The DePorre scholarship fund

A fellowship that provides an opportunity for donors and for students

The DePorre family has deep ties to Michigan State University and to the College of Veterinary Medicine. Pierre L. DePorre (DVM ’56) graduated from MSU, as did his brother, his children, and now his grandchildren. Dr. DePorre’s son Paul DePorre graduated from James Madison College at MSU, and son Dr. Pierre DePorre (MSU DVM ’83); daughter in- law, Dr. Deborah W. DePorre (MSU DVM ’85); and cousin, Dr. Jules J. DePorre (MSU DVM ’76), all practice at DePorre Veterinary Hospital. His granddaughter Yvonne graduated with a bachelor’s in chemistry, and grandson Peter is currently a linebacker on the Spartan’s football team.

Pierre L. DePorre put himself through college in the 1950s, first earning his bachelors and then his DVM. He retired in 1986 from DePorre Veterinary Hospital, a small animal practice he established in Bloomfield Hills in 1958. He died November 20, 2006.

Following his death, DePorre’s wife Virginia DePorre and the their children gathered as a family to discuss ways in which they could honor his name and his memory.

“The veterinary college was near and dear to his heart, and we thought this was a fitting way to remember him, said Paul DePorre. “We established the DePorre Family Foundation, which primarily funds the Dr. Pierre and Virginia DePorre Scholarship Fund.”

The fund initially provided an individual student with $50,000 per year for the entire four years of the program. The fund was awarded every four years and the scholarship stayed with the student until she or he graduated. The scholarship distribution has changed slightly over the years, and now will provide four students, one in each graduating class, with smaller scholarships.

“Our gift to the College provides an opportunity for us to get together

as a family and honor my father and also to contribute financially to

the education of current veterinary students.”

“We decided we would like to have an impact on more people,” said Paul DePorre, who administers the foundation. “Previously, one individual was funded for four years and, at the end of that term, an individual from the next incoming class was awarded the scholarship. Now, a student from each class will receive scholarship funds.”

With the increased cost of all education, including veterinary school, many students face challenges in paying for school. The DePorres determined that providing scholarships to individuals in each class would be more in keeping with their goals.

To further honor Pierre L. DePorre’s memory and maintain a personal relationship to the fund, the family meets each scholarship recipient.

Scholarship recipients must excel academically. As part of the application process, candidates write a statement describing a hardship they have overcome and how that experience has influenced their desire to become a veterinarian. Candidates also address their financial need for the scholarship.

“My dad felt that the university and the College of Veterinary Medicine provided him with great opportunities,” said Paul DePorre. “This is the family’s way of thanking the university and the College, and helping others enjoy the opportunities a veterinary degree can provide.”

Posted: September 2014
Contact: Casey Williamson

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