As Wilmington College’s AgriScience Complex quickly evolves into a state-of-the-art educational facility for controlled agriculture, plans include building an adjacent livestock arena, with a community outreach component. This month, the Clinton County Foundation moved those plans a step closer to reality with a $27,600 grant from its Legacy Fund.
CCF’s Legacy Fund provides financial support for projects and programs aimed at strengthening and improving Clinton County. Joe Hete, a member of the Legacy Fund Committee, noted the grant would cover the cost of accessible seating in the arena. “We think the end result will have a lot of value for the community,” he said about the facility, which could be under construction in the near future.
WC President Corey Cockerill said the College is grateful to the Clinton County Foundation for this “generous investment” in Wilmington College and the community. “Our future livestock arena at the AgriScience Complex should be a place for everyone, and this gift helps ensure accessibility is part of its design from the very beginning.”
Tammy Shadley, vice president and chief alumni and advancement officer, echoed those sentiments. “This donation from the Legacy Fund puts us one step closer to realizing our vision for this new complex, which we hope will serve as an asset to not only Wilmington College but the entire community,” she said.
The College purchased the former BrightFarms greenhouse on Davids Drive last fall. The facility features two acres under roof on 20 acres of land bordering the College’s 267-acre Academic Farm. Agriculture concentrations comprise the largest academic area at WC, accounting for nearly a third of the institution’s main campus student enrollment.
The College has begun transforming the former commercial greenhouse into a living-learning laboratory that, ultimately, will integrate crop science, animal science, agribusiness and controlled food systems under one roof. This revitalized facility already includes classrooms and laboratory renovations for student use this academic year and will host an upgraded greenhouse infrastructure to support advanced agricultural research, sustainability initiatives, specialty production and workforce training. Also, a 120’ x 240’ livestock and equine show arena will be constructed on the property for educational activities, animal judging events and equestrian competitions.
Clinton County commissioners established the Legacy Fund with a portion of the proceeds from the sale of Clinton Memorial Hospital. Its assets are held and invested by the Clinton County Foundation to provide annual funding for community grants. The foundation works with people and organizations to make a lasting, positive impact on the community. Legacy Fund Committee members are Joe Hete, Michelle Morrison, Sue Pierson, Kyle Wilson and Clinton County Commissioner Kerry Steed.
TOP PHOTO: Pictured from the left are: Tammy Shadley, vice president/chief alumni and advancement officer at WC; Sue Pierson, CCF Legacy Fund Committee member; President Corey Cockerill; Lynn Deatherage, CCF program manager; Kyle Wilson, CCF Legacy Fund Committee member; Chad McKay, associate professor and program director for agriculture; Michelle Morrison, CCF Legacy Fund Committee member; and Joe Hete, CCF Legacy Fund Committee member.