Alumnus Richard Witter (DVM, ’60) is an internationally renowned researcher and member of the National Academy of Science, and served as director of the US Department of Agriculture’s Avian Disease and Oncology Laboratory in East Lansing from 1980 to 2002. Witter helped to develop vaccines for Marek’s disease, a highly contagious viral disease in chickens that nearly destroyed the poultry industry in the 1960s. Witter recognized the need to foster veterinarians to study the control of critical diseases and infections in animals to protect both animal and human health. In 2005, he and his wife, Joan, created an endowed scholarship to support veterinary students at MSU in summer research experiences to encourage them to pursue research careers, particularly careers studying poultry or other food animal infectious disease. The scholarship is awarded annually. The Witters also have another endowed fund to support PhD training for veterinarians.

“Perhaps one of the most important roles of the veterinarian, generating new knowledge to protect human and animal health, may also be one of the most overlooked,” says Dr. Vilma Yuzbasiyan-Gurkan, associate dean for Research and Graduate Studies for the College. “Dr. Witter understands the importance of this need, and we are grateful he has chosen to help MSU develop experts in the field.”