Tyson Foundations Give Bumpers Lecture Series $250,000

The Tyson Family Foundation and the Tyson Foods Foundation have given $250,000 to help endow the Dale and Betty Bumpers Distinguished Lecture Program, coordinated by the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences at the University of Arkansas.

The UA announced the donation on Thursday.

"Tyson entities have supported initiatives across campus for many years," Michael Vayda, dean of Bumpers College, said in a news release. "The Bumpers College, in particular, has benefitted greatly from their widespread generosity. From capital projects to endowed scholarships and professorships to their most recent lead support of the Jean Tyson Child Development Study Center, their impact continues to improve the learning experience for our students.

"This lecture program is one more way our students will have unique opportunities to be inspired and gain new perspectives."

The annual lecture program kicked off Sunday with a visit from President Bill Clinton, who spoke about global agriculture, challenges in developing countries and the need for systems to improve the way people are fed.