Leonard J. Francl Memorial Endowment

for the advancement of the study of plant epidemiology
at the Pennsylvania State University

Leonard Francl believed that agriculture could change the world. He was inspired by his hero Norman Borlaug to study plant pathology. Leonard specialized in the study of the epidemiology of wheat diseases and developed computer models to forecast plant disease to help farmers plan and increase yields. You can learn more about Leonard by reading his obituary or CV.

Leonard loved working at Penn State. When he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, he directed that an endowment be set up there in his name. The purpose of this endowment is to advance the study of plant epidemiology at Penn State through graduate student recruitment and assistance, professional development, colloquium invitations, and meeting sponsorship.

Leonard touched the lives of many he worked with. Not one to take credit for others' work, he took great pride in seeing the success of his students and colleagues.

Leonard's passion was to make the world a better place by studying and controlling plant disease. As the Head of the Plant Pathology Department at Penn State, he found a great place and a great team to help achieve that goal. Sadly, Leonard was taken from us much too soon.

You can help his work live on by contributing to the Leonard J. Francl Memorial Endowment.

Contributions can be made by sending a check to the Pennsylvania State University, care of the Leonard J. Francl Memorial Endowment in Plant Pathology, 211 Buckhout Laboratory, University Park, PA 16802. For more details, please call (814) 865-7448.