A Members Animal Science Journey

"ASAS is an extended family to us and our children. Our kids connected with the children of other ASAS members and looked forward to each annual gathering. Just like us, they have formed lifelong friendships through these meetings."

- Bob and Grace Wettemann

(Photo above: Bob Wettemann)

While America reached new heights in 1968 with Boeing's 747 jumbo jet's first flight and the Apollo 8 mission became the first to orbit the moon (when Astronaut Frank Borman famously announced, “Houston, please be informed there is a Santa Claus”), my life was transforming profoundly.

My heart was overflowing with joy and anticipation as I married Grace, beginning a lifelong partnership filled with love and shared dreams. Additionally, I took a significant step in my professional journey by attending my first ASAS Meeting.

During those pivotal years, I was fortunate to receive guidance and mentorship from the esteemed Drs. Harold Hafs, Allen Tucker, and Jack Britt at MSU. Each of these professors was a passionate supporter of ASAS!

(Photos above: (Left) Dr. Harold Hafs, (Center) Dr. Allen Tucker, (Right) Dr. Jack Britt)

Grace and I first crossed paths during our grad school days at MSU, living in the same dorm. We've been blessed with three wonderful kids—Robert Jr., Rebecca, and Beth—and five amazing grandchildren (if I do say so myself!).

Admittedly, being part of ASAS has not been just my journey but has been more of a dynamic duo adventure with Grace as my trusty sidekick. She has joined me for nearly 40 Annual Meetings, earning her the title of “Honorary ASAS Member!” These meetings have been the cornerstone of our summer escapades and family vacations.

(Photo above: Bob and Grace Wettemann)

Back in the day, the Annual Meetings were held on college campuses. I vividly recall our first Annual Meeting in 1968 at OSU—where we drove from MSU and endured the kind of heat that makes you question the sanity of living in Oklahoma. And then, four years later, irony had the last laugh as I joined the OSU faculty, and we've been calling it home for 52 years (Go POKES!).

ASAS is an extended family to us and our children. Just like us, our kids have formed lifelong friendships through these meetings.

(Photo above: Bob and Grace's family, kids and grandkids, on bob's farm)

ASAS is also my "academic family," and I'm sure many of you can relate!

Our meetings are like family reunions, where we catch up with friends from all stages of our academic journeys. Thanks to ASAS, we have friends all over the globe, and it's fun to stay updated on everyone's achievements and keep current with the profession.

(Photo above: (Left to Right) Mike Looper, Archie Clutter, Jim Oltjen, Tom Hoagland, Kim Vonnahme, Clint Krehbiel, Debra Aaron, Jim Sartin, Bob Wettemann, Joel Yelich)

During this season of Thanksgiving, we look forward to December 3^rd, Giving Tuesday, a day when we unite to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. It serves as a reminder of the power of collective action and the impact we can have when we come together for a common cause. I invite you to join Grace and me in supporting the ASAS Foundation on Giving Tuesday (and yes, no need to wait - you can make a gift online now at ASAS Giving Tuesday 2024).

Together, let's unite and share the incredible benefits and opportunities we've been fortunate to experience in our careers, all thanks to the programs, members, and generous donors of ASAS!

To read Bob and Grace's full story, visit online here.

To learn more about supporting animal scientists through all stages of their careers through the ASAS Foundation, visit online here.

Thank you!

Thank you to our ASAS Foundation Giving Partners!
As a thank you for your generosity, you receive one of these Collector Magnets each year that you make a difference with a charitable contribution.

ASAS is a Key to my Success Because...

ASAS has been a presence in my family's life for three generations, from my father-in-law to me, and now my daughter. With each passing generation, my family’s roots in ASAS have grown deeper, and impressively, each of us has ties to the world-renowned Dr. Preston! 

ASAS has been more than just an organization to us. It has been a second family, a source of support, and a catalyst for our growth and success. I am grateful for the doors it has opened for my family and for the countless opportunities it continues to provide.

As animal scientists, we are unique in the fact that we are all part of a professional family tree, where knowledge and expertise are passed down from one generation to the next.

Through the ASAS Foundation, it is an honor to support the Rodney L. Preston Appreciation Club, paying tribute to the lasting impact he has made on our family and the entire animal science community. Additionally, I am a strong advocate for the Excellence in Animal Science Advancement Fund.

Please join me in showing our gratitude for ASAS’ influence and impact on our lives with our charitable contributions to the ASAS Foundation. Together, our generosity ensures that aspiring professionals in our field continue to learn from industry leaders and stay at the forefront of advancements in animal science.

- Deana Hancock, Ph.D. | Director | Global Applied Research and Technology | Novus

To learn more about the Rodney L. Preston Appreciation Club and other ASAS Foundation initiatives, visit online here.

A Message from Glenn Duff, Ph.D.

"Open New Doors in 2024" is not only our campaign slogan; it is a promise we wholeheartedly stand by. With your charitable support, we can uplift, acknowledge, and honor animal scientists at every phase of their careers. Thank you for partnering with us to champion our colleagues and the future leaders in our industry!"

Glenn Duff, Ph.D., ASAS Foundation Chair | Professor | Department of Animal and Range Sciences | New Mexico State University

Become an ASAS Giving Partner Today!

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