The Giving Herd - ASAS Foundation Newsletter - August 2026
The Giving Herd "Inspire · Ignite · Invest"
In This August Edition
Philanthropy in Action!
A Thank-You Video Message from the 2026 ASAS Foundation Recipients
Scholarships and Internships - Opening for applications in September
ASAS Foundation Partner Story - James A. Dias, Ph.D.
"If I had to explain how I arrived where I am today, I wouldn't start with science. I'd start with the people who believed in me."
With Gratitude - Thank you to our ASAS Foundation Partners!
Philanthropy in Action!
(Click on video to watch a message from the 2026 ASAS Foundation Award Recipients)
The People Behind the Opportunities
Every scholarship, travel award, research award, and career recognition has a person behind it.
This year's recipient appreciation video features messages from students, early-career professionals, and established researchers whose achievements and opportunities have been supported or recognized through the ASAS Foundation.
Their stories reflect the many ways philanthropy strengthens the animal science community.
Please take a few minutes to watch the video and hear directly from this year's recipients. Whether they're just beginning their careers or being recognized for a lifetime of contributions, each message is a sincere expression of appreciation for the donors and Foundation partners who make these opportunities possible.
Investing in our Members!
Learn more about and get involved in creating additional opportunities for animal scientists, online at ASAS Foundation.
Scholarship and Internship Applications - Opening in October
The next application cycle for several ASAS Foundation opportunities opens in October. These programs help students and early-career professionals gain valuable experiences, expand their professional networks, and prepare for successful careers in animal science.
Applications will open for:
D.C. Animal Agriculture Policy Internship (summer 2027)
Swine Nutrition Heritage Fund Travel Scholarship
Dr. Gary Allee Appreciation Club Travel Award
We encourage eligible students and early-career professionals to watch for application details and deadlines in September. Thank you to the donors and Foundation partners whose generosity makes these opportunities possible.
Meet James A. Dias, Ph.D.
The Journey Was Never Mine Alone: Shaped by Mentorship
(Left: James "Jim" A. Dias, Ph.D.)
"If I had to explain how I arrived where I am today, I wouldn't start with science. I'd start with the people who believed in me. I've come to realize they were shaping my life long before I recognized them as mentors. Some offered advice. Others simply led by example. Together, they changed the direction of my life in ways I couldn't have imagined.
As a fourth-generation descendant of Portuguese immigrants who settled in the Hawaiian Islands, I grew up in Hilo on the Big Island, where agriculture was king. It shaped my community, my family, and many of the values I carry with me today.
My earliest mentors were found at home, beginning with my father. After his own father died suddenly, those events forced him to abandon his dream of becoming a physician in favor of supporting his family. Later, he and my mother, neither of whom attended college, made education a priority for their children. They believed opportunity comes through education and that it is always worth investing in. That example has guided me throughout my life.
My Uncle Joe’s career revolved around livestock, and although he probably never thought of himself as a mentor, on my many visits with him, he sparked my interest in agriculture simply by sharing that work which he loved.
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(Above, left to right: Jim's parents, Clifford and Hilda Dias; Jim and his dad, graduation 1971; Uncle Joe on horseback at a paniolo parade.)
For a while, I thought my future would be writing. A wonderful high school teacher encouraged my poetry, but a year-long undergraduate general biology course changed everything. I loved it! That excitement eventually led me to earn a bachelor's degree in biology from Gonzaga University before continuing my studies in reproductive physiology at Washington State University.
As my career unfolded, remarkable mentors continued to shape my path. Dr. Jerry Reeves had the greatest influence, often sharing lessons from his own mentor, Nobel Laureate Dr. Andrew Schally. My postdoctoral mentor, Dr. Leo Reichert, challenged me in new ways as I pursued research on follicle-stimulating hormone and its receptor.
If I could thank all my mentors today, I'd thank them for shaping the way I approach science, mentorship, and leadership. Rather than telling me what to do, they’d ask, ‘What is it that you want to do, and how will we together make that happen?’
(Above, left: Jerry J. Reeves, Ph.D.; Above, right: Dr. Leo Reichert, Jr., Ph.D, photo from The Endocrine Society Annual Awards, The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, Volume 33, Issue 1, 1 July 1971, page 166. Used with permission.)
I have had the privilege of working with exceptional students, postdoctoral fellows, and colleagues whose curiosity and dedication helped advance our collective understanding of reproductive biology. Concomitantly, I was fortunate to serve in several educational and research leadership roles. Supporting scientific discovery and helping others succeed became some of the most rewarding parts of my career.
I've also been blessed with a wonderful family. My wife, Kathy, and I met at Albany Medical College, where she was a research assistant in an immunology laboratory - and yes, I volunteered to let her draw my blood to isolate immune cells she needed for her own experiments! Kathy later built a successful career in biotechnology patent law. Together, we've raised two sons and a daughter, and now enjoy our granddaughter, Isla, whose boundless energy, curls, and curiosity keep us smiling.
(Above, left: Jim with his daughter, Katherine, visiting Uncle Joe's ranchlands; Above, right: Jim with his family (left to right): Stephen, Kathy, Jim, Greg, and Katherine.)
Throughout my career, I've come to realize that animal science has always felt like home because it's a community built on use-inspired discovery, mentorship, friendship, and investing in those who come next.
My father, Uncle Joe, Jerry Reeves, and so many others invested in me long before I realized where my journey would lead, as well as during my career.
(Left: Jim in his research lab)
Through the ASAS Foundation, each of us has the opportunity to make an investment that provides for mentoring opportunities for the next generation. I hope you'll join me in supporting the ASAS Foundation and opening the door for future animal scientists."
James A. Dias, Ph.D. | Emeritus Vice President for Research | Emeritus Professor of Biomedical Sciences | State University of New York at Albany
If Jim'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 - A message from ASAS Foundation Advisory Committee Chair, James M. Reecy, Ph.D
(Left: James M. Reecy, Ph.D.)
Dear ASAS Foundation Giving Partners,
As I recently began my new role as Vice President for Research at Texas Tech University, I found myself reflecting on the people and opportunities that helped shape my career. Career transitions have a way of reminding us that none of us reaches these milestones alone. We've all benefited from mentors who challenged us, colleagues who encouraged us, and opportunities that opened doors we couldn't have imagined at the time.
Those same themes are reflected throughout this issue of The Giving Herd. Our recipient appreciation video reminds us of the impact philanthropy has on students, early-career professionals, and distinguished scientists. The scholarship and internship opportunities featured in this issue represent the next generation of experiences that will open doors for future animal scientists. In addition, Dr. Jim Dias' story is a powerful reminder that behind every successful career are mentors who believed in us and opportunities that changed our lives.
To our Foundation partners, thank you. The stories and opportunities featured in this issue exist because people before us chose to give. If you have not yet made a gift this year, I hope you'll consider supporting the ASAS Foundation so we can continue providing these opportunities to animal scientists at every stage of their careers.
All the best,
Jim
James M. Reecy, Ph.D.
Chair, ASAS Foundation Advisory Committee
