The Giving Herd - ASAS Foundation Newsletter - February 2026

The Giving Herd "Inspire · Ignite · Invest"
In This February Edition

• Is your school or alma mater the BEST SCHOOL for Animal Science?
  • Bragging rights are on the line as the 2026 Foundation Folly kicks off this March -  friendly competition, big impact, and serious school pride ahead.
    
• Philanthropy in Action - New for 2026!
  • Introducing the Stormshak Innovations in Reproductive Biology Award, celebrating bold ideas and breakthrough science shaping the future of animal reproduction.
• Member Spotlight: Don Beermann, Ph.D.

  • An ASAS member since 1975, Dr. Beermann reflects on a career rooted in service, mentorship, and the lasting impact of investing in others.

• With Gratitude
  • A heartfelt thank you to our ASAS Foundation Giving Partners

🏀 Foundation Folly Is Coming This March -
2026 Is an ALL-NEW Game!

The ASAS Foundation Folly is completely reimagined for 2026! This year features a no-rounds format, two winning categories, and more ways than ever for your school to score big!

Will your school be one of the TWO CHAMPIONS?

Watch the challenge video above from Dr. Sunday Peters, Berry College, reigning 2025 Foundation Folly champions! They’re defending the title and daring YOU to step up!

🏀 Two champions will rise in 2026. Two titles. Two amazing prizes. One unforgettable showdown. Will your school claim the glory? 🏀

March 23rd - April 5th

Every contribution fuels the ASAS Foundation’s Student and Young Animal Scientists Opportunities Fund, powering travel, research, and leadership development for the next generation.

More details and how to enter are coming SOON! Get your team ready - the court is calling!

Philanthropy in Action - New in 2026:
Stormshak Innovations in Reproductive Biology Award

 (Left: Fredrick Stormshak, Ph.D.)

“ASAS has been my professional home for over 65 years - connecting me to the science, students, and colleagues that shaped my entire career.” Dr. Fredrick Stormshak

As the first in his family to attend college, his academic path ultimately led him to a distinguished career in reproductive biology and a 65+ year connection to the American Society of Animal Science (ASAS). 

During his faculty career at Oregon State University, Dr. Stormshak's greatest fulfillment was mentoring graduate students, and many went on to lead research programs or veterinary medicine. 

Alongside his wife, Alice, they are deeply committed to education, lifelong learning, and investing in future generations.

To honor the field that shaped his career and values, Fred and Alice Stormshak have established the Stormshak Innovations in Reproductive Biology Award through the ASAS Foundation. 

  (Left: Alice and Fred Stormshak)
This new award celebrates bold ideas and breakthrough science shaping the future of animal reproduction, recognizing excellence in reproductive biology research focused on large domestic animals. This award will be open for applications later this year.

The Stormshaks’ generosity reflects a belief in paying forward the mentorship, opportunities, and sense of belonging that ASAS has long provided and in ensuring the next generation of animal scientists is inspired to push the field forward.

With deep appreciation, we recognize and celebrate Fred and Alice for their visionary leadership in advancing reproductive biology, a commitment that places them among the distinguished members of the ASAS Foundation’s 1908 Society.

To learn more about or to support the Stormshak Innovations in Reproductive Biology Award, visit ONLINE HERE. 

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Meet ASAS Member, Don Beermann, Ph.D. - “Legacy in animal science comes from doing meaningful work in our own time and using that work to open doors for the next generation.” 

 (Left: Don Beermann and Cy the Cardinal, ISU's mascot)
"A passion for animal science began near Denison, Iowa, where caring for cattle, swine, poultry, and crops was simply part of everyday life. Growing up as the oldest of six children on a second-generation farm meant learning early that agriculture is built on shared responsibility, long days, and deep respect for animals and the land.

Those early lessons carried naturally into Future Farmers of America (FFA), where leadership and confidence took shape through public speaking, parliamentary procedure, and hands-on livestock projects. Recognition as a State Star Farmer affirmed that agriculture was more than a childhood experience; it was a calling worth pursuing.

College introduced new challenges as a first-generation student at Iowa State University. An early shift from agricultural engineering to animal science felt less like a change in direction and more like finding the right fit. Faculty mentorship and research experiences, particularly in muscle biology, opened doors that had never been imagined and set the stage for graduate study, teaching, and leadership.

     
(Above, left: Don Beermann, junior year at ISU. Above, right: Provost Jonathan Wickert, Don Beermann, and President Wendy Wintersteen during Don’s recognition as Outstanding New Department Administrator in 2016.)

Graduate school at the University of Wisconsin-Madison shaped both my career and my life in ways I never expected. One night, at a small celebration for passing PhD preliminary exams, a young lady named Holly asked why everyone kept calling the guy serving beer “Beermann," and, as they say, the rest is history. In 2025, Holly and I celebrated our 50th anniversary.

Along the way, we raised three sons, Dale, Brian, and Bret, who have since blessed us with seven incredible grandchildren. Although our boys didn't follow me into animal science,  each found a path that fits who they are. Family, much like science, has always been about growing, learning, and moving forward together.

As family life grew, so did an academic career spanning Cornell University, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and Iowa State University, blending research, teaching, and leadership. Joining American Society of Animal Science (ASAS) during graduate school proved transformative. ASAS offered not just professional opportunities, but a sense of community extending work beyond the classroom and lab to advocacy, public engagement, and lasting relationships that felt like an extended family.
     
(Above left: Holly and Don. Above right: Holly, Don, and their family - the heart of their legacy.)

My journey is greatly credited to my remarkable mentors through the different stages of my career, including Paul Brackelsburg, Dave Topel, Denny Marple, Bob Cassens, Marion Greaser, Bob Young, Irv Omtvedt, Prem Paul, and Wendy Wintersteen, all of whom provided valuable guidance.

Research accomplishments remain a source of pride, particularly work unraveling the complex metabolic mechanisms of the beta agonist cimaterol. My research and passion didn’t stop at the lab door. Along the way, there were opportunities to step into difficult conversations, including a public debate with Alex Herschaft of the Farm Animal Reform Movement; deliver plenary lectures in Brussels; hire and mentor dozens of faculty members; direct millions of dollars in research facility investments; and secure AAALAC accreditation. Each experience reinforced the responsibility that animal scientists carry not only to science but also to society.
 (Left, left to right: Five ASAS Past Presidents, and also Department Heads or IANR Administrators at UNL. Left to right: Irv Omtvedt, Ronnie Green, Deb Hamernik, Terry Klopfenstein, and Don Beermann)

Looking back, the journey went far beyond anything I could have imagined as a first-generation college student. Being part of ASAS brought purpose, community, and the chance to help shape what comes next. Supporting the ASAS Foundation is how Holly and I give back, and we invite others to join us in creating opportunities for the next generation of animal scientists."  Don Beermann, Ph.D., ASAS member since 1975

If Don and Holly's story has inspired you, become an ASAS Foundation Partner and take pride in knowing you're making a difference in the lives of current and future animal scientists! Learn more ONLINE HERE. To make a gift of securities, through a donor-advised fund or IRA distribution (RMD-eligible), or other giving options, please contact Amy Brainard, ASAS Chief Development Officer, at amyb@asas.org or (317)729-7600. 

Thank you - ASAS Foundation Giving Partners!