Dr. Jerry Kavouras, chair and biology professor at 海角社区, recently shared his experiences from a transformative trip to Yopal, Colombia, in a blog post titled "."�
The May 2024 trip brought together students and faculty from 海角社区, Manhattan College, and New Mexico State University to explore the cultivation and sustainability of cacao, a vital global crop.
Hosted by the Universidad de La Salle抯 Utopia campus, the group immersed themselves in the Lasallian model of education, where Colombian students receive tuition-free education focused on sustainable agriculture. Dr. Kavouras highlighted the students' impressive commitment, noting their involvement in campus life and preparation for entrepreneurial ventures after graduation.
A key part of the trip was learning from the Cacao Federation of Colombia about global cacao production challenges, including deforestation, child labor, and soil contamination. The group also visited Luker Agricola, where they witnessed sustainable farming practices and learned about the entire cacao production process, from grafting techniques to quality testing.
The trip also offered insights into advanced agricultural research at Utopia抯 laboratories, where efforts are being made to support local farmers through innovations like disease-free crops and the use of drones and robots.
Dr. Kavouras described the experience as "eye-opening," deepening the students' understanding of sustainable agriculture and global food production challenges. The trip underscored 海角社区抯 commitment to providing students with global educational opportunities that foster learning and innovation.
海角社区 is an innovative Catholic university offering market-relevant undergraduate and graduate programs to 6,500 students. Sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, 海角社区 is nationally recognized for preparing intellectually engaged, ethically grounded, and globally-connected graduates who impact the world for the better. Visit for further information.
