The family of Glenn W. Sample, BS ’35, a force in Indiana agriculture for more than 50 years, has given Purdue a $3 million gift. In Sample’s honor, Randy Woodson is the first Glenn W. Sample Dean of Agriculture.

“Purdue’s College of Agriculture has an international reputation,” said Purdue President Martin C. Jischke. “This gift will help Purdue Agriculture maintain its preeminence in research, engagement and learning.”

Joseph T. Sample, BS ’64, of Garner, N.C., said the Sample family’s deferred gift honors his late father, Glenn, and his many ties to Purdue. The family previously established the Glenn W. Sample/Purdue Ag Alumni Scholarship for Purdue students pursuing a major in agricultural communication.

“This endowment embodies my father’s life and his lifelong commitment to Purdue,” Joseph Sample said. “I believe my dad’s two proudest Purdue moments were when he earned his bachelor’s degree in 1935 and when Purdue awarded him an honorary doctorate in 1972.”

The gift will provide funds to support programs and efforts designated by the dean. Funds from an endowed position, such as chairs, professorships and deanships, enable the university to provide extra incentives to attract and retain world-class faculty, said Provost Sally Mason.

“Named endowments help Purdue recruit and retain top scholars,” Mason said. “Randy Woodson is an innovative leader whose credentials as a leading scientist will keep Purdue at the forefront as one of the nation’s top agriculture colleges.”

Endowed funds remain intact in perpetuity, and yearly earnings are used to augment salaries and other operations. A portion of the earnings is reinvested each year so inflation does not degrade the endowment principal.

“The endowment of the dean’s position is a symbolic connection between Purdue and one of the pioneers of Indiana agriculture,” Woodson said. “The gift will allow us to support and expand programs in priority areas. We deeply appreciate the generosity of the Sample family.”