Darin Joos, a proud alum of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, knows a thing or two about the university’s beloved South Farms. Joos now manages the research facility, where he and his colleagues bring agricultural education to life in innovative ways.
Thanks to funding through the Shin Humanitarian Award, they’re putting to good use a new open-air trailer, also known as a “people mover,” which serves as a mobile classroom. Traversing corn, soybean and other fields, the trailer helps the team provide interactive tours, engaging lessons and actionable insights into crop production. The initiative melds research and practice, benefiting growers and curious minds alike.
Watch the one-minute “people mover” video.
“Having the people mover because of the Shin Award helps us provide information to growers. This helps them make important decisions about their crop management plans,” Joos said. “Plus, it’s great for showing prospective students the opportunities at the College of ACES.”
Organizers encourage U of I System alumni, faculty, staff and students to nominate the humanitarian game-changers they work with and learn from for the Shin Humanitarian Award. The next nomination deadline is April 18. (Details below.) The U of I System celebrated the most recent Shin honoree March 3.
Empowering education through the Shin Award
The Dr. Tai “Terry” R. Shin and Mrs. You H. Shin Humanitarian Award, administered by the University of Illinois System, supports impactful initiatives like the people mover. Established to recognize individuals dedicated to making the world a better place, the award includes a $5,000 honorarium and travel expenses, plus a pay-it-forward $50,000 gift recipients allocate to a department or program of their choice in the U of I System.
Joos and the team debuted the result of the funds they received during a field day at Orr Agricultural Research and Demonstration Center in Pike County. Field days bring together farmers and researchers to learn about the latest developments in agriculture.
“The Shin Award contribution makes our events even more meaningful,” Joos said.
His efforts ensure community members of all ages have exposure to farming, harkening back to the events of simpler times.
“Our fall harvest open house is more for the public, for kids and families,” Joos said. “We did face painting and pumpkin painting, with plenty of tractors in the fields for everyone to check out.”
Leaving a food security legacy
College of ACES crop sciences Department Head Adam Davis nominated the recipient of the first Shin Award. The award recognized the late Bir Bahadur (B.B.) Singh’s work addressing global food security.
U of I System President Tim Killeen bestowed the award to Singh in fall 2023.
“Dr. Singh’s lasting impact epitomizes the spirit of the Shin Humanitarian Award,” Killeen said. “His contributions demonstrate the impact that even one person can have on others and the world, and further illustrate how education is the key to unlocking one’s full potential.”
The indelible legacy of the scientist and humanitarian who passed away in July lives on.
“We are grateful for the gift that the late Dr. Singh made of his Shin Award funds,” Davis said. “We’re using the funds to provide ongoing value, whether it be through enhanced community engagement or through improved teaching facilities for our students.”
Nominate a world-changer today
The Shin Humanitarian Award recognizes individuals who:
- Promote the betterment of society;
- Exhibit courage and integrity to better lives;
- Improve environmental sustainability; take action on equality issues;
- Or strive in other ways to protect and promote human rights.
Nominations are due April 18. For more information, contact Gretchen Lohman, Shin Award Committee chair, at glohm2@uillinois.edu.
Real Impact stories spotlight the real difference people, programs and partnerships — across the system — make on the state’s economic, social and cultural well-being. For more, meet transfer student Lauren Angus.
