SCHOLARS PROGRAM REPORT PRESIDENT’S PAGE A few of the Friends’ many accomplishments this year… To honor the vision and legacy of Justin Mor- rill, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural News and Information from Vermont’s First National Historic Landmark SPRING 2008 • VOL. 2 NO. 1 • Opened the New Education Center on June 30, 2007. After ten years of hard work, the year- POST OFFICE BOX 98 • STRAFFORD, VERMONT • 05072 “All the news that fits, we print.” Resources have developed a four-year program round heated facility provides space for education programs for learners of all ages and showcases for high ability undergraduate students who are Morrill’s library collection. Gov. Jim Douglas and U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders attended the opening interested in interdisciplinary learning and activi- celebration. A MODERN-DAY ties, and to advance the public good through civic • Purchased computer projection equipment, tables and chairs for the Education Center. (Funds for MORRILL DESCENDANT responsibility, engagement and leadership. Here’s By James Morrill a report from the president of the student group, more chairs are needed.) Kathryn “Kat” Farris: • Received a Museum Assessment Program (MAP) Grant, administered by the American Associa- I am one of many who have benefitted greatly from tion of Museums and the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Participation in MAP dem- the foresight of Justin Smith Morrill. I received a “The vision of things to be onstrates the Friends’ commitment to excellence and dedication to responsible stewardship of the Masters Degree from the University of Kentucky done may come a long time be- Justin Morrill Vermont State Historic Site. and a Ph.D from Iowa State University, and I also fore the way of doing them be- served on the faculty of Kansas State University for • Received grants from The Vermont Community Foundation, Mascoma Savings Bank, and the comes clear, but woe to him who 33 years. All of these are land-grant universities, es- Byrne Foundation. Several other grants are pending. distrusts the vision.” tablished as a result of the Morrill Act of 1862 that Jenkin L. Jones • President Andersen Thorp and Vice President Mary Victor Giersch attended the University of was written and sponsored by Rep. Morrill, who later FRIENDS OF THE MORRILL HOMESTEAD Nebraska-Lincoln’s Justin Morrill Scholars Reception April 15, 2007. SEN. JUSTIN MORRILL’S became a Senator. These universities were established to provide edu- This is one of my favorite quotes, because • Hosted a booth with UNL’s Justin Morrill Scholars and their director Dr. Ed Harvey at the Na- Andersen Thorp VISION IN THE cation to citizens in agriculture and mechanical fields, I think it not only outlines the start of our J.S. tional Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges annual three-day conference in President Morrill Scholars program three years ago, but it New York City. Andersen Thorp and John Dumville, Historic Sites Chief for the Vermont Division NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT with other fields added over time. I have worked in the field of agriculture in about 25 foreign countries, also outlines my life and time during college. I am for Historic Preservation, attended. Mary Victor Giersch The 2007 National Association of State Uni- many of them undeveloped with respect to their agri- just finishing my junior year as an Animal Science Vice-President major at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. I • Board member Liz Clarke attended a two-day workshop by the Vermont Museum and Gallery versities and Land-Grant Colleges (NASULGC) culture production. Almost without exception, up-to- Alliance on “Past Perfect” museum management software. distinguished “Justin Smith Morrill Memorial date information is not being taught to the students am not sure where I will end up next May after Penny Johnson Award” was presented to Dr. Michael Martin, or disseminated to the working people in agriculture. I graduate, but through my course work and in- • Unveiled a new web site (www.morrillhomestead.org) hosted, designed and managed by Rick Secretary volvement on campus, I have a great passion for Scully of Red Clover Design. President of New Mexico State University at In some areas in some countries, agriculture is not as NASULGC’s annual conference in New York advanced as it was on my home farm in 1940. public and environmental policy. Ideally, I see my- Ted DiCicco self becoming one if not all of three things, the • Extensively restored the homestead garden thanks to Head Gardener Margie Carpenter, UVM City last November. In his acceptance speech, Treasurer director of a zoo or wildlife park, a U.S. Senator Master Gardeners and other volunteers. Dr. Martin (shown above, middle) summarized or the next great Jeff Corwin. the foundation of Sen. Morrill’s 1862 Land- • Held a Summer Garden Tea for the