A sculpture honoring Edgar Sharp McFadden has been placed on the northwest side of SDSU’s campus, after months of anticipation. 

The artwork was placed on Dec. 11 between the Raven Precision Agriculture Center and the McFadden Biostress Laboratory.

The sculpture was initially going to be installed in spring 2025.

The delay was due to the artist’s studio relocating, said Jim Connors, associate dean and director of academic programs in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, as well as a coordinator for the project.

“The artist’s studio moved from Iowa to Florida,” Connors said.

McFadden spent years crossing strains of wheat in hopes of creating a rust-resistant variety. As an undergraduate at SDSU in 1910, he refused to let wheat rust disease destroy crops and threaten global food security. 

At 18, McFadden successfully produced a disease-resistant variety of wheat he called “Hope.”

“Hope saved millions of people from starvation during the Second World War,” SDSU President Barry Dunn said while highlighting McFadden’s legacy during his inaugural address in 2016.  

Though not widely known, McFadden’s impact is felt worldwide, with many modern wheat varieties still containing genetic material from Hope.

The sculpture stands 24 feet tall and features elements that reflect McFadden’s legacy and his determination to never give up.

In a Collegian article published in January 2025, nationally acclaimed artist Reinaldo Correa, who created the sculpture, said he hopes the artwork will inspire those who encounter it.  

“My hope is that, once this artwork is installed, those walking through the corridor will encounter this monumental piece and its accompanying kiosks and feel inspired by the experience and story,” Correa said. 

A ceremony honoring McFadden’s legacy is scheduled for April during AgWeek.