In their quarterly meeting on September 20, the UNC Pembroke Board of Trustees unanimously approved the naming of the Regional Center Auditorium for the Farm Bureau of Robeson County.

It is the second major space in the Regional Center to be named for the local Farm Bureau, which supports UNCP’s Biotechnology Research and Training Center. The lobby of the Biotechnology Research and Training Center at the Regional Center was dedicated in 2009.

DEDICATION - Farm Bureau Directors from left: Everette Moore, Lycurous Lowry, Larry Sampson, Miles Mercer, Charles Roberts and Anthony Locklear at the ribbon cutting in the Farm Bureau Auditorium of UNCP's Regional Center

The Farm Bureau’s gift renews support of the Farm Bureau Scholarship and the annual Farm Bureau BioAg Symposium. The Robeson Farm Bureau’s Board of Directors recently approved the $50,000 gift to be contributed over five years beginning in spring 2014 and running through 2019.

“Robeson County Farm Bureau looks forward to collaborating with the university to promote and support agricultural-related initiatives and educational awareness and training for the advancement of biotechnology in our region,” local Farm Bureau board President Lycurous Lowry stated.

Dr. Len Holmes is the director of the Biotechnology Center. The center guides student research on topics ranging from beekeeping to organic pesticides.

“The generous contributions provided by Farm Bureau of Robeson to the BioAg center has supported agricultural biotechnology research conducted by faculty, UNCP students and visiting international scholars,” Dr. Holmes said. “The annual Farm Bureau BioAg Conference is attended by farmers and scientists from across the state to learn about innovations in North Carolina's largest industry.

“Robeson Farm Bureau has made a real impact on the university's contribution to sustain agriculture in and about Robeson County,” he said.

Robeson Farm Bureau Agency Manager Matthew Adams said he and the Board of Directors are proud to partner with the Biotechnology Center and Dr. Holmes.

“It is our hope that this gift will continue to expand the research and allow students the opportunity to gain insight and a passion for agriculture research,” Adams said. “Robeson County Farm Bureau will always be committed to being the voice for agriculture, we understand the important role research will play in the future of agriculture.

“We are excited about this opportunity for UNCP students and so thankful to be a part of keeping agriculture growing for the future of everyone,” said Adams, who is a 1989 UNCP graduate.

Support from area businesses and corporations like Farm Bureau are what make UNCP’s programs extraordinary and are critical to student success, said Alison DeCinti, director of development for UNCP.

“All gifts in support of our university and its mission are special, and the timing of Farm Bureau’s gift is especially significant.” DeCinti said. “Farm Bureau and UNC Pembroke have a long-standing partnership, and it is a privilege to collaborate with them to help fulfill the educational needs of our community and region.”

Serving all 100 North Carolina counties, the Farm Bureau is a mutual insurance and financial services company founded in 1936. It supports farm families, farm issues and education. Robeson County has 14 agents in its Lumberton and Pembroke offices.

For more information about giving at UNCP, please contact the Office of Advancement at 910.521.6252 or email advancement@uncp.edu.