When the Hickman family decided to give back to Michigan State University, they knew they wanted to support a cause that affected many people and families—including their own. With their $6 million gift, the Hickman family is propelling cancer research and treatment forward in ways that will transform both human and animal healthcare. This gift, which includes the creation of an endowed chair in oncology and funding for innovative research, supports MSU's unique approach to fighting cancer by bridging veterinary and human medicine.

The Spartan family — including Stephen Hickman; his wife, Sally; their daughters Stephanie Hickman Boyse and Tracy Hickman; and Tracy’s spouse, Chad Munger — all came together for this multigenerational gift.

“The family, like most families, has been touched by cancer a great deal,” says Munger. “That area galvanized interest in giving and supporting Michigan State. This idea that there’s some translational health and research opportunities is a real convergence of interests of the whole family. We think it could have a much larger societal benefit if we focus on it and continue to invest in it.”

The Hickman Family Endowed Chair in Oncology was established in 2022 with half of the gift from the Hickman family. The aim is to take advantage of the synergy between veterinary and human medicine to develop diagnostic tools to fight cancer in people and animals. Serving as the current chair is Kurt Zinn, DVM, MS, PhD, a trailblazer in cancer research, renowned for his expertise in developing cutting-edge imaging and therapeutic agents, with a special focus on targeted radiation therapy.

“The Hickman Family endowed funds have been critical to drive innovation and to enable clinical trials in both animals and humans,” says Zinn. “It’s especially critical for our translational studies and conducting the assays that we need. We’ve used the funding for a lot of equipment in our radiopharmacy.”

The remaining $3 million has created an expendable fund that will fuel research, including a clinical innovations program in the College of Veterinary Medicine. The fund and the program are designed to facilitate relationships within MSU Health Sciences, expand MSU’s animal healthcare network, and improve the quality of life for animals inside and outside the Hospital.

Dr. Kim Dodd, the dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, adds, “This gift is a demonstration of the family’s broad commitment both locally and globally to supporting their community. They’re committed to building on our existing expertise and our clinical capabilities.”

The Hickman family was honored on September 26, 2024, at the College’s Celebration of Generosity as the 2024 Philanthropists of the Year. The family was touched by the honor, but for them, the real reward comes from building something that will have a lasting impact. “Cancer is not a single thing,” says Munger. “Nobody thinks you’re going to solve cancer in one way. But it’s a focus that everyone is emotionally connected to. It builds a base that we’d like to see grow. We’d like to continue to find ways to support what we’ve started here and to end up with something that outlasts all of us.”