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June 27, 2018
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A groundbreaking ceremony Friday, June 29, will launch construction of the new venue for OSU Extension’s cutting-edge research and community engagement in Franklin County.
The 10,500-square-foot Kunz-Brundige Franklin County Extension Building is the first of three new facilities planned for Waterman Agricultural and Natural Resources Laboratory on The Ohio State University campus. This new building is made possible thanks to an $11 million gift from Patricia Brundige, which will also support two endowed Franklin County 4-H educator positions and an endowed Franklin County support fund.
“We envision the Kunz-Brundige Franklin County Extension Office as a hub for teaching, research and community engagement around food, health, agricultural production and sustainability,” said Cathann A. Kress, vice president for agricultural administration and dean, College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences. “Thanks to the generosity of Pat Brundige, a longtime volunteer and advocate for OSU Extension, this facility will increase our engagement with the Franklin County community through educational programs and events for youth and adults.”
Franklin County Extension offers diverse programming in the areas of 4-H youth development, family and consumer sciences, community development, and agriculture and natural resources. Annually, more than 12,000 youths participate in enrichment programs and more than 6,000 adults learn about agriculture and natural resources related topics.
What: Groundbreaking ceremony and reception, with a virtual tour of the building, displays of farm equipment from Waterman Lab, demonstrations from Ohio 4-H, Franklin County Extension Family & Consumer Sciences, Master Gardeners of Franklin County and Franklin County Extension Community Development.
When: 3 to 5 p.m. June 29; program at 4:15 p.m.
Where: Waterman Lab, 2490 Carmack Road. Use the Lane Avenue entrance. Media parking will be available on Carmack Road.
Who:
- Cathann A. Kress, Vice President for Agricultural Administration and Dean
- Bruce McPheron, Executive Vice President and Provost
- Patricia Brundige, donor
- John O’Grady, Franklin County commissioner
- Ohio 4-H youth emcee
Contact: To cover the event, RSVP no later than 1 p.m. June 29 to Matthew Marx, marx.17@osu.edu, 614-292-8840 (office), 614-264-1112 (mobile).
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