Taking Stock - Special Edition
ASAS Foundation Week, May 18-22, 2026 

In This Edition - May 19, 2026  

• Leading the Way! - Richard Coffey, Ph.D., ASAS President
• Philanthropy in Action!
  • Undergraduate and Graduate Student Support
    • 2015 - Emily Otto-Tice, Ph.D. - "Because We've Been Where They're Going!"
    • 2026 - Kathlyn Hauxwell, Ph.D. Candidate
  • Early Career Animal Scientists Support - Lucas Melo, Ph.D.
  • Professional Members Awards - Patrícia Massae Oba, Ph.D. and Clay Lents, Ph.D.
• Leaving a Legacy - Fred Stormshak, Ph.D.
  • NEW AWARD - Stormshak Innovations in Reproductive Biology Award
• One Day for ASAS, Thursday, May 21, 2026
• Thank You, ASAS Foundation Partners
  • "Why I Give" - Ellen Davis, Ph.D.

Leading the Way!

Philanthropy in Action!

IMPACT: Undergraduate and Graduate Students

Wilson Pond International Travel Award Recipients - "THEN" 2015 Recipient     

  
(Above, left: "Then" Emily Otto-Tice, Ph.D. student, and Dr. Caitlin Vonderohe, Lizcow, Poland, at DPP, 2015. Above, right: "Now" Emily Otto-Tice, Ph.D., 2026, Lucta)

"I am truly thankful for the generosity of those who support the Wilson Pond Appreciation Club. As the 2015 recipient of the Wilson Pond International Travel Scholarship, I was able to present research from the Purdue Swine Lab at the Digestive Physiology of the Pig Conference in Poland, an opportunity that would not have been possible without ASAS Foundation support! The Foundation creates life-changing opportunities for students and young professionals, and I am grateful to now help support the next generation of animal scientists.” Emily Otto-Tice, Ph.D. | Account Executive, Feed Additives | Lucta | ASAS Member since 2010

and "NOW" - 2026 Recipient
 (Left: Kathlyn Hauxwell, Ph.D. Candidate)
"Receiving the  2026 Wilson Pond International Travel Scholarship is an incredible honor and provides the opportunity to present my research on an international stage. This support allows me to share findings that aim to improve reproductive success and efficiency in the beef industry while engaging with a global network of scientists. I am grateful for the opportunity to represent my work and institution abroad." Kathlyn Hauxwell | Ph.D. Candidate | North Dakota State University

IMPACT: Undergraduate and Graduate Students

 (Left: Lucas Melo, Ph.D.)
"Receiving the Robert Wettemann Graduate Scholar in Physiology Award* is a great honor and meaningful recognition of my work in bovine reproductive physiology. This award supports our efforts to develop practical strategies to improve fertility and productivity in beef cattle and strengthens my commitment to applied research. I am grateful to the ASAS Foundation and its donors for their continued support of graduate students and research in animal science." Lucas Melo, Ph.D. | Department of Animal and Dairy Science | University of Georgia  
*Supported by the Robert Wettemann Appreciation Club

IMPACT: Professional Members

 (Left: Patrícia Massae Oba, Ph.D.)
"Receiving the Corbin Award in Companion Animal Biology is a profound honor that reflects a career shaped by research, teaching, and collaboration in companion animal nutrition and the support of mentors, colleagues, students, and my family. Guided by the principle of Ganbari, to persevere and give one’s best, I have been inspired to approach every challenge with dedication and focus. This recognition affirms that I am on the right path and motivates me to continue bridging science and practice while empowering pets and the people who care for them through education and practical solutions that enhance their health and well-being." Patrícia Massae Oba, Ph.D. | Clinical Assistant Professor | Department of Animal Sciences | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

 (Left: Clay Lents, Ph.D.)
"I thank the James W. Lauderdale Appreciation Club for sponsoring the Animal Physiology and Endocrinology Award. It is a perfect example of Jim’s commitment to making an impact for animal agriculture. I am humbled to receive this award. Many of the past recipients have been important mentors for me both in academia and with USDA. It is truly meaningful to me to continue that legacy of excellence." Clay Lents, Ph.D. | USDA-ARS, Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center

Partner with us as we work together to make a difference in our members' lives, like Kathlyn and Drs. Otto-Tice, Melo, Oba and Lents!

Your Vision. Our Thanks. Leaving A Legacy
NEW AWARD! 

The 1908 Society

“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

    🧭 "Because we've been, where they are going."
(Above, left: "THEN" Fred Stormshak, Washington State Univ., 1959. Above, right: "NOW" Fred Stormshak, Ph.D.)

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.

 (Left: Alice and Fred Stormshak)
Along with 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.

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 this fall - be watching for more information!

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 ASAS Foundation’s 1908 Society.

To learn more about this remarkable family and their commitment to serving others, read their full story here.

To learn more about the 1908 Society, download ASAS 1908 Society Case Statement.

ONE DAY FOR ASAS - THIS THURSDAY!

One Day for ASAS - Fuel the Future
because we've been where they are going
May 21, 2026

Make your gift today to honor your journey and to support theirs!
Contributions now through May 21st support One Day for ASAS

Thank you - ASAS Foundation Giving Partners!