Ms. Michelle Van Deuren, laboratory manager for the Aquatic Animal Disease Ecology (AADE) Program within the MSU - Aquatic Animal Health Laboratory (MSU-AAHL; Department of Fisheries and Wildlife and Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation), was recently awarded the prestigious Michigan State University Ruth Jameyson “Above and Beyond” Award. This esteemed award is bestowed annually upon a staff member who “most closely exemplifies the contributions, personal characteristics, and commitment to MSU demonstrated by Ms. Ruth Jameyson, going “above and beyond” what is reasonably expected in supporting the mission of Michigan State University.” Van Deuren earned this award while simultaneously pursuing a master’s degree within the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife under the guidance of Dr. Thomas Loch, director of the AADE and assistant professor for the Colleges of Agriculture and Natural Resources and Veterinary Medicine.

Ms. Ruth Jameyson served as secretary to MSU President Robert S. Shaw from 1938 to 1941 and administrative assistant to President John A. Hannah from 1941 to 1969. Ms. Jameyson took on roles and responsibilities far beyond her formal job description. Having arrived in Lansing with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, Ms. Jameyson pursued a master’s degree in economics at MSU while working full time. Ms. Jameyson was the epitome of a dedicated woman possessed of dignity and grace, widely admired for her professionalism, loyalty, kindness, strength, and patience.

“Michelle is the embodiment of above and beyond. Indeed, when I read about Ms. Jameyson, I swore the authors were writing about Michelle! Never daunted by workload, be it piles or mountains, Michelle is a tremendous asset to my growing program, the departments of Fisheries and Wildlife and Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, Michigan State University, and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fishery Division,” says Loch. “I consider myself very fortunate to have worked with Michelle for nearly 15 years and know without a doubt that her consistently “above and beyond” mindset has greatly enhanced past, present, and future successes of the MSU-AAHL and all the people that have passed through its doors.”