EARTH University Annual Report 2010

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In 1990, EARTH University initiated a new model foeducation designed to promote sustainable development inAmerica and the Caribbean. Perhaps one of the best indicatthe models success has been the recognition and inueEARTH has achieved beyond the region in recent years.

For instance, in 2010: EARTH President, Jos Zaglul, was the only representaforeign institution invited to deliver one of six keynote adat the Association for the Advancement of SustainabiHigher Education Annual Conference, which gatheredpresidents, deans, faculty and students from universities

United States. The Aga Khan Network approached EARTH to becpartner in a project to reform the Bilibiza Technical SecSchool in Northern Mozambique and incorporate aspectsEARTH educational model. Since then, retired EARTH pPanlo Tabora has been contracted by the Aga Khan Netwopromote entrepreneurship and agro-business in Mozambi

The German Ministry of Environment nanced a collabortionbetween EARTH University and the Renewables AcadBerlin to promote renewable energy, including: the equipa laboratory, visiting professors and renewable energy trin Germany.

Provost Daniel Sherrard and Leif Christoffersen, membthe Universitys Board of Directors, were invited to speaMinisterial Conference on Higher Education in AgricuAfrica held in Kampala, Uganda, during which EARpositioned as a model for African higher education in agr

Ina collection ofstudies, entitled: The New Harvest: AgriculInnovation in Africa, Harvard University professor CJuma, referenced EARTH as the pioneer of a new generauniversities that combine research, training, commercialand farmer outreach under one roof.

These and other activities featured throughout this redemonstrate how in just twenty years, EARTH has evolva regional university into an institution of global relevanc

FROM LOCAL IMPACT TO

GLOBAL RELEVANCE

Mayra Vallecillo (10, Nicaragua)Demonstrating the impact of EARTH alumni around theworld, on June 5, 2010, EARTH and its alumni, friends andpartners planted nearly 1.2 million trees in 34 countries.


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TWENTY YEARS CHANGING LIVES BENEFIT CONCERT

On August 25, the Costa Rican Philharmonic Orchestra and theCosta Rican musical Group, Malpas gave an inspirational sold-outconcert at the National Theater in Costa Rica to benet EARTH.

CHILDREN OF THE EARTH BOOK LAUNCH

In September, EARTH University President, Jos Zaglul, releasedthe bookChildren of the Earth: My memories of the creation of EARTH University. A personal reection on the circumstances thatled to EARTHs creation, as well as its construction, operationandrst 20 years,Children of the EARTHbrings to life the history andpeople behind EARTH University.

SECOND ANNUAL GALA DINNER

On September 23, EARTH University held its 2010 Gala Dinner inSan Jos, Costa Rica. More than 200 people attended the event,which highlighted the impact of EARTH in the past 20 years.

PILLARS OF EARTH SUSTAINABLE LEADERSHIP AWARDS

On October 14 in Atlanta, the EARTH University Foundationrecognized four Georgia residents for their actions and leadershipin the areas corresponding to EARTHs pillars: ethical values, socialand environmental awareness, entrepreneurial spirit and technicaland scientic innovation.The event, which attracted more than200 guests, honored:Ciannat Howett, Director of SustainabilityInitiatives at Emory University; Ray Anderson, founder and chairman ofInterface, Inc.; Daron Farmer D Joffe,organic/biodynamic farmer,environmental educator and social entrepreneur; and, John Burgess,president and Chief Executive Officer of Coca-Cola Recycling.

GRADUATION As the official close to its 20th Anniversary celebration, onDecember 10, EARTH held its eighteenth Graduation Ceremonysending off 79 agents of change. Dr. Franklin R. Chang Daz(pictured), President and CEO of Ad Astra Rocket Company(AARC) and former NASA astronaut, was bestowed an honorarydoctorate and delivered the keynote address. During theceremony, the University also recognized EARTH benefactor,Mrs. Marjorie de Oduber for her familys donation of the La Florfarm in Guanacaste.


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PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES TO YOUNG PEOPLE WMAKE A DIFFERENCE

EARTH alumna sets out to plant the future

of Guatemala one tree at a time

Yanira plants trees with her daughter duringEARTH Plants the Future

In the small town of San Benito, along the border with the MBiosphere Reserve in the Petn department of northern GuatemaEARTH alumna Yanira Aguayo Coln (02, Guatemala) has estabherself as a force for change in her community. In spite of her pstature and calm demeanor, Yaniras persistence and leadership ledthe planting of 377,000 trees in this fragile community as parEARTHs global tree-planting event,EARTH Plants the Future .

