Western Illinois University unveiled it's newest edition to the School of Agriculture.
On Friday, December 19, 2014, Western Illinois University's School of Agriculture had a ribbon cutting for their two new greenhouses. They're a first for the school of Ag and an upgrade in size and resources. Before, students would have to work in a small room that restricted the number of people that could be in there, but also the type of projects students could do.
"I was excited just to be doing the research initially and I was happier than a kid in a candy store when I was working in a refrigerator now I'm working in this great big facility that the university has provided," said James Rudy, who's studying agricultural science.
They'll give students more learning opportunities.
"The amount of research I'll be able to do is just going to grow and grow and grow," said Rudy.
The greenhouses are just the first phase of a larger project. The school wants to add four more plus a classroom. A way the University can be competitive for potential students.
"It's really going to advance us make us more competitive," said Rudy.
Through state funding the University was able to pay for the first two greenhouses. ADM gave WIU a check for $100,000 towards their next phase.