CARBONDALE (WSIL) -- The SIU Foundation is providing a $1.1 million grant to the Fermentation Science Foundation to further develop the infrastructure within the McLafferty Annex.
鈥淭here is groundbreaking research and student development happening within the walls of the McLafferty Annex,鈥� said Matt Kupec, CEO of the SIU Foundation. 鈥淥ur Board of Directors recognizes the opportunity and views this as a major step toward fulfilling the potential of the program.鈥�
The $1.1 million grant will allow the Fermentation Science Institute to move forward to develop the facility to house the Faye Minor MaGill teaching kitchen and sensory laboratory, and pilot facilities for brewing, distilling, and cheesemaking.
The development will allow Chicago-based Ravinia Brewing Company to locate a production facility within the McLaffery Annex.
The lease will generate revenue for the program, but will also give hands on training for students in the fermentation science program. Students will have access to large-scale production and packaging equipment.
In addition, Ravinia intends to provide contract brewing and packaging services to regional breweries, which aims to provide growth and economic development opportunities in southern Illinois.
鈥淢aking these infrastructure upgrades to the building is the next important step to fully realizing the FSI program鈥檚 potential. We will soon have a vertically integrated hub of interdisciplinary research and training opportunities in the areas of fermentation and value-added agriculture,鈥� said Matt McCarroll, director of the FSI. This facility will provide training opportunities for SIU students and support new businesses across the region and state. This project will enhance the FSI鈥檚 curriculum and put SIU in a position to become a national leader in the field.鈥� McCarroll said.
Businesses have already taken interest in partnering with the FSI and the infrastructure provided by this gift will serve as a catalyst stimulating more opportunities for partnerships and R&D engagements with the corporate world, resulting in significant revenue generation through leases, grants and contracts.
鈥淩epurposing the McLafferty Annex presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Nestled between the University Farms and the heart of campus, the vertically integrated pilot facilities will provide state-of-the-art training and R&D opportunities in the production of fermented foods, beverages, and value-added agriculture not replicated elsewhere,鈥� McCarroll said. 鈥淭he support of the SIU Foundation comes at a critical time and fast-tracks the university to seize these opportunities.鈥�
