Father and daughter reflect on their CFAES experience, their passion for philanthropy, and the importance of Waterman Agricultural and Natural Resources Laboratory.
Q: Tell us about your time at CFAES.
Cy: As a proud alumnus of the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, my time at Ohio State was defined by connection and opportunity. Being part of the livestock and meats judging teams gave me hands-on experience that prepared me for my career and introduced me to incredible mentors and lifelong connections. Those relationships—and the sense of community—are what made my Ohio State experience unforgettable.
Lauren: Ohio State shaped both my career and my confidence. Through student organizations and study abroad programs, I turned classroom lessons into real-world experiences and built friendships that still matter today. Faculty and mentors pushed me to grow, and the industry connections I made in Ohio and around the globe continue to influence my path. I’m grateful not just for the education I received, but for the network and opportunities that continue to influence my career today.
Q: Lauren, what has your dad taught you about philanthropy?
Lauren: I have always been inspired by his passion for giving back. My dad taught me that giving back isn’t about the size of your gift, it’s about your commitment to things you believe in. From a young age, I learned that you don’t have to wait until you’re older or wealthy to make an impact. The main thing is to just get started. Even small gifts add up when we work together. That’s why he’s so passionate about supporting the next generation of agriculturalists and ensuring they have the same opportunities he did.
Cy adds: Your giving should reflect what you valued most during your time at the college—whether it’s a program, a club, or a professor who made a difference. When you support those areas, you help create the same life-changing experiences for future students.
Q: Why were you inspired to participate in this effort in such a big way?
Cy: The purpose of my matching gift to the college is simple and straightforward -- to inspire the next generation of alumni to begin giving back. Philanthropy isn’t reserved for the wealthy or the older—it’s for all of us. Every gift matters. When we come together, our collective impact is powerful. Lauren and I wanted to lead by example and show that when we unite around what we care about, we can create opportunities that last for generations.
Our gifts are a way to show that when we work together, our collective efforts can create a much bigger impact than any single individual could achieve.
Q: Why does supporting Waterman matter—for today and the future?
Cy & Lauren: Waterman Agricultural and Natural Resources Laboratory is a hidden gem. It is a 261-acre farm right in the heart of Columbus that connects CFAES to innovation in health, technology, and beyond. With new state-of-the-art facilities like the Controlled Environment Agriculture Research Complex and Multispecies Animal Learning Complex, Waterman is transforming how students, and our boarder community, experience agriculture. It’s inspiring future industry leaders, even those who never imagined a career in agriculture.