Our idea at the beginning was just to plant a small amount of trwith our kids. Then we began to see the potential. We never imag

we were going to have such a big response. It was a big surprirelates Yanira.

Yanira works as a technical assistant for PROFRUTA, the extenbranch of the Ministry of Agriculture in Guatemala created to divthe countrys export crop production. Yanira was hired by PROFRin 2005 to identify and recruit famers from the large region of Petnthe program. Yanira reached out to ranchers and to small-scproducers and convinced 50 farmers to join the program. Onceboard, Yanira organized the farmers into associations, enabling themexport their produce and compete in the global market, ancoordinated the establishment of the fruit plantations.


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She notes that the project has helped these farmers diversify andincrease prots.

Approximately 50 percent of those in the program are traditionalcattle ranchers, while the remaining 50 percent are small-scalebean and corn farmers.Following international standards forenvironmental best practices, Yanira provides ongoing assistanceregarding the health, nutrition and monitoring of the fruit plantations,which include primarily citrus fruits, but also mango and rambutan. Shealso promotes the planting of forestry species on the farms to buildenvironmental awareness and address the urgent need forreforestation in this region.

The rst test harvest last year was very positive. The corn and beanfarmers have beneted a great deal from this program and haveseen much higher incomes by adding the fruit trees to their crop

mix. The cattle farmers are also pleased because the income hashelped to offset lower cattle prices.

One of the most forested regions of Guatemala and homMaya Biosphere Reserve, Petns natural beauty is under threat. In recent years, cattle farmers relocating to Petn frSouthern coast of Guatemala have cleared large tracts of fhigh unemployment, drug trafficking and a large Central Aimmigrant population are compounding the problems in this

Every day, I try to contribute my grain of sand to solvinproblems. Through the recommendations we make to farmeare helping. We are helping them produce better and increaincome and the fruit trees are creating a source of employmore people are hired to care for the trees. The trees themalso provide an important environmental benet, Yanira no

As June 5th approached, the scheduled date of EARTHs gplanting event, Yanira told her husband, EARTH alumnuMndez (02, Guatemala), that she couldnt let the dat

without using it as an opportunity to teach their three chiimportant environmental lesson.

Yanira saw EARTHPlants the Future as an opportunity to promote environmental awarenessamong her children and their friends.


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Recognizing the importance of higher education inpoverty alleviation, in 1996, the Norwegian Agencyfor Development Cooperation (NORAD) began along-term partnership with EARTH University topromote economic prosperity and social well-beingin Central America. In this time, Norway has providedscholarships for more than 188 students primarilyfrom Nicaragua, Honduras and Guatemala.

Two years after the start of the relationship withNORAD, the Swedish International DevelopmentCooperation Agency (SIDA) also began a long-termpartnership with EARTH providing scholarshipsfor 111 students, primarily from the same threeCentral American countries.

A glimpse into the contributions of the nearly 300alumni sponsored by NORAD and SIDA*: Inuence: 63% participate in or are responsible fthe decision-making processes of their organizations

Industry sector: Most alumni are working in agricultuproduction (31%), environment and conservation (16and community development (15%)Impact: 42% have improved agricultural practicesthrough farmer training; 36% have contributed toincreased gender equality

Entrepreneurship: 11% run their own or famibusiness* According to the 2010 Alumni survey. Responses receivefrom 57 percent of the NORAD and SIDA scholarshirecipients.

Norway and Sweden making lasting contributionsto poverty alleviation in Latin America through EART

Name: Yanira Aguayo ColnGraduating class: 2002Hometown: San Benito, Petn, Guatemala

Recent accomplishments: Coordinated the planting of 377,000 trees in

Guatemala for EARTH Plants the Future Has helped 50 farmers diversify their farms,

increase prots and generate employmentWhat are your future plans?In addition to promoting reforestation and continuing my extension work incommunities, Id like to form a non-prot dedicated toraising awareness among children of environmentalissues.

What do you dream about? I am teaching my childrenwhat I learned and one of my dreams is that they studyat EARTH. I want them to receive an education withhuman values and ethics, so that they will becomeexceptional professionals who will contribute to their countries and the world.

