Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Animal Science has announced a $5 million commitment from Rozanne and Billy Rosenthal, Ashli and Todd Blumenfeld, Madolin and Ben Rosenthal, and Dr. Madelyn Rosenthal to the Meat Science and Technology Center Construction Fund.

The gift will launch an official fundraising campaign and support the development of the new center at Texas A&M-RELLIS, a 2,400-acre applied research campus in Bryan.

Family photo of several generations of the Rosenthal family in an outdoor location with trees as a backdrop.
The Rosenthal family’s long-standing partnership and support has helped develop the meat sciences program at the Department of Animal Sciences into an esteemed, world-class program. (Jim Paussa)

“The new Meat Science and Technology Center will expand our ability to integrate research, teaching and outreach that will benefit students, industry professionals and producers who will participate in events here,” said Jeffrey W. Savell, Ph.D., vice chancellor and dean for Agriculture and Life Sciences, Distinguished Professor, Regents Professor and the E.M. “Manny” Rosenthal Chair in Animal Science.

“We will push the boundaries of discovery while continuing to train the next generation of leaders in meat science,” Savell said.

Innovative, high-tech facility

With an estimated completion date in spring 2028, the 75,000-square-foot facility will feature cutting-edge laboratories, classrooms and an innovative meat processing floor designed to provide students with hands-on learning opportunities.

“With this state-of-the-art facility, Texas A&M is further poised to become a global leader in advancing meat science research,” said G. Cliff Lamb, Ph.D., director for Texas A&M AgriLife Research. “This center will serve as a catalyst for cutting-edge research and workforce development to accelerate innovation in meat production. We will enhance our understanding of the science and drive the future of sustainable and efficient meat production.”

The building will also include an auditorium and observation areas, enabling the department to offer a wide range of programs, including industry seminars and popular outreach programs like Barbecue Summer Camp, Camp Brisket, Beef 101 as well as Texas 4-H and FFA youth events.

“This innovative, high-tech center will be an unparalleled environment for transformative teaching, innovative research and impactful outreach,” said Clay Mathis, Ph.D., head of the Department of Animal Science. “Our faculty, staff and students will have improved resources to drive collaboration and innovation with industry in a space that further elevates our impact on agriculture and life sciences.”

Architectural rendering of exterior of proposed Meat Science and Technology Center building.
Architectural rendering of interior of the proposed Meat Science and Technology Center building.
The 75,000-square-foot Meat Science and Technology Center will advance meat science through state-of-the-art research and innovative student education and outreach programs for industry and producers. (Kirksey Architecture, Potter Lawson)

Building a legacy

The Rosenthal family’s support of Texas A&M’s Department of Animal Science dates back decades.

Manny Rosenthal ’42, son of Standard Meat Company founder Ben H. Rosenthal, came to Texas A&M in 1938 to study meat science and business administration. As president and then chairman of the board of Standard Meat Company, Manny remained involved with the department’s meat science program and helped endow the E.M. “Manny” Rosenthal Chair, the first endowed meat sciences chair in the United States.

A family photo with Manny Rosenthal standing with his family in front of the Rosenthal Meat Science and Technology Center building.
Manny Rosenthal ’42 left a lasting legacy at Texas A&M University through his commitment to student mentorship, industry collaboration and support for the meat science program. (Courtesy photo)

The current Meat Science and Technology Center at Texas A&M was named in his honor in 1987.

William “Billy” Rosenthal followed Manny as president of Standard Meat Company, and now siblings Ben Rosenthal and Ashli Rosenthal Blumenfeld are the fourth generation to lead the company, continuing to build on their family’s legacy.

“Texas A&M has been integral to the history of Standard Meat, and this development will help ensure the future success of our business and the industry as a whole,” said Ben Rosenthal, Standard Meat Company CEO and co-president.

Ashli Rosenthal Blumenfeld, co-president, agreed.

“Texas A&M is a tremendous partner to our company, providing top talent as well as training and education for our team and customers alike, helping us stay at the leading edge of food safety and quality advancements,” said Blumenfeld. “It’s an honor for our family to continue to support the university and the Meat Science and Technology Center.”

Support the future of meat science

The Department of Animal Science is home to the largest and one of the most highly regarded meat science programs in the world.

“Texas A&M and the Rosenthal family share a rich history of collaboration in advancing meat science, and this commitment is a direct reflection of that legacy,” Savell said. “The Rosenthals have been steadfast partners in shaping the future of meat science education and research. This next phase will be the most exciting and rewarding yet.”

To learn how to support the construction of the new Meat Science and Technology Center, contact Jennifer Ann Scasta ’11, assistant vice president for development at the Texas A&M Foundation, [email protected].

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