If you read the February issue of Indiana Prairie Farmer or check it out in the online section of this Website, you'll learn that Lonnie Mason has a building named after him.
Mason is still alive and he didn't donate huge sums of money to build the building. Instead he's donated a huge chunk of his career to working with the people in Jefferson County. They rewarded the continuing Purdue University Extension ag educator, now in his 45th year, by naming the building that now houses the Jefferson County Extension Service and the Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District the Lonnie Mason Agriculture Building.
Lightning may seldom strike twice in the same place, but then sometimes it gets mighty close. It's happened again. Huntington University, opening a new path for students at the college to study agriculture, announced that the new option will be called the Haupert Institute for Agricultural Studies.
In this case the farm couple, who live near South Whitley, did give a gift to launch the new program, but they've also given of their time and talents for the university for many years.
"The Hauperts passionately support the mission of Huntington University and have made strong commitments to ensure the future of all students through their generosity," says Sherilyn Emberton, president of Huntington University. "Their deep commitment to investing in youth and the university has resulted in numerous students receiving a high-quality, Christ-centered education."
Related: Farm Credit Mid-America gives $10,000 to university for new ag classes
The Hauperts, whose farming career spans 52 years, are now part of a 2,800 acre family farming operation. Dale was a key leader in bringing the ag initiative at Huntington University to fruition, officials say.
The new Haupert Institute will admit its first students in this option at Huntington University this fall. You can learn more about the university and about the ag program initiative on the University's website.