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A S S O C I AT I O N O F 1 8 9 0 R E S E A R C H D I R E C T O R S SPECIAL 135TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION | August 2025, Vol. 16, Issue 8
Message from the Chair | D R . W E S L E Y W H I T T A K E R Dear Friends and Colleagues,
As we commemorate the 135th Anniversary of the Second Morrill Act of 1890, we also look forward with determinaThis August 2025 Edition of ARD Updates com- tion and purpose. The land-grant mission must continue to memorates the 135th Anniversary of the Morrill evolve to meet emerging challenges, including building sustainaAct of 1890, an Act that established the 19 ble food systems, strengthening land and water resilience, ad1890 historically black land-grant universivancing nutrition and public health and cultivating a diverse and ties. The Second Morrill Act was successfully dynamic scientific workforce. shepherded through Congress on Aug. 30, A variety of celebratory activities are already in full 1890, by then U.S. Senator Justin Smith Mor- swing as leaders, students, researchers, policymakers and partrill of Vermont. ners across the 1890 university community come together to DR. W. WHITTAKER The Morrill Act of 1890 was intended to re- honor 135 years of the 1890 land-grant legacy. Across multiple spond to the need to provide additional platforms — including social media with hashtags #Morrill135 funding for the institutions established through the Morrill Act and #19Strong — they are sharing powerful stories of innovaof 1862. Senator Morrill, however, had been disappointed that tion, excellence and community service. These stories highlight our citizens who were not the sons and daughters of the wealthy how 1890 institutions are addressing critical challenges at the class and for the Black sons and daughters of toil, respectively. local, national and global levels. Today, the 1890 land-grant universities—spanning 18 Throughout the month, each of the 19 universities will southern and border states—represent a vibrant and growing showcase their unique points of pride and key accomplishments, network of 19 institutions. Building on a proud legacy, they con- shining a spotlight on the lasting impact of the 1890 land-grant tinue to lead in educating first-generation and economically dis- system. To learn more about the 135th celebration and to access advantaged students, strengthening the resilience of limitedthe social media toolkit, visit the 1890 Universities Foundation resource farmers, families and underserved communities and website. The celebration will culminate with three signature events advancing cutting-edge research with real-world impact. Their We are 1890 Strong—Happy 135th Anniversary to the 1890 work drives innovative solutions to some of the most pressing Land-Grant Universities! Washington, DC, on Sept. 10–11: local, regional and global challenges of our time. Together the 1890 universities continue to work to im- The 1890 Play Cyber Hackathon, hosted in partnership with Play Cyber and the University of the District of Columprove the socioeconomic status of the citizens in our communibia (UDC), will bring together students from across the 1890 ties and help to transform lives at the local, regional, national campuses to engage in real-world cybersecurity challenges. and global levels. The land-grant philosophy is even more relevant today, given the dynamic complexity of the socioeconomic Capitol Hill Visits by 1890 university leaders, students, researchers and public/private partners will amplify the voices environment where an integrated and iterative systems apand contributions of the 1890 community in addressing urproach provides the best likelihood of generating solutions that gent societal needs. are responsive to the complex dynamism of our environment. The 135th Anniversary Commemoration Ceremony, held in Throughout this month, ARD and the broader 1890 partnership with National 4-H Council, will celebrate the community proudly reflect on the enduring brilliance of the land passage of the Second Morrill Act. This high-impact event -grant vision and the transformative impact of the 1890 landwill will bring together members of Congress, USDA leadergrant universities. We celebrate the foundational role these 19 ship, university presidents, alumni, corporate partners and institutions have played—and continue to play—in shaping and higher education advocates to honor the 1890 legacy and advancing the land-grant mission. rally support for its future. U.S. Senator Justin Morrill
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