About the Living Legacy Project

As one of the country’s oldest departments of its kind, The Department of Plant Pathology at the University of Minnesota has a rich and illustrious history. Many of the leaders that defined the field of plant pathology in the modern context were graduates of the program or were faculty in this department. Originally formed to protect the Midwest’s flour milling industry from economically devastating disease epidemics, Plant Pathology has roots in contributing to the wellbeing and advancement of science and agriculture. Today Plant Pathology continues that legacy having trained nearly a thousand individuals in plant pathology, and with faculty, students, and staff working on all seven continents and in 48 countries across the globe.

To honor this legacy, the Department of Plant Pathology has launched The Living Legacy Project, a complete digital history of the Department including photo, video, and written content that tells the story of our Department’s history and its impact on modern agriculture.

This history was compiled and prepared by Professor Emeritus Richard Zeyen. 

Contribute and tell our story

The Living Legacy Project is not just our story it is also your story, so we need your help telling it. Find out how you can help contribute and tell our story.

Stay up to date with the Living Legacy Project

Please check in with the Living Legacy Project frequently, since the story will be told by era, and the content will be released periodically.

Living Legacy Email Update

Living Legacy Photo Collection