Hanover, Quechee, Hartland, and Woodstock Garden Clubs. Liz Clarke I am the current President of the J.S. Mor- Grant College Act as “The need for a more so- • Designed an exhibition on the Morrill Mausoleum for the Vermont History Expo. Thanks to David Harris rill Scholars, the first program of its kind at any cial-just education system, threats of social unrest board members Rebecca Fairweather, Michael Moore, and Kate Siepmann. David McWilliams Land Grant University. Through this program I and instability, and concerns over constraints in Sean Plottner have had some unique and exciting opportunities, • Sponsored a variety of programs, including Strafford Walking Tours, Justin Morrill’s Victorian Gar- economic development. In many ways the chal- John Reese including traveling to New York City for the Na- den, Wild Mushroom Hunts, 19th Century Apple Festival, and the Strafford Holiday Celebration. lenges and conditions of today parallel those that Marie Ricketts tional Association of State Universities and Land Funding is currently needed for: inspired the original Land-Grant innovation prior Grant Colleges (NASULGC) Conference, taste- Rick Scully Education Center Sound System $2,000 to 1862. We are here at this conference because testing our group’s very own ice cream flavor, Townsend Swayze Education Center chairs $5,000 Justin Smith Morrill, Abraham Lincoln, and oth- “Morrill Orchard Medley” (yum!) and getting to ers felt the strong inducement to innovate. They Garden Restoration $10,000 John Dumville barbeque and relax with my dean at his home for helped shape and implement one of the most Education Programs $10,000 Ex-Officio our end-of-the-year party. profound educational innovations in recent hu- Though I enjoy everything we do, it’s not Thank you for your support! man history.” all fun and games, including planning and fund- Promoting an awareness of the life and legacy of Justin Andersen Thorp Morrill, father of the Land-Grant College Acts Founded in 1887, NASULGC is the nation’s ing safe events for other UNL students to enjoy, oldest higher education association. Dedicated President, Friends of the Morrill Homestead The nearest common ancestor I have with Morrill cleaning up our section of the bike trail every to supporting excellence in teaching, research is Abraham Morrill, who came to this country from month, and working on research projects for and public service, NASULGC has been in the England in 1632. I believe Justin would be my fifth Congressman Lee Terry’s office. PRESORTED STANDARD forefront of educational leadership nationally Friends of the Morrill Homestead cousin, 3 times removed. It would be very interesting Besides studying for classes and organiz- U.S. POSTAGE for more than 120 years. Its 216 members enroll PAID to be able to interact with him today and to be able to ing meetings for the Scholars, I have also been National Historic Site more than 3.6 million students, award approxi- PERMIT NO. 6 benefit from his vast knowledge and intelligence. My involved with Student Government since I was POST OFFICE BOX 98 • STRAFFORD, VERMONT • 05072 STRAFFORD, VERMONT mately a half-million degrees annually, and have 05072 field of specialization is dairy production, and since a freshman. I currently serve as a Senator repre- an estimated 20 million alumni. senting the College of Agricultural Sciences and dairying has always been important in Vermont he Natural Resources (CASNR). would be interested in our current practices. Throughout my time at the University Since retirement in 1995 I have done quite a bit of Nebraska, I have enjoyed being involved in of consulting work, much of it volunteer work in many activities on campus, but the times that I Visit our website undeveloped countries. I also guide groups who visit feel the most motivated and inspired are when I our Konza Prairie Biological Station in Kansas. This am actively working to improve the lives and ex- is an 8,600 acre prairie preserve known for interesting periences of fellow and future students through landscape, beautiful wildflowers, and our 400-head bi- my work with organizations like Student Govern- son herd. After visiting the Morrill Homestead, plan a ment and the Justin Smith Morrill Scholars. www.morrillhomestead.org visit to the Flint Hills of Kansas. GARDEN REPORT FROM THE STATE OF VERMONT COMMITTEE Reduced Visiting Hours Facilities Update HOMESTEAD PROGRAM OFFERINGS -2008 REPORT Because of the limitations on the state’s bud- Louis Marineau Painting and Papering of get, the Justin Morrill State Historic Site will Montpelier have stripped the failing paint on Saturday & Sunday Sunday, September 21, 1 – 4 p.m. be open on a reduced schedule for the 2008 the north side of the Homestead and have June 21 & 22, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. WILD MUSHROOM HUNT Season. Other sites in the state’s system of his- done an excellent job of repainting the Home- VERMONT HISTORY EXPO.