University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has announced a $45 million gift from alumna Doris Kelley Christopher in support of a new center for extension education programs.

The Doris Kelley Christopher Illinois Extension Center will be the future home of Illinois Extension, uniting six extension offices and serving as a bridge between discovery research conducted at the university and the translation of that work into communities across the state and beyond. To be integrated into the open spaces of the 160-acre arboretum, the center will feature pathways, demonstration/teaching gardens, and outdoor classrooms and gathering spaces designed to bring together statewide extension and 4-H programs.

Christopher spent her early career working for Illinois Extension, teaching home economics to adults and 4-H youth in DuPage County, before founding cookware company Pampered Chef, which was acquired by Berkshire Hathaway in 2002.

"My early career, spent in Extension, exposed me to working with the adult learner," said Christopher. "I fell in love with teaching adults. That, combined with all I had learned as a home economics student at U of I, came together as the foundation for the Pampered Chef business....I am grateful to the university and to Illinois Extension for setting me on the path to love my work for my entire career, and I am delighted to see the Extension Center come to life. It will truly provide a wonderful place for U of I Extension to carry on its important work and connection throughout the state and beyond."

"Together, Illinois Extension and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) embody the super power of connection through education, research, and outreach, making the Extension Center an ideal addition to our campus and communities statewide," said ACES dean Kim Kidwell. "This abundantly generous gift will foster more access, more opportunity, and more collaboration among Illinois Extension personnel; university faculty, staff, and students; community members from across Illinois; and stakeholders to work together with commitment and purpose to make the world a better place for everyone."

(Photo credit: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign)