Cornell receives grant to support environmental studies

MOUNT VERNON – Cornell College is pleased to announce that it has received a grant from the Margaret A. Cargill Foundation. Cornell College will receive $10,000 per year for up to five years and an additional stock gift.

The gift will provide funding for Cornell’s environmental studies program.

“This is an exceptional gift from an exceptional foundation,” said Peter Wilch, vice president for alumni and college advancement at Cornell. “The Cargill foundation’s generosity will allow us to expand a distinctive environmental studies program to a level envisioned by its founder, Herb Hendriks.”

Margaret A. Cargill was the granddaughter of William Cargill, who co-founded Cargill Inc., one of the world’s largest agribusiness companies. Cargill donated much of her wealth to charity, and provided that, upon her death, the Margaret A. Cargill Foundation would support causes dear to her, including environmental studies.

The Margaret A. Cargill Foundation gift comes during Cornell College’s comprehensive campaign Extraordinary Opportunities: The Campaign for Cornell College which will continue through December 2009. The campaign will enhance the Cornell experience by increasing the college’s endowment, upgrading its facilities, and enhancing the academic program.

For more information about the campaign or making a gift, visit cornellcollege.edu/campaign or contact Peter Wilch at 319-895-4315 or pwilch@cornellcollege.edu.