“OSU Groundbreaker 21, complete groundbreaking function.” With that directive, the robotics-enhanced, remote-controlled tractor dropped its golden plow and dramatically carved a furrow for the site of the 21st Century Center for Agriculture and Renewable Natural Resources in May of 1984. The tractor had been customized and computerized by faculty in the Department of Agricultural Engineering.

Just months later, on February 27, 1985, OSU President Lawrence Boger announced that the new $30 million research and education facility would officially be named the Noble Research Center for Agriculture and Renewable Natural Resources in honor of the Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation Inc. Boger is pictured with (left to right) Noble Foundation President John F. Snodgrass, OSU Foundation President Bill Platt and a concept drawing of the new center.