The Opportunity
IALF is raising $250,000 to establish a permanent endowment naming and underwriting the Communication Excellence curriculum in honor of Orion Samuelson.
With an annual draw of approximately 4-5%, the fund will provide $10,000 to $12,000 each year, in perpetuity, to ensure every future cohort receives rigorous, practical, high-impact communication training worthy of Orion's legacy.
Why It Matters
Agriculture needs leaders who can explain complex issues clearly, build trust beyond the farm gate, and represent the industry with steadiness in uncertain moments.
Orion helped make that possible for generations of Fellows. For decades, he sat across from every Illinois Agricultural Leadership Program Fellow and conducted what many still remember as the toughest mock interview of their lives.
Orion taught Fellows that leadership requires more than having something to say - it requires knowing how to say it when the pressure is on. This endowment ensures his standard continues - not only as a memory, but as a permanent part of IALP.
What Your Gift Makes Possible
The Orion "Hot Seat" Experience
Mock media interviews that challenge Fellows to think clearly and communicate under pressure.
Communication Excellence Training
Media training, public speaking coaching, message development, and crisis preparation.
Advocacy Readiness
Equipping leaders to speak on trade, policy, consumer trust, food systems, and the future of agriculture.
Seminar Recognition
Endowment partners will be recognized each time the Communication Excellence seminar is hosted, ensuring Orion's legacy - and the generosity behind it - is visible to every IALP class.
Giving Levels
Legacy Partner - $50,000+
Visionary - $25,000
Champion - $10,000
Advocate - $5,000
Voice - $2,500
Friend of Orion - $1,000
In Memory of Orion - Any Amount
