The University of Florida College of Agricultural and Life Sciences has one of the largest graduate student programs in the country. UF/IFAS Tropical Research & Education Center (TREC) faculty are approved by the university to direct graduate student research programs. Working with a TREC faculty member ensures the student’s research is focused on tropical and subtropical fruit crops, traditional and tropical vegetables, tropical ornamental crops, agronomic crops and natural resources in the warm subtropics.

TREC is situated in the gateway of Latin America and is the only state university research and education center in the continental US focusing on a large number of tropical and subtropical crops. The research conducted by these students is of significant value to agricultural producers. Additionally, TREC provides some assistance to students with tuition waivers and stipends to meet their modest living expenses.

The lack of appropriate housing limits TREC’s ability to recruit qualified graduate students who are crucial to advancing agricultural research at the center. By offering an increased amount of safe onsite housing, the center’s overall research program is greatly enhanced.

The proposed graduate student dormitory will consist of eight bedrooms, four bathrooms, along with a common kitchen and living area. This new dormitory will provide lodging for an additional eight graduate students. There are no state or federal funds available for this dormitory, thus the reason for private fundraising.

Construction of the dormitory is estimated to cost $600,000.
Investing in this new facility will elevate the research and impacts for the industry by allowing TREC to recruit the best graduate students. In order to maintain excellence and keep pace with other research institutions, we are asking for your help in making this dorm a reality.

We are seeking donors to provide leadership gifts to complete this project.
Click here to make a gift now!

• Gifts may be completed over a 2-3 year period. For example a gift of $50,000 can be provided in two annual gifts of $25,000 or three annual gifts of approximately $16,500.
• Naming opportunities with permanent recognition for the dormitory are available.

Thank you for your consideration in making a contribution to this critical need. for more information, please contact:

Dr. Edward “Gilly” Evans, Center Director, (786) 217-9263 | eaevans@ufl.edu
Julie Conn, Director of Corporate Relations, (352) 273-2099 | jrconn@ufl.edu

Gifts to this project are counted as part of the University of Florida’s Go Greater Capital Campaign and may be tax deductible.

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