Give to the Evans Center
Dear ACES alumni and friends,
Because of you, we’ve done more than meet a goal — we’ve sparked a new era. The College of ACES has officially established the James F. Evans Global Center for Food and Agricultural Communications after surpassing the $5 million university threshold today, September 3 (9/3), on Dr. Evans’ 93rd birthday.
James F. Evans, professor emeritus at Illinois, is celebrated as a pioneer in agricultural communications, whose scholarship and teaching shaped the field and inspired generations around the world. Today, as we celebrate his 93rd birthday, we also celebrate the future his vision has inspired. What better way to honor his legacy than by launching a center that will shape food and agriculture for generations to come?
The Center that bears his name will influence every corner of the food and agriculture industry — how farmers tell their stories, how consumers understand their food, and how leaders make decisions for a sustainable future.
Thanks to your support, the Evans Center will:
- Advance cutting-edge research to tackle the toughest communication challenges in food and agriculture.
- Equip professionals and industry leaders with tools that make an immediate impact.
- Engage the public in meaningful dialogue on issues that affect us all.
- Build bridges across the food system to align farmers, industry, policymakers, and consumers.
And we’re just getting started. To fully realize the Center’s vision, we will continue building support for the people, programs, and partnerships that will carry this work forward for decades to come.
Gifts can be made online (direct link below!) or by contacting Stacey Cole in the ACES Office of Advancement at 217-244-1676 or smcole@illinois.edu.
Together, we are shaping the future of food and agriculture — and I couldn’t be more excited for what comes next.
With gratitude and anticipation,
Anna L. Ball
Associate Dean for Academic Programs
Director of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications
College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmen