The Giving Herd - ASAS Foundation Newsletter - April 2025

ASAS Foundation Newsletter - The Philanthropic Branch of ASAS

In This April 2025 Edition - The Giving Herd "Inspire · Ignite · Invest"

• Philanthropy in Action
  • Meet the 2025 H. Allen Tucker Travel Scholarship Award recipient, Taylor Sidney
• A Member's Story - "Pigs were the path that helped me serve people"
  • Richard Coffey, Ph.D.
• Coming in May!
  • ASAS Foundation Week
  • “One Day for ASAS”
  • "Legacy Scholarships"
• Inspire ● Ignite ● Invest!
  • A message from Glenn Duff, Ph.D.
• Thank You ASAS Foundation Partners!
  

Inspire · Ignite · Invest - Philanthropy in Action!                         

"Receiving the H. Allen Tucker Travel Scholarship Award is an incredible honor that supports my professional development and allows me to share my research with an amazing scientific community. I’m truly grateful to the ASAS Foundation for investing in the next generation of animal scientists and for providing meaningful opportunities like this to help us grow." Taylor Sidney | Ph.D. Candidate | STEM Fellow | Animal and Food Science | West Virginia University               

Congratulations, Taylor, on being selected as the 2025 H. Allen Tucker Travel Scholarship Award recipient, supported by ASAS Foundation's H. Allen Tucker Appreciation Club.

To learn how you can support this scholarship and other Foundation initiatives, visit online here.
 DONATE

A Member's Story - "Pigs were the path that helped me serve people."

In Jones, Oklahoma, I grew up on a small hobby farm that looked like something straight out of Green Acres, with a few cows, chickens, pigs, a garden, and plenty of mud. Life was simple, but it was full of lessons, love, and laughter. 

My dad, a full-time concrete contractor with a ninth-grade education, and my mom gave me and my three sisters endless encouragement. When I said I wanted to go to college, they were all in.

In 1981, I started college aiming to become a vocational ag teacher like my mentor, Mr. Frank Stehno. But life had other plans. While I was working towards my double major in animal science and agriculture education at Oklahoma State University (OSU), I was offered a herdsman job, so I dropped the agriculture education part of my degree plan and majored solely in animal science. That pivot was one of the best choices I ever made. One year into college, I married my high school sweetheart, Millissa, and our first daughter was born in 1983, and we’ve been in fast-forward ever since!

                
(Dr.s Charles Maxwell and Gary Cromwell)

I earned my undergrad and M.S. in animal science at OSU, guided by Dr. Charles Maxwell, and then completed my Ph.D. at the University of Kentucky (UKY) under Dr. Gary Cromwell. By then, with two kids at home, I juggled family, work, and school, which led me to discover my passion for swine extension. 

Extension work was my calling. Pigs were the path that helped me serve people; whether it was improving farms, supporting families, or mentoring young folks. I spent 32 years at UKY and now serve as Department Head of Animal and Food Sciences at OSU.

Since 1990, ASAS has been my professional home. Over time, ASAS became more than a professional organization. It became a family. It’s where I built lasting friendships, found mentorship, and grew both personally and professionally. I could categorize ASAS as another of my important communities, somewhat similar to my church family. It’s a place where I’m surrounded by people who challenge, support and inspire me. Whether it's a five-minute hallway chat or a days-long conversation, ASAS constantly challenges and uplifts me. It’s a phenomenal place to be a member!

                                              
(Richard, Millissa and their daughters, Dogs Maddie & Milo, and Richard, Millissa, and their grandsons)

Today, Millissa and I have two wonderful daughters, three energetic grandsons, and two spoiled Schnauzers, Maddie and Milo. Life is full, and we are grateful.

I support the ASAS Foundation because I remember the people who gave to me - mentors, colleagues, and friends who helped me find my way. This journey has been more than a job. It’s been a calling. And I’m grateful every day that pigs, of all things, helped me find my purpose.

If ASAS has been part of your journey, too, and helped shape your career, your friendships, or your sense of purpose, please join me in giving back. Let’s make sure the next generation has the same opportunities we were given.
Richard Coffey, Ph.D.

To read Richard's full story, visit HERE.

✤ Coming Next Month

2025 ASAS Foundation Week and One Day for ASAS!            

Celebrate ASAS Foundation Week | May 19–23, 2025

Join us as we shine a daily spotlight on the impact of the ASAS Foundation. Throughout the week, we’ll share inspiring stories from members and award recipients whose careers have been shaped by your generosity. Together, we’re building a stronger future for animal science - one opportunity at a time!

And then...

  🌟 One Day. Lasting Impact. 🌟

One Day for ASAS is our day to pay it forward! Join us for this one-day campaign and help ensure the next generation of animal scientists gets to experience the same unforgettable moments, career-shaping opportunities, and lifelong connections that ASAS has given you.

To learn more and support now, visit online here. Every gift fuels lasting impact! Your support opens doors for students, celebrates excellence, powers key meetings and symposia, and drives the future of animal science. 

NEW - "Legacy Scholarships"
During Foundation Week, watch for the exciting announcement as we introduce the new Legacy Scholarships*  through ASAS Foundation's Legacy Fund. By investing in our dedicated graduate students, these scholarships will provide travel awards, enabling them to attend an ASAS meeting of their choice. This will empower them to share their own research, connect and collaborate with industry leaders, open doors for their future career opportunities and make a lasting impact on the world.

*Beginning January 1, 2025, all contributions to the Legacy Fund provide support for the Legacy Scholarships, in addition to supporting ASAS Foundation's highest priorities.

Inspire · Ignite · Invest - Enriching Animal Science

(Glenn Duff, Ph.D.)

I am thrilled to invite you to join us in ASAS Foundation's 2025 campaign, Inspire ● Ignite ● Invest – Enriching Animal Science. This initiative embodies our commitment to advancing animal science, sparking innovation, and investing in the future. Together, we have the power to inspire breakthroughs, ignite passion in the next generation, and invest in meaningful progress that will shape the industry for years to come. Your partnership is not just a contribution, it is a catalyst for change, a commitment to excellence, and a step toward a brighter future for animal science. Let’s make a lasting impact together!"  - Glenn Duff, Ph.D. | ASAS Foundation Chair | Professor | Department of Animal and Range Sciences | New Mexico State University

Inspire is our opportunity to unlock others' potential. As we collaborate, we harness the wonders of research and innovation to create a brighter future where our collective efforts make a meaningful impact.

Ignite is the spark that fuels our inspiration, lights up our passion, and drives us to achieve greatness. Igniting this passion within ourselves and others creates a ripple effect, leading to innovative ideas and groundbreaking discoveries.

Invest in our animal science community, supporting our fellow animal scientists through all stages of their careers. Our commitment today will empower young minds to dream bigger, think bolder, and lead with courage and compassion.

Thank you!

Thank you to our ASAS Foundation Giving Partners!