Plant breeding leader supports study abroad experience
For years, students from Texas Tech's College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources have been packing their bags and flying away for intellectual trips abroad, accumulating a wealth of irreplaceable memories along the way. Among CASNR's most consistent supporters in this arena are Bruce Maunder and his wife, Kathy.
Perhaps more than many Maunder, a worldwide leader in plant breeding and genetics, realizes the importance of an international experience for students, said Norman Hopper, CASNR's Associate Dean for Academic and Student Programs.
"He's spent a great deal of his professional life either working abroad or working with international scientists and businessmen," Hopper said. "He knows how these experiences will boost a student's career potential."
Different Dimension. Hopper said he wishes that every one of his students could have an international study abroad experience. It adds an entirely different dimension to the student's educational preparation for living and working in a global society, he said. That perspective can only be obtained by traveling abroad and experiencing a different society firsthand.
"The complicating issue with any study abroad program is the cost," said Hopper, who's led several international study abroad programs to China. "With the high cost of a university education itself in terms of tuition, fees, and living expenses, it's very difficult for most students to afford the cost of these international programs. This is where the generosity of donors like the Maunders helps immeasurably through funding of study abroad scholarships."
Invaluable Experience. CASNR students receive invaluable experience from studying abroad, said Jonathan Ulmer, a Texas Tech assistant professor of agricultural education and leader of a study abroad program in Costa Rica. Support like that provided by the Maunders allows students to get more out of study abroad programs than they can personally afford, he said.
"Dr. Maunder's support allows us to make our Costa Rica trip extra special," Ulmer said. "His support has allowed us to add local production to our agenda and expand our coffee plantation to include more sustainability."
Encouraging Donors. Support for international programs is just an innate part of the Maunder's family personality. "We see value in international experiences as a part of every agricultural student's education," Maunder said. "I was fortunate to spend my senior year of high school in Rome and following grad school became involved in plant breeding affecting some six continents. I strongly encourage donors to CASNR scholarships to add to the international experience fund."
Born and raised in Holdrege, Neb., Maunder attended the University of Nebraska and earned a bachelor's degree in agriculture in 1956. He moved to West Lafayette, Ind., and added two Purdue University degrees "" a master's in agriculture in 1958 and a doctorate in agriculture in 1960.
Hybrid Development. Prior to his retirement in 1997, Maunder served 37 years at Dekalb Genetics Inc. He joined DeKalb right after college as a plant breeder specializing in sorghum, and eventually became a senior vice president. Maunder greatly expanded the company's domestic and international hybrid development and testing program and promoted computerized breeding programs.
A positive work ethic, fueled by an enjoyment of research, allowed him to excel in product development with some 150 forage and grain hybrids grown in more than 35 countries. He also contributed to state and federal academic activities through lectures, reviews and advisory committees, and provided financial support with grants and scholarships.
Today, Maunder is a volunteer research advisor for the National Grain Sorghum Producers in Lubbock. In that capacity, he evaluates research in genetics and plant breeding, educates others about the potential utilization of grain, and supports the new sorghum check-off program.
Written by Norman Martin
CONTACT: Norman Hopper, Associate Dean for Academic and Student Programs, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Texas Tech University at (806) 742-2808 or n.hopper@ttu.edu
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Editor's Note: For information concerning support of CASNR's Study Abroad & International Programs contact Jane Piercy, Director of Development and External Relations, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Texas Tech University at (806) 742-2803 or jane.piercy@ttu.edu
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