(KLZA)-- Peru State College has announced a generous donation of 26 acres of land from longtime supporters, Dr. Daryl and the late Peggy Long.

This substantial gift, located adjacent to the college campus, represents a significant potential expansion of the college- footprint, and opens exciting new opportunities for the institution- growth and development.

The Longs have been dedicated advocates of Peru State College for many years.

Dr. Long taught at Peru State for 50 years teaching chemistry, energy, and math among many other subjects. Mrs. Long taught for many years in area school districts.

Peru State President Michael Evans, said the property will impact the College far into the future, and that Peru State is eager to start thinking about how to use it well to benefit our students. However the property is used, it will always be called the Long Farm, and a bronze plaque recognizing Daryl and Peggy for their impressive contributions to Peru State will be installed .

Dr. Long commented, Peru State College has a special place in our hearts, and we are honored to contribute to its growth and future success.”

The Longs were the grand marshals for the 2017 Peru State homecoming parade. Most recently, Dr. Long was recognized with the College- Distinguished Service Award in 2022. Over the years, the Longs have provided two different sculptures, the “Power of Thoughts” statue sits in the lobby of the Jindra Fine Arts Building, while the “Cat in the Hat” statue is nestled in the Sesquicentennial Plaza next to the Performing Arts Center. Recently, Dr. Long formalized two endowments through the Peru State College Foundation which will provide continual support for the College- etiquette/financial planning dinners and to assist with the distinguished speaker series on campus.