O. W. Israelsen and international students attending the Irrigation Short Course at the future site of the Water Research Lab, 1953 (P0358 Box 3, Folder 5, Item 71)

Thirty-two attendees and faculty of the Irrigation Short Course standing in front of the Old Main building at Utah State University, ca. 1950s (P0358 Box 4, Folder 1, Item 14)

O. W. Israelsen and international students inspecting a canal gate at the future site of the Water Research Lab, 1953 (P0358 Box 4, Folder 1, Item 10)

Between 1965 and 1980, USU’s international student population dramatically increased. In 1981, international students comprised more than ten percent of USU’s total enrollment. With establishment of the Inter-American Center for the Integral Development of Land and Water Resources (CIDIAT), USU began its long relationship with Latin American countries. The subsequent establishment of the International Irrigation Center during the early 1980s continued the university’s international outreach by providing training and conducting research. The center also functioned as a technical resource center for the promotion of international cooperation and understanding.

Furthermore, in cooperation with Cornell and Colorado State University, USU initiated the Water Management Synthesis Project in 1982. Funded through the U.S. Agency for International Development, the project extended for five years with a budget of over $20 million, and it included projects from Peru to Pakistan. Irrigation engineer Jack Keller codirected the project.

Review of Jordan Valley Authority Irrigation Facilities: Jordan/USAID: Water Management Synthesis II Project

Map from the Water Management Synthesis Report showing surface, drain, and well water quality along the EGMC Irrigation System, September 1986 [click to enlarge]

Furthermore, in cooperation with Cornell and Colorado State University, USU initiated the Water Management Synthesis Project in 1982. Funded through the U.S. Agency for International Development, the project extended for five years with a budget of over $20 million, and included projects from Peru to Pakistan. Irrigation engineer Jack Keller co-directed the project.