can now hear \u201cthe rest of the story\u201d \u2013 and discover how their donations improved students\u2019 learning environments.<\/p>\n On March 31, 2017, the College of Agricultural Sciences held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of its LED light green space. Sharon Youck, a senior who will graduate with a plant and soil sciences degree in May, beamed with excitement as she explained her independent study.<\/p>\n \u201cThese lights make a world of difference in my plant and soil sciences independent study,\u201d she said. \u201cIn two weeks I can already see the positive effects the LED lights are having on these plants.\u201d<\/p>\n Youck also explained one of the many reasons why these LED lights are so important not only to her, but to other students as well.<\/p>\n \u201cOne of the required courses in greenhouse management requires students to memorize between 150 and 200 types of perennial plants,\u201d she said. \u201cWith existing greenhouses in disrepair, students had to travel to the University Farms greenhouse, located on the edge of campus, to visit the perennial plants located there. With limited time and limited access to vehicles, this made it difficult for students to study for their required classes.<\/p>\n \u201cNow they can stop in room 169 in the College of Agriculture Services building and learn about the variety of perennials on display. It makes such a huge difference.\u201d<\/p>\n Youck plans to work after graduation with C.H. Robinson Worldwide as a carrier representative. She hopes to someday work for a fresh produce company, helping to increase yields, map forecasts, and eliminate pests and diseases.<\/p>\n When asked what she has found most surprising in her studies, she said she did not realize how many variables \u2013 and how many people \u2013 it takes to get an apple on the shelf at the grocery store.<\/p>\n \u201cI have a greater appreciation for the farmers and the food producers who work to get food products to the public,\u201d she said. \u201cSIU has taught me all of that.\u201d<\/p>\n If you would like to fund your passion at SIU, please visit salukifunder.siu.edu<\/a> to see the many new projects that need your help.<\/em><\/p>\n Engage with us on LinkedIn<\/a>, Facebook<\/a>, Twitter<\/a> and Instagram<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" By Rebecca Renshaw We often share stories of donors giving to the university, or of gifts received for specific initiatives, but rarely do we hear stories of the impact those gifts make upon students. This is one of those rare times. With the first successful SIU crowdfunding venture for the College of Agricultural Sciences LED … Continue reading Lighting the Way: Crowdfunding makes LED project possible<\/span> ![\"SIU](\"http:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Ag-LED-room-1024x765.jpg\")
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