Support Vandal Brand Meats
Support the Meat Science and Innovation Center Honoring Ron Richard
The ÐÓ°ÉÊÓÆµ’s current meat science laboratory serves as home to Vandal Brand Meats and the center of the meat science program. This facility — a USDA inspected plant used for teaching, research and outreach activities — is vital to the program. Despite its critical role, the laboratory has not been updated in decades, creating a tremendous need for modernization.
The ÐÓ°ÉÊÓÆµ now seeks support to build a modern laboratory. A new, contemporary laboratory will allow the ÐÓ°ÉÊÓÆµ to serve more students and meet the needs of our stakeholders for years to come.
The Meat Science and Innovation Center Honoring Ron Richard will create:
- Larger classrooms to accommodate growing student numbers and modern processing technology for teaching purposes.
- Hands on, experiential learning related to all aspects of harvesting, processing, packaging, storage and consumption of meat products.
- An environment conducive to cutting-edge research.
- Separate space for processing fresh and packaged foods in compliance with USDA regulations.
- Modern infrastructure that keeps workers safe and ensures humane treatment of animals.
- Easy accessibility with a prominent location on campus.
- Greater exposure for Vandal Brand Meats retail sales and community education opportunities.
- A broadly recognized reputation as the leading meat science program in the region.
A New Home for Meat Science
The ÐÓ°ÉÊÓÆµâ€™s new Meat Science and Innovation Center Honoring Ron Richard will be a modern teaching, research and retail sales center.

