December 2007 - January 2008

Special Joint Issue

Happy New Year!
We’re glad that you’ve been "On the Vine" with us in 2007 and look forward to watching our vine grow in 2008!

In the news

	Danforth Center Receives Grant Money from Missouri Life Sciences Trusts
The Danforth Center was awarded one of 14 project grants approved by the Missouri Life Sciences Trust Fund. Danforth scientists will also receive collaborative funds from two additional project grants. To read Governor Matt Blunt's press release announcing the $13.4 million in awards, click HERE. To learn more about the Danforth Center projects and collaborators, click HERE.
	Dr. Roger Krueger, Monsanto Scientist and Danforth Center Colleague, Remembered at Memorial Service
The life and memory of Dr. Roger Krueger, Vice President of Global Seed Quality Lead at the Monsanto Company, was honored in a moving ceremony held in the Danforth Center Atrium on New Year's Eve. To read Dr. Krueger's obituary, click HERE.
	Spotlight On: Danforth Center Science Advisory Board Member Dr. Peter Raven
Danforth Center Board of Trustees Member and director of the Missouri Botanical Garden, Dr. Peter Raven, was recently awarded the Addison Emery Verrill Medal from the Peabody Museum of Natural History at Yale University. To learn more about this prestigious award, click HERE.

Center Spotlight

	Danforth Center Gives Gold Stars to "Research Sponsors" at Special Luncheon
On Tuesday, December 4, the Danforth Center hosted a special group of Center Friends - Danforth Society members (at the Ambassador level or above) who participate in the Society's "Research Sponsors" program. The afternoon featured lunch, lab coats, and personal tours given by Principal Investigators Toni Kutchan, Chris Taylor, and Joe Jez. For more information on the event or on becoming a "Research Sponsor," click HERE.
	Grants for Plants Update!
Support from Center Friends is critical to keep the Danforth Center running, but Danforth Center scientists must raise their own funds to support their research and their laboratories with scientific grants. The list of recent awards indicates their success in securing funds from a variety of sources for a collection of cutting edge projects in a competitive intellectual and financial environment. For a list of recent support earned by Danforth Center scientists, click HERE.
	In Case You Missed It: Danforth Center Office of Development Holiday E-Card
We hope that you received your copy of the 2008 Danforth Center Office of Development Holiday e-card. But in case our greetings were held up somewhere along the information superhighway, you can view the card HERE.

Upcoming Events

For more information, email development@danforthcenter.org

		Wednesday, January 23, 2008 - Center Leaders Present "State of the Center" Address
On Wednesday, January 23 at 8 a.m., join Danforth Center Chairman Dr. William H. Danforth, President Dr. Roger N. Beachy, and Chief Operating Officer Sam J. Fiorello for a recap of the previous year's accomplishments and a look ahead to new and continuing initiatives.
		Thursday, February 21, 2008 - Conversations Event with Dr. William H. Danforth!
On Thursday, February 21 at 5:15 p.m. you won't want to miss this special evening with Danforth Center Chairman Dr. William H. Danforth as he speaks about the founding, growth, and future of the Danforth Center.
		March 13-16, 2008 - "March Into Florida" Tour
As you enjoy a break from the winter cold, get an update on what’s “hot” at the Danforth Center, provided by Drs. Danforth and Beachy. If your travels will take you south in March, let us know by sending an email to lchauvin@danforthcenter.org so we can include you in this unique opportunity to get the “perspective from the top." Our leaders will visit with Center Friends in:
			Sarasota, Florida: on March 13th, Dr. and Mrs. David Habif will host a cocktail reception with Dr. Danforth and Dr. Beachy at their home
			Naples, Florida: on March 14th, Drs. Beachy and Danforth will host cocktails at the Naples Yacht Club
			Palm Beach, Florida: on March 16th, we’ll conclude our visit to Florida with an event at a location still to be determined
		Sunday, September 28, 2008 - Danforth Center 10th Birthday Party!
Join the Danforth Center for this community open house celebrating ten years of service to plant science, the St. Louis Region, and the world! Learn about our founding and mission, tour the facilities, participate in science activities, tour Monsanto's Mobile Technology Unit - and more!
		Saturday, October 4, 2008 - PLANTASIA
Danforth Society Members, mark your calendar for this yearly gala celebrating the Center's success and those who make it possible! You won't want to miss this very special evening celebrating ten years of Danforth Center science.

Plant Facts

DID YOU KNOW?

The United Nations has declared 2008 the "International Year of the Potato." Researchers at the Danforth Center are working to enhance potato crops by improving nutritional content and viral resistance to help combat hunger in Africa and other impoverished parts of the world. Danforth Center scientists are also working to reduce the production of harmful chemicals that can occur when potatoes and other starchy foods are baked or fried. For more information about the "International Year of the Potato," including potato trivia and a video about potatoes, click HERE.