Anything else you want to add? I am so grateful toNORAD for giving me this opportunity of a lifetime.EARTH is one of the best agricultural school in Latin America because of its emphasis on values, ethics andsocial and environmental awareness. It opened myhorizons.

For Norway, the 16-year collaboration withEARTH, through the

scholarship program for Central American

students has been amutually-benecial

experience. EARTH is adynamic and committedpartner. Ambassador

Tom Tyrihjell RoyalNorwegian Embassy in

Nicaragua.


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Stephany is currently working for the Inter-American Institute

for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) as the Assistant ofCoordination for the Pro-Huerta program in Haiti, which isproviding training and support to increase food production infamily, school and community organic vegetable gardens topromote food security in Haiti. Stephany tracks the project,which is beneting 11,000 families, writes reports on theactivities and results and also spends time in the communities,providing support to the Pro-Huerta team and beneciaries.

She feels that EARTH has given her the skills to make adifference in Haiti, remarking: The education at EARTHits apackage. Everything ts together. I have a toolbox and can pullthe right tool. I feel prepared.

Rachelle Chery, a Rural Development Specialist at the IICA Officein Haiti notes that Stephany exhibits a certain professionalmaturity, rare nowadays from young professionals. Even still,the job market in Haiti is highly competitive and Stephanyrecognizes that she will need additional training if she wants tokeep growing professionally.

Stephanys brother, Gregory, begins his studies at EAR

thanks to a scholarship he received from the OpFoundations. After he graduates, they plan to start together in Haiti, but Stephany is quick to caution, business is not going to happen overnight. There afactors to consider to do something sustainable. We studies and overcome many challenges.

In the meantime, Stephany is realistic about achievingHaiti, Above all else, we need to understand our weaktake advantage of our strengths. What I am doing nowfactor. There are so many needs, but I know that I can

Stephanys studies at EARTH were made possible scholarship provided by the Moore Foundation, M Joseph M. Stewart, and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Miller Jr.

I would like to warmly thank my donors for the oppo gave me to have this unique experience at EARTH.

Stephany Lafor

Stephany visits a Prohuerta garden in Haiti.

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The project took an integrated approach to sustainable ethanol productionfrom sugarcane, looking at cane production and harvesting and theutilization of the by-products of ethanol production.

The lead researcher on the project, EARTH Soils Science Professor B.K.Singh, assembled a team of EARTH professors: Bert Kohlmann, JohanPerret, Fritz Elango, Raul Botero and Ramon Len and ve researcherfrom the University of Florida.

The biofuels boom in the rst decade of the millennium led to newtechnologies for converting plant biomass into liquid fuel, or ethanol.The next step was to identify those species that grow quickly in limitedconditions, produce large amounts of biomass and require fewagricultural inputs to thrive.

Ramn Len (right) evaluates energycane growth with student Valdemiro Eugnio Mauaie ('11, Mozambique), who as part of his Professional Experience will be assisting Le

Growing like a weed: research projectshows thepotential for biomasin the humid tropicsCould the humid tropics be the epicenter for cellulose-ethanol production?One research project conducted by EARTH weed science professor, DrRamn Len, seems to indicate a huge potential, while also raisingsome important environmental questions.

In 2009, EARTH University and the University of Florida initiated year-long joint research project funded with a $1 million grant from thUnited States Department of Energy (US DOE).

ADDRESSING CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENVIRONMENTAL DES


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Adriana Escobedo (07, Costa Rica) completed herMasters degreein Environmental Socio- Economicsfrom CATIE last year and today is a consultant helpingto strengthen the entrepreneurial capabilities ofsmall-scale farming cooperatives throughout CentralAmerica.

Among many organizations, she is working with threeorganic farming cooperatives in the Talamanca regionof Costa Rica, helping them market their products,providing training in accounting and nancialmanagement, and analyzing the value chain, sothat they will be able to improve their productsand increase their market position.

Of her experience in Huatusco, she comments, I havealways been interested in promotingentrepreneurship, but my internship really helped

me understand the needs of small farmers. Adrianas studies at EARTH were made possiblethanks to a partial scholarship provided by Mr. Abraham Tanus of Texas, U.S.

Adriana Escobedo delivers a workshop to members of the Huatusco Union during her internship in 2006.

