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Weitendorf Project
Weitendorf Project
The $3.5 million John H. Weitendorf, Sr. Agricultural Education Center was conceived
to enhance educational opportunities found within Joliet Junior College's Agricultural
and Horticultural Sciences Departments for faculty, students, and the Joliet community.
The concept of the education and event center relates to the priority of science
education, as well as agricultural abundance. In both plant and animal agriculture,
the Agricultural Sciences department is seeking facilities, technologies, and curriculum
to improve the delivery and effectiveness of agri-science information to students
of all ages and backgrounds. Plant and animal laboratory facilities will allow for
countless workshops, seminars, and other growth opportunities for growers, producers,
and those who educate agricultural youth.
The most critical educational experience offered through this center will be the
extensive agricultural literacy programs targeted to the non-agricultural population.
Joliet Junior College provides avenues for improving the knowledge and expertise
of today’s agricultural producer by serving as a bridge to industry.
The facility is necessitated by the lack of suitable facilities at our current location.
Successful realization of the mission of the Agricultural Sciences department and
the community college system as a whole, requires that institutions provide the
most current information and experiences to all those in need, regardless of their
financial or social status. We strive to reach that realization, but are often limited
by the depth of financial commitment from the public education system. The generosity
and commitment of private companies and individuals with a common interest in the
advancement of the agriculture industry will bring us closer to achieving the goals
and objectives shared by all in this most important and vital field of agriculture.
Donors
See the Weitendorf Donors page for a complete
list.
Project Timeline
Listed below is the timeline for development of the Weitendorf Project.
September 1998
Mr. John H. Weitendorf, Sr. donated 30 acres of land valued at $500,000 on Laraway Road (across from the
Chicagoland Speedway) to be used for construction of an agricultural education complex.
October 2000
Dedication ceremony of the site for the construction of the proposed John H. Weitendorf, Sr. Agricultural
Education Center Site.
May 2003
Project received confirmation of a construction grant of $160,947 from HUD obtained through the efforts of
Congressman Jerry Weller.
May 2004
Groundbreaking ceremony with construction already underway. Anticipated completion date of February 2007.
Another grant was confirmed in the amount of $50,000 to complete construction.
June 2007
Grand opening of the facility renamed as the Weitendorf Agricultural Education Center
For more information, visit the
Weitendorf Agricultural Education Center Web site.