Although the exact year and date of George Washington Carver's birth is unknown, most historians believe he was born in 1864. That's 150 years worth celebrating.
In 2014, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences will honor Carver for his many scientific discoveries, achievements and his contributions to the social justice and civil rights movements. "Celebrating the Life and Legacy of George Washington Carver" events during the year will include a lecture series, seminars, student research opportunities, food tastings, displays and artistic performances.
Carver was the first African American to enroll at Iowa State in 1891. He received his bachelor's degree in 1894, his master's in 1896 and then became the first African American faculty member at Iowa State. As one of our most distinguished alumni, Carver went on to become a brilliant scientist and educator at the Tuskegee Institute, helping farmers with the ideas he worked on when he was a student and faculty member at Iowa State. His research changed how we look at crops. His life and teaching continue to inspire millions.
Celebration events will be included on this page as they are finalized. One of the highlights will be a daylong symposium that focuses on developing the next George Washington Carver by helping students discover STEM subjects, which include the agricultural sciences.
April 23, 2014 - George Washington Carver Symposium
Iowa State University Scheman Center
Symposium Agenda
8–10 a.m. National speakers from USDA and Tuskegee TBA
10:30–11:45 a.m. Poster Session
11:45 a.m.–1 p.m. Lunch/ Keynote speaker TBA
1-4 p.m. Presentations and panel discussions
4:30 p.m. Adjourn
6 - 6:30 p.m. Reception
Dinner and Entertainment
Paxton Williams: George Washington Carver Interpretative Performance
For more information contact Theressa Cooper, Iowa State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Assistant Dean for Diversity, http://www.diversity.cals.iastate.edu or contact her at tncooper@iastate.edu or (515) 294-8574.