Pete discussed the history of restoration industry partnerships with universities, particularly highlighting Purdue's 10-year program that fell short of its fundraising goal, which would have provided matching funds for a research lab. He emphasized that the industry needs to continue building on these initiatives, with Jake Avila's program at MTSU representing a new opportunity to establish a lasting connection between the restoration industry and higher education. Cliff noted that the original Purdue program was supported by 10 donations of $15,000 per year for 10 years from 10 companies or individuals, totaling $150,000, or 1.5 million dollars over 10 years; with a matching funds pledge by an anonymous donor. It was suggested that a similar grassroots approach could be effective for MTSU's program |