Tribute to Lyle Roberts and Mary Burke from the Illinois Soybean Association

On July 6th NSRL paid tribute to Lyle Roberts and Mary Burke from the Illinois Soybean Association for their on-going support of soy research, outreach and educational activities at the University of Illinois. Lyle and Mary who are both retiring have left a remarkable legacy that has greatly contributed to the soy industry and the success of many projects. We have been fortunate to have benefited from their expertise, work ethic and commitment to Illinois soybean producers.

More than sixty soy industry leaders gathered at Memorial Stadium to remember the many contributions of Lyle and Mary and reflect on the true leadership they provided to the industry.

Dr. Hans H. Stein welcomed everyone and thanked Lyle for his part in establishing the National Soybean Research Laboratory Endowed Chair and for his over 25 years dedicated service to the industry. He also thanked Mary for her behind the scenes organizational skills that kept everything running smoothly. Dr. Robert Easter and Steve Sonka also thanked Lyle and Mary and reflected on their successful careers and contributions.

I thanked Lyle and Mary for establishing Managed Resource Areas that provide accountability to Illinois producers regarding the use of their checkoff dollars. Lyle was instrumental in establishing the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health and his visionary leadership has provided U.S. soy as a high protein solution to combat world hunger. With over 800 million people, 200 million of them children, suffering from malnutrition, it takes great vision and leadership to find a sustainable model like soy to provide nutritious sustenance to the world's hungry.

We are grateful for all that Lyle and Mary have done for the U of I and especially NSRL. They have been valued colleagues, influencial collaborators, consummate professionals and skillfull leaders. We wish them the best as we say "soy long".

Regards,

Bridget