.One of the rst cooperatives invited to joinPorFin was the Huatusco Union. Founded in 1982,the Regional Union of Small-Scale CoffeeProducers of the Huatusco Region in Veracruz,Mexico, represents more than 2,000 small coffeefarmers in this expansive mountainous region,enabling its members to participate in a marketwhere normally only large-scale producers cancompete. The cooperative negotiates fair pricesfor their coffee, as well as volume discounts foragricultural supplies and has invested in educationand health programs for its members and theirfamilies. In 1998, in an effort to provide morestability to its members, the organization decidedto focus on specialty markets, securing fair tradeand organic certications.

Ruben Zuiga Peralta, President of the HuatuscoUnion, explains, For us, the PorFin project wasfundamental; it gave us tools and materials tofoster a culture of scal responsibility and resource

management for the organization as a whin particular for our coffee producing me

Between 2006 and 2009, the Huatuscohosted four EARTH interns, who provideand workshops in accounting, nancagricultural best practices to their meAdriana Escobedo (07, Costa Rica) waintern to work with Huatusco.

Nobody could have predicted the impwould have; she was just one person inregion and she wasnt from Mexico. But a really signicant contribution, remarMolina. In addition to imparting PorFin training wAdriana developed a brand and logo for mthe cooperatives coffee and implemented a succcervical cancer prevention campaign for thin this community.

ADRIANA ESCOBEDO (07)


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Two years later, Marbin Acostas (09, Colombia)internship deeply impacted both Marbin and the

Huatusco Union. Huatusco strengthened my desireto work with people. I learned to direct processes; Ihad to manage people and collaborate with morethan 200 coffee producers. The impact was reallypositive, comments Marbin.

As a result of this experience, for his graduationproject, Marbin developed a methodology formeasuring the impact of cooperatives, using theHuatusco Union as a case study. Marbins internship motivated the Huatusco UnionsBoard of Directors to visit EARTH and learn about the

Institution. Following their visit and convinced of thepower of an EARTH education, the cooperativeestablished two scholarships for children of theirmembers to study at EARTH. The rst student, MarcoAntonio Muoz (14, Mxico) begins his studies in 2011at EARTH and the second will begin in 2012. Ruben Zuiga Peralta, President of the HuatuscoUnion remarks, those young people [the fourEARTH interns] had a high impact; they were highlycompetent professionals, proactive and innovative,elements that we want to foster with our scholarshipprogram for the children of our members, who, inthe not-so-distant future, will be taking over theleadership of the organization.

Marbin Acosta (09, Colombia) returned toSanta Rosa del Sur, in the department ofBolvar, Colombia after graduation where hebegan working with the Asociacin deProductores de Cacao del Sur de Bolvar(APROCASUR) , a cooperative of small-scalecacao farmers whose members had previouslygrown illegal crops . There he was responsiblefor measuring their carbon footprint andseeking buyers for carbon credits in order todevelop environmental projects in the region.

In late 2010, Marbin began working on twomicro-businesses.The rst, BIOGASTecnologas Sostenibles, is working with smalland medium-sized farmers to installbio-digesters with improved materials.Thanks to a government incentive program,Marbin is able to offer the bio-digesters at just60 percent of the cost and hopes to offer a fullline of alternative energy technologies in thenear future.

We want to offer a solution to gasproduction to small and medium-sizedfarmers in rural regions wheredeforestation for rewood and limitedaccess to public services make this idea anecessity.

His second micro-business, PREMIUM H2O,is dedicated to purifying, bottling anddistributing potable drinking-water in thisregion in Colombia where municipal water isnot safe to drink. PREMIUM H2O has fouremployees and in just a month and halfsince starting the company, already boasts150 clients.

With his characteristic enthusiasm andpositive attitude, he affirms: theentrepreneurial projects program at EARTHhas served me very well.

Marbin Acosta studied at EARTH thanks to ascholarship from Durman Esquivel of Costa Rica.

Marbin Acosta led workshops for hundreds of Huatusco U

MARBIN ACOSTA (09)

"We have worked hard to innovate andworking with improved materials and acwith original designs," remarks Marbinbio-digester business.

Marbin (right) is planning to expand offlocales to service other municipalitiespotable water.


