Leonard M. Pike Endowment
Established by the VFIC, industry partners, colleagues, family, and friends recognize Dr. Pike’s success as a research scientist and teacher, continuing his efforts in preparing the best graduate students.
Dr. Pike pursued three major goals:
- Training the next generation of plant breeding scientists
- Developing new varieties of vegetables with optimum levels of health-promoting compounds and
- Pioneering the concept of interdisciplinary research by working toward a common goal, now known as the Foods for Health research program.
Dr. Pike’s concept and efforts created the Vegetable and Fruit Improvement Center in 1992. He was also instrumental in the re-establishment of the Department of Horticultural Sciences in 1976.
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Gifts
Members have given gifts to continue research efforts within the Center.
Gifts have been received from:
Texas Sweet Potato Council
Griffin and Brand of McAllen, Inc
Outback Steakhouse
VFIC Endowment Fund
A permanent endowment fund was created in 1993 to provide a base for long-term
commitment to research in the Center. The goal is to endow a fund providing
a continuous source of funding for graduate assistantships, postdoctoral fellowships and
other high priority needs.
The following companies have made pledges totaling $320,000:
Elmore & Stahl, Inc.
Griffin and Brand of McAllen, Inc.
McManus Produce
Starr Produce, Inc.
If you are interested in contributing to these areas please contact us.