Strauss Animal Center at Huntington University Up and Running

It’s been nearly two years since the Don Strauss Animal Science Education Center opened its doors on the campus of Huntington University (HU) in Huntington, Ind.

But the faces of those who use the facility daily still shine like a new copper penny. “It’s just been a tremendous addition to our agriculture program,” said Nate Perry, managing director of the Haupert Institute for Agricultural Studies at the university. “We now are able to offer coursework and hands-on learning experiences on the animal side of agriculture, in addition to our agricultural business, ag education and crop science curriculums.”

The 10,000-square-foot facility was named in honor of the late Don Strauss, founder of Strauss Veal Feeds and Midwest Poultry Services. The Strauss family of North Manchester, Ind. granted the lead gift for the project.

And just like the livestock business itself, the center, referred to as “ASEC” on campus, is ever-changing, dynamic, and adaptable. According to Lynette Fager, Huntington University’s director of communications, the 1,400 square-foot-classroom is constantly in use, serving both the student body and the community at large.

“In addition to our agricultural classes, both the Collegiate Farm Bureau and Pre-vet Club meet in the space regularly,” said Fager. It also has been utilized for meeting by agricultural industry partners like feed companies and equipment dealers; 4-H clubs; FFA chapters; high school ag campers; a local economic development group; and the Northeast Indiana Mayors and Commissioners’ Caucus.

“Hosting that group of public servants was an amazing opportunity to underscore the importance of agriculture in this region, and showcase the commitment our university is making to perpetuate it,” Fager noted. “The wall of low, wide windows between the classroom and the animal space allows us to share the exciting work happening on the animal side with people of all ages and abilities, in a clean environment that is safe for both people and animals.”

That 6,000-square-foot animal space already has been home to rabbits, goats, and pigs. Perry said in addition to learning production practices like artificial insemination in sows and kidding out goats, students are trained in the technical aspects of the modern livestock industry, like strict biosecurity zones between species.

“The flexible pen space in the animal teaching area is terrific,” he stated. “It’s so well-designed, and can be configured to accommodate multiple species and a wide range of teaching activities.”

Perry believes the ASEC has been instrumental in growing the total enrollment of agricultural students at HU. “Our agriculture department is just 8 years old, and we started with less than 15 students total,” Perry shared. “The past two years have seen the largest classes of new students, and the department total now is at 75 students. Agriculture is now among the top-5 most popular majors on campus.”

The connection between creation, life, death, and new birth that is afforded by raising animals underscores the university’s Christian principles, according to Fager. The agriculture students have adopted a mantra of “Faith, Family, Farming” that is the fabric of their total experience on campus. “Faith and family are central to our core values, and farming is what we do,” said Fager. “It’s inspiring to watch our students evolve and succeed in this environment.”                 

Since its doors opened, the ASEC has become a “home base” for students to study, socialize, and grow their level of personal responsibility. “The student comfort level is unreal,” said Perry. “They have an almost-instant sense of belonging, and take tremendous pride in the center, the animals, and the feelings of accomplishment and proficiency they gain from their work there.”

Agriculture at HU has become a coast-to-coast program, with current students hailing from 11 states and as far away as New York, Los Angeles, Ontario, and Tennessee. It’s a draw to northeast Indiana that brings young people to a part of the world they may have otherwise never experienced or expected. Some travel through, taking with them tremendous memories and educations. Others stay.

“Last year, we had a senior in agriculture from Virginia who was just an exceptional student and human being,” shared Perry. “In the spring before graduation, I asked her, ‘What are you going to do when you go home?’ Her response: ‘I’m not leaving Indiana. This is my home now.’”