Big Ideas for Food
As the next worldwide revolution in food and agriculture takes shape, the state of Washington—with the nation’s second-most diverse agricultural enterprises—is at the center of it all. Building a modern food system that is productive, competitive, sustainable, and safe is critical to meet the needs of an ever-growing world population.
Through the Campaign for WSU, the University’s renowned plant scientists will build on interdisciplinary strengths to tackle some of the world’s most fundamental problems, including hunger, malnutrition, and human health. We will use our understanding of the biochemical properties of plants to develop the healthiest way to grow crops and to design diets that prevent and treat disease. The result will be sweeping changes in the food and agriculture system, our state’s number one industry. Recognized pioneers in plant genomics and biochemistry, WSU’s plant scientists are generating laboratory discoveries on par with those of scientists exploring the human genome.
At the same time, many of our scientific discoveries benefiting Washington state also support our long and ongoing attention to poverty alleviation abroad and provide a proven framework for empowering the economic health of developing nations.
As we look ahead, WSU’s applied research will ultimately improve livelihoods locally and place the state of Washington at the head of this urgent worldwide movement. Through the Campaign for WSU, we will develop more productive and profitable agriculture, and ensure healthier people everywhere.
My Gift to WSU
Edward Heinemann '39:
The Edward and Arlene Heinemann Lind Dryland Research Endowment;
The Edward and Arlene Heinemann Animal Science Endowment
Edward Heinemann developed a profound appreciation for the hard work required to earn a college degree through his own experiences in the 1930s: he waited tables, delivered milk, and shoveled coal to pay for his education.
To help current students from eastern Washington finance pursuit of their degrees—and to honor the memory of his wife of nearly 60 years—Heinemann created two endowments that provide scholarships to students in the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences. It's a gift that will benefit students for generations to come.
Edward Heinemann worked 28 years as a field secretary with the Washington Horse Breeder's Association, served as director of the Washington Horse Racing Commission, and was a partner in a horse sales business.
