UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The William R. Henning Meat Science Enrichment Fund has been established at Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences in honor of William R. Henning, professor emeritus, Department of Animal Science, to provide funds for teaching, research and extension programs in meat science.
The fund was created in lieu of gifts at Henning’s retirement in 2006 to honor his contributions to the meat industry in Pennsylvania and nationally. Funds may be used by students and/or faculty to support research, travel costs associated with competitions and special teaching and learning projects that benefit students.
This is the first endowment to the meat science program.
Background
Henning received a B.S. degree in animal science with a minor in chemistry from Western Illinois University in 1968. He earned both his M.S. and Ph.D. in animal science from the University of Kentucky.
Henning joined the Penn State faculty in 1983 as an Extension specialist and coach of the Meats Judging Team. He also worked closely with 4-H and FFA judging teams in Pennsylvania and throughout the northeast.
Scholarship
Henning was instrumental in helping establish the Pennsylvania Farm Show Scholarship Foundation, which has awarded $1 million in scholarships in its 20-year history.
Henning presented educational programs on meat quality and food safety, and also offered training in food safety and HACCP requirements in Pennsylvania and the East Coast.
Henning worked closely with the Pennsylvania Beef Council and the Pennsylvania Pork Council in developing educational programs for producers, consumers, home economists, and registered dietitians.
In 2012, the American Meat Science Association honored Henning with the Intercollegiate Meat Judging Meritorious Service Award, awarded for outstanding contributions or service to the Intercollegiate Meat judging program.
The Meat Science Enrichment Fund’s initial principal of $25,000 has been contributed by meat industry supporters and by friends and family of William R. Henning. Additional contributions may be made by contacting the College of Agricultural Sciences Development Office at 814-863-1371.
