Forward-thinking partners expand Purdue's potential to serve
By Randy Woodson, Dean of Purdue Agriculture

Purdue University relies on support from many sources to provide programs and services to the people of Indiana. Philanthropic gifts from like-minded partners make it possible for us to stretch and improve our capabilities. Purdue Ag graduate Joe Sample, and his wife Angela, recently provided this kind of support to our college in honor of Joe's late father Glenn W. Sample. In recognition of Glenn's lifelong commitment to agriculture and Purdue, the dean's position will be referred to as the Glenn W. Sample Dean of Agriculture, pending approval by the board of trustees.

Glenn Sample (1912-80) was an agricultural innovator. He was a household name in Indiana agriculture for many years. He helped establish agricultural communication as a career field, serving as a farm journalist with the Richmond (Ind.) Palladium-Item, as an agricultural editor at Purdue and as information director and "Hoosier Farmer" editor at Indiana Farm Bureau. He also hosted a daily farm radio program and launched an international travel service for farmers. Sample was elected vice president and secretary of Indiana Farm Bureau and became a leader in developing Indiana agricultural policy.

This gift will allow us to support and expand programs in priority areas and help attract and retain world-class faculty. It also will help Purdue Agriculture maintain its preeminence in research, Extension and teaching. Without the support of engaged, insightful visionaries, our efforts to ensure the best for Indiana agriculture would lag behind the vast potential that we possess.

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