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During their visit to EARTH in 2009, the Huatusco Directors took a trip to Santa Mara de Dota to meet Hortensia Sols (06; Costa Rica). Hortensia is ManagResearch and Development Projects at Coopedota, of small scale coffee farmers in the verdant region of LCosta Ricas central valley. Inspired by her work, thher help in developing an investment proposal to prbuyers to mitigate the effects of climate change thproduction of organic compost and alternative energy

During her third-year at EARTH in 2005, Hortensia with Coopedota where she developed a proposal tocooperatives environmental footprint. Upon gracooperative hired her to implement the projects she hSince then, she has been able to secure international implement innovative programs for recycling management, the creation of an organic compost pthe production of ethanol from coffee waste.She is curreworking on the cooperatives international carbcertication, which will make this the rst carbon neu

the world. In 2010, Hortensia was the rst young delegate to be iCosta Rican Government to participate the UniFramework Convention on Climate Change (COFinanciero, the leading business journal in Costa Rieher as one of the 40 most inuentialand successful young lin Costa Rica.

HORTENSIA SOLIS (06)

Hortensia, pictured here in a waste collection center, hasestablished a model recycling program for the community.


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DEVELOPMENT REPORTDEVELOPMENT REPORT

Meaningful, rewarding and powerful, that is how TheodoreTim and Denise Denny Solso describe their relationshipwith EARTH University.

The Solsos philanthropy as private donors and through Mr.Solsos work as chairman and CEO of Cummins, Inc. andchairman of the Cummins Foundation, seeks to benetpeople through education, social justice and environmentalstewardship.

After visiting EARTHs campus seven years ago, they knewdonating to the University would not only be a greatinvestment in a students future, but also in global well-being.

EARTHs program is helping feed the world while protectingthe environment; its alumni are creating jobs and helpingimprove the quality of life of people in their communities.This will lead to more education, which creates more jobsand commerce, and when people have hope andopportunity, it sustains peace, said Mr. Solso.

The Universitys mission was aligned with ourphilanthropic views and also spoke to our belief thateducation is a key to raising opportunity for individualsand communities, added Mrs. Solso, who as a formerteacher knows rst-hand the value of education.

The Solsos made a rst gift following that visit and sincethen have provided scholarships for a young woman fromBrazil named Faelen Tas Klln (08) and Guatemalanstudent, Alberto Josu Reyes Alvarado (12), whootherwise would not have had access to a collegeeducation.

We have had a chance to meet and get to know ourstudents. It is uplifting to see them succeed, remarked Mr.Solso, who adds that they hope to continue providingscholarships and perhaps even an endowed scholarship.

Donors Tim and Denny Solso nd in EARTH a partner forpromoting peace and prosperity


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The Solsos have also incorporated EARTH University in their estate planning, including its future through an insurance policy.

His belief in the power of the EARTH model inspired Mr. Solso to strengthen his ties to thHe currently serves on the EARTH University Board of Directors and the EARTHFoundation Board of Trustees. He also solicits high-net-worth individuals on behalf and has championed the six-million dollar Cummins Foundations Challenge Grant efforts to support the Universitys nancial planning, communications and operations. When asked why they are committed to giving to EARTH, their answer is simple: their University impact students and their communities. Its the one place they see their gifts levsuch an extraordinary degree.

Received signicant multi-year commitmentsfrom Open Society Foundations to support Haitianand African students from Liberia and Sierra Leonand from Panasonic North America to supportstudents from North America, Mexico and Brazil.Developed a successful private-public strategicpartnership in San Luis Potos, Mexico with thelocal government, private companies and NGOsto give six scholarships to students from thisregion. Total funds raised for scholarships exceeded$3.3 million.

Launched the Jos A. Zaglul 20th AnniversaryEndowed Scholarship effort in June 2010 and raisedmore than a quarter million dollars in the last sixmonths of 2010.

On November 13, EARTH University Foundationhosted a Run for EARTH in the Atlanta area. The 5kand 15k courses were held on the private trails of thenewly developed, environmentally sustainable,Serenbe Community. The run exposed more than800 runners to EARTH University.

In December, EARTH University Foundation part i-

cipated in Global Giving's December OpenChallenge. The project, "Educate SustainabilityLeaders at EARTH University," nished secondamong 40 projects, helping EARTH become apermanent member of the Global GivingCommunity and gain entry into Global Giving U.K.

2010 HIGHLIGHTS

GLOBAL FUNDRAISING RESULTS 2010

BY TYPE OF INCOME

GLOBAL FUNDRAISING RESULTS 2010

BY SOURCE OF INCOME


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EARTH University Annual Report 2010

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