Brave. Bold. Unstoppable. We are not done yet, there's still time to give.
Vandal Brand Meats
Meat Science & Innovation Center Honoring Ron Richard

The University of Idaho’s current meat science laboratory serves as home to Vandal Brand Meats and the center of the meat science program. This facility — a USDA-inspected plant used for teaching, research and outreach activities — is vital to the program, but has not been updated in decades, creating a tremendous need for modernization.

The University of Idaho asks for your support to build a modern laboratory, named for the late Ron Richard, longtime manager of Vandal Brand Meats who helped build the brand's stellar reputation. Several donors have already stepped forward to help fund the Meat Science and Innovation Center Honoring Ron Richard, including the Idaho Cattle AssociationA new, contemporary laboratory will allow the University of Idaho to serve more students and meet the needs of our stakeholders for years to come.

The Meat Science and Innovation Center Honoring Ron Richard will create:

  • Larger classrooms to accommodate growing student numbers and modern processing technology for teaching purposes.
  • Hands on, experiential learning related to all aspects of harvesting, processing, packaging, storage and consumption of meat products.
  • An environment conducive to cutting-edge research.
  • Separate space for processing fresh and packaged foods in compliance with USDA regulations.
  • Modern infrastructure that keeps workers safe and ensures humane treatment of animals.
  • Easy accessibility with a prominent location on campus.
  • Greater exposure for Vandal Brand Meats retail sales and community education opportunities.
  • A broadly recognized reputation as the leading meat science program in the region.

View the live stream of construction progress for the Meat Science & Innovation Center Honoring Ron Richard.

We appreciate your support of Vandal Brand Meats and the Meat Science and Innovation Center Honoring Ron Richard! 

$10,000
Wayne & Peggy Thiessen- Meat Science & Innovation Center Honoring Ron Richard
U of I Meat Science & Innovation Center would like to say thank you to Wayne & Peggy Thiessen for all the support for vandal students.
28 / 28 Gifts
Completed
$1,000
ICCU Vandal Promise Scholarship
Thanks to ICCU for all the support to our Vandal Family.
1,000 / 1,000 Gifts
Completed
$500
Early Bird Challenge
Congratulations on receiving the first bonus of Vandal Giving Day 2025!
1 / 1 Gifts
Completed
$1,889
The 1889 Challenge
Thank you to the University of Idaho Foundation for funding our 1,889 challenge!
1,889 / 1,889 Gifts
Completed
Leaderboard
Kick Off Challenge
Thanks for helping us kick off Vandal Giving Day 2025!
Rank Prize Kick Off Challenge Gifts
1 $1,000 Sports Clubs - Horse Polo 135
2 $1,000 Men's Rugby 55
3 $1,000 Vandal Scholarship Fund 53
4 Library Dean's Excellence Fund 26
5 Gamma Phi Beta Presidents Fund 24
Ended
$3,000
John Nalivka- Meat Science & Innovation Center Honoring Ron Richard
Thank you to John Nalivka for supporting the students here at the University of Idaho!
1 / 1 Gifts
Completed
$2,500
John Hoyne New Vandal Donor Challenge
Thanks to John Hoyne for all his support to the Vandal Family
15 / 15 Gifts
Completed
$500
Faculty & Staff Challenge
Thank you to our amazing faculty and staff for your commitment!
250 / 250 Gifts
Completed
$5,000
Foundation Participation Challenge
Thank you to the UI Foundation for their participation.
Completed
Leaderboard
Finish Line Challenge
Thank you for making 2025 Vandal Giving Day another success!
Rank Prize Departments Gifts
1 $500 Sports Clubs - Horse Polo 42
2 $500 Men's Rugby 42
3 $500 Vandals First: First-Generation Program Support 40
4 $500 Nez Perce County 4-H 39
5 Gamma Phi Beta Presidents Fund 37
Ended
Share on social using #VandalsGive
Rank State Gifts
1 ID 24
2 WA 4
2 OR 4
Don't forget to share!

Questions? See our FAQ.

Or you can contact us at vandalsgive@uidaho.edu.