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From left: MU Chancellor Richard Wallace, Provost Brady
Deaton, and Vice Chancellor for Agriculture and Dean of
the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Tom
Payne give Mary Agnes and Al McQuinn, BS ’54, a standing
ovation April 30 after it was announced that the couple
is establishing a historic unrestricted $5 million challenge
gift to the College. This is the largest unrestricted gift
by a living donor in MU history. Jim Curley photo
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$5
Million Gift Will Benefit College of Agriculture, Food and
Natural Resources
By Jeremy Diener
On April 30, University of Missouri-Columbia
officials announced a $5 million challenge gift to the College
of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources. The gift, made
by Al and Mary Agnes McQuinn, established the McQuinn Fund for
Academic Excellence.
“This is indeed a special announcement
for the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources,”
said Thomas Payne, vice chancellor for agriculture and dean of
the college. “We are so proud of Al and Mary Agnes McQuinn
and their involvement with the college and the University. This
gift has given us a great deal of flexibility. It’s our
challenge to go out and make this investment grow.”
As gifts from other individuals, corporations
or foundations come in to the college, matching funds from the
McQuinn gift will be released. The gift is unrestricted for use
at the discretion of the dean.
“A gift of this magnitude, from a living
donor, is unprecedented in public institutions,” said David
Housh, vice provost for development and alumni relations at MU.
“There are two unusual and wonderful
things about this gift,” said Richard Wallace, MU chancellor.
“In making this gift, the McQuinns are challenging alumni,
friends, corporations and others to make a commitment to the college.
In its entirety, this would represent $10 million toward the campaign
goal. The gift also is unrestricted, which is very unusual. The
dean of the college will be able to designate these funds wherever
they’re needed most.”
Al McQuinn is a 1954 graduate of the College
of Agriculture with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural
economics. In 1963 he formed Ag-Chem Equipment Co. Inc., an agricultural
equipment manufacturer, which he sold in 2000.
“I realize the great benefits
of the education I received at MU, and understand the value of
that education, which contributed to my professional accomplishments.”
McQuinn said. “Now that it is possible, my wife and I wish
to support the college so that today’s students might have
the opportunities we had. We want to contribute to and enhance
the educational opportunities for those who attend the University
of Missouri today.”
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Last Update:
July 2, 2009
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