Recently, the Western Illinois University School of Agriculture (Ag) was presented a $10,000 check from Compeer Financial toward a Community Building Grant improving the on-campus Livestock Center.
“It is our job as the organization to inform the community about these grants offered through our corporate office,” said Compeer Loan Officer Robb Creasey, a ‘93 WIU Ag alum. “We offer several opportunities to support agriculture initiatives year-round.”
Creasey presented the award to Director and Professor of Ag Education Andrew Baker.
“This initiative allows our department to be better prepared for recruitment initiatives and community events,” said Baker. “This grant means a lot for our image and will better increase our relationship with Compeer in the future. We thank you, Compeer, for all your support.”
The grant will be utilized for the renovation of the WIU Livestock Center. The main hallways and bathroom areas in the facility will be updated. These improvements will include new flooring, paint, and vanities.
WIU Agricultural program has over 200 students who are actively participating in various degrees. It has an impressive 93% retention rate across the department.
Compeer Financial is a member-owned cooperative that serves and supports agriculture and rural communities. Providing financial services, including loans, leases and risk management, to 144 counties in Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Compeer Financial is located in the upper Midwest and exists to champion the hopes and dreams of rural America. They are well known for offering multiple grants in various areas of agriculture, including scholarships for higher education institutions, renovation of facilities, new construction of facilities and more.
For more information on WIU’s Ag Department, visit wiu.edu/ag. For more information on Compeer Agricultural grant opportunities, visit compeer.com.
***Courtesy of Western Illinois University***
