New Book Brings College of Agriculture and Natural Resources History to Life
7/5/06
Contact: Laura Probyn
EAST LANSING, Mich. -- The founding and progression of the nation’s first agricultural college -- the roots of Michigan State University (MSU) -- are shared in a new book giving readers glimpses of the past, present and future of MSU’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR).
In “Pursuing What is Best for the World: 150 Years of Teaching, Research and Extension,” authors Kenneth VerBurg and Raymond Vlasin show readers the diversity and richness of the college, its partnerships with cooperators and how it evolved to become the institution it is today.
The 300-plus page tome comprises 17 chapters, beginning with a prologue of the founding of Michigan Agricultural College, and includes one chapter for each of the 15 decades of the college’s history since its founding in 1855.
The final chapter is a look into the future, as faculty members discuss challenging issues of the 21st century and the important role the CANR can take in addressing them.
It also highlights the accomplishments of CANR faculty members, MSU Extension educators and specialists, Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station researchers and Institute of International Agriculture scientists.
“We wanted readers to experience the historical progression of the institution,” Vlasin said. “We’ve taken stories of the college over time and woven them together.”
The book contains about 1,000 stories and 500 photos and figures, but Vlasin emphasizes that it’s still a tiny sampling of the vast history of the CANR.
“We hope people will read the book and gain a new sense of appreciation for what the college has been, is now, and will become in the future,” VerBurg added.
Stories include those that highlight the “huge amount of international work done that benefits not only foreign countries and the university, but the citizens of Michigan and the companies and groups with which MSU cooperates,” VerBurg said.
“We’re trying to give people who read the book a new sense of appreciation and commitment to the college and the wonderful resources it generates for the benefit of the world,” Vlasin said.
“Pursuing What is Best for the World” is available from the MSU Bulletin Office (item number CANR400) for $39.95, plus $7 shipping and handling. To order, call 517-353-6740, or visit www.emdc.msue.msu.edu.
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