Contact: Casey Williamson
With great sorrow, the Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine announces the passing of Professor Waldo (Wally) F. Keller, DVM, MS, who died Tuesday, October 25, 2011.
Dr. Keller joined the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine faculty in 1953. He dedicated 43 years of service to MSU as an instructor; professor of Ophthalmology; chair of the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences; assistant, and later, associate dean of Academic Affairs; two-time acting dean, and dean of CVM.
The author of dozens of articles, book chapters, proceedings, and various other publications, Dr. Keller is recognized for his significant contributions to the field of veterinary ophthalmology. He was a founder and former president of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists, and former president of the American Society of Veterinary Ophthalmology. He also was founder and former president of the Consortium of North American Veterinary Interactive New Concept Education (CONVINCE), an international organization that promotes the use of interactive media in veterinary education.
A well-respected teacher, Dr. Keller earned the Norden Outstanding Teacher Award from the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine in 1967. He was honored as a Distinguished Alumnus of The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1980 and, in 1990, was chosen an Honorary Alumnus of the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine. He was presented the Pauline and Walter Adams Award in 1994 and, in 1995, he received the Award of Appreciation from the Michigan Veterinary Medical Association.
Dr. Keller’s family, colleagues, students, and friends knew him to be a person of many talents and interests, as well as an avid MSU fan and supporter. Whether he was in a classroom, laboratory, meeting room or the sidelines of a football game, Dr. Keller represented MSU with dedication, levity, a sense of enjoyment, and dignity. He attended most athletic functions, either as an enthusiastic spectator or as a trumpet player with the Geriatric Six Plus One Dixieland band (composed of all MSU faculty members).
Dr. Keller earned a D.V.M. from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1953 and an M.S. from Michigan State University in 1961. He first joined MSU CVM as an instructor in 1953. From 1954-57, he served in the U.S. Air Force as a veterinarian. In 1957, he returned to CVM and devoted the rest of his 43-year career to the university.
Private funeral services will be held for Dr. Keller. A public celebration of his life is planned for Spring 2012; those details will be provided when finalized.
At the request of Dr. Keller’s children, those wishing to make gift donations in his memory may do so to:
The Dr. Waldo F. Keller Educational Center in Veterinary Medicine
(Allocation Code A60068) Please write the allocation code in the memo section of the check or on enclosed notes, so that your gift is properly credited.
Gift donations in memory of Dr. Keller should be sent to:
- College of Veterinary Medicine
- Development and Alumni Relations
- F130 Veterinary Medical Center
- East Lansing, MI 48824-1314
Gifts made by credit card may be called in to the CVM Development and Alumni Relations at 517-353-4937, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.