History of the Reese Institute

Dr. Wayne B. Powell, college president, welcomes Thomas Reese to the podium.

From Vision to Reality
      The Institute became a reality through a generous gift from Thomas W. Reese, owner of Hickory Printing and a Lenoir-Rhyne alumnus from the class of '48.  Reese is a nationally recognized conservationist and widely known for his support of higher education.
    In 1994, he received the William D. Schaeffer Environmental Award from the Graphic Arts Technical Foundations for significant environmental advancement in the industry.  Reese has also been honored as National Trout Conversationalist of the Year, and in 1992 received the Teddy Roosevelt Conservation Award for his outstanding achievement in conservation and wise stewardship of natural resources.   
    He has served as president of the North Carolina Wildlife Federation and is former chairman of the North Carolina Nature Conservancy Board of Trustees.  He is also a trustee of the North Carolina National Heritage Trust.  More about Thomas Reese

Goals for the Future 
    The aim of the Institute will be to act as a catalyst for practical conservation efforts, much in the same way that Reese helped promote conservation within the print industry.  
    Our goal is to become a nationally recognized conservation program that works closely with regional government, industry, and community groups to clarify environmental problems and identify practical solutions.  To achieve this goal, the Reese Institute will work with students and the community to develop responsible leaders who creatively solve problems, develop sustainable resources, and practice responsible management and use of those natural resources. To see how we're working toward our goal, check out the news page.