Karyn Malinowski says it's time to meet the challenge
When Karyn Malinowski, director of Rutgers’ Equine Science Center, announced a personal donation of $100,000 to support research initiatives and programs of importance to the center at the Equine Science Update meeting in December, members of the audience may have wondered why.
For Malinowski, who played a critical role in conceptualizing and developing the equine studies program within the Department of Animal Sciences at Rutgers, the reasons for making such a generous gift were abundantly clear.
“I made this gift because I firmly believe that people who care about what they do and their chosen industry, need to invest in themselves,” Malinowski said.
According to Malinowski, several key factors came together at the same time toward the end of last year which ultimately influenced her decision. The Rutgers University Foundation had recently launched the public phase of its capital campaign; the Equine Science Center was on the cusp of celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2011; and as a three time alumnae, Rutgers holds a special place in her heart.
“At first glance, this is a significant gift to the Equine Science Center. But, if you expand upon that view point, you’ll see that the gift is for the greater equine community – it will benefit everyone who works with and enjoys horses because it will enable the center to continue its mission of better horse care through research and education,” said Malinowski, a professor of animal sciences in Rutgers’ School of Environmental and Biological Sciences.
The center, a unit of the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station at Rutgers, holds a unique position within the equine industry, Malinowski said. It broadens the scope of what equine science could potentially do beyond the research of the animal science department by bringing together the talent and expertise of people professionally outside of the industry, who are equally passionate about horses. Center research projects often utilize multi-departmental, interdisciplinary, and inter-institutional teams of faculty and staff which result in measurable outcomes.
“To truly make a difference, it takes more than one person. I’m humbled to see my gift motivate people to come together and unite as an industry,” Malinowski said.
The 2007 Economic Impact Study of New Jersey’s horse industry is an example of the center broadening its reach and working with experts in various departments within the university, as well as outside organizations and individuals. The study continues to be widely referenced by politicians and equine advocates as New Jersey deliberates the future of horse racing, which is the economic driving engine of the entire equine industry in the state.
“It is imperative for horse people to understand that the sustainability of the industry depends on more than the passion we feel for our horses,” Malinowski said. “In order to ensure the industry’s future, one needs to go beyond the emotional, sentimental horse connection and recognize that a strong Equine Science Center, supported by outside donors, is a positive step forward in guaranteeing the viability and vitality of the New Jersey horse industry.”
Malinowski remains steadfast in her goal to endow the center. Since 2007, the Equine Science Center has led a fundraising effort to endow the center and its programs, with a goal of $3 million. The endowment will allow the center to operate and continue its teaching, research, and outreach in perpetuity.
“None of this is guaranteed – not the Equine Science Center, nor a vibrant and thriving horse industry in New Jersey,” added Malinowski.
Malinowski sees her donation as a challenge to all students, horse owners, and equine enthusiasts worldwide who have benefited from the center’s resources to make a gift, too. Clearly guests at the Equine Science Update were moved by the emotional gift announcement. By night’s end, the center received over $16,000 in donations.
– Tiffany Cody
Equine Science Center Spring 2011 Newsletter