Dennis Lamm, Ph.D.
Some of my earliest memories are of the rhythmic sound of milking machines, the scent of fresh hay, and the quiet companionship of Holstein cows in the barn before dawn. Raised on my family’s dairy farm outside Reading, PA, work started early, values ran deep, and every day revolved around caring for animals and the land. We milked about 50 cows and farmed 500 acres of rented ground. That farm was my first classroom; it was where I learned responsibility, resilience, and the quiet satisfaction that comes from hard work. I didn’t know it then, but those early lessons would shape my entire life and lead me to a lifelong journey in animal science.
Resilience runs in my family. My mother, Darlyne, was raised in Nebraska’s Sandhills by ranching parents who lost everything one brutal winter when their entire Hereford herd drowned after breaking through ice, wiping out their ranch. My mother went on to earn a teaching degree and then taught in one-room schools before working at the post office. My father, Warren, grew up speaking Pennsylvania Dutch, served in WWII, took college night classes, and worked closely with Extension as he built our own dairy farm.
By high school, I knew I wanted a life that stayed close to the land. I studied at Delaware Valley College (1965-1969), and it was there that my advisor, Dr. Tibor Pelle, changed my life. He encouraged me to attend graduate school and said that if I got accepted to Iowa State University (ISU), I had to go. I did and he was right!
Left: Dennis Lamm, 1972At ISU, I met some of the most important mentors in my life, including Dr. Pete Hoffman, who treated me like family, and Dr. John Pollak, a fellow graduate student who helped me through statistics. It was also in Ames where I met Jean. She walked into a bar the night before our animal science department picnic, and on a whim, I asked her to go. We’ve been together for 54 years now, and her support has been constant throughout my career. A year and a half as 4-H Extension agent in Trinidad, CO (1972-1973) added to my experiences and helped me prepare to pursue a doctorate.
Earning my Ph.D. at the University of Nebraska (1976) under Drs. John Ward and Terry Klopfenstein, developed my scientific thinking and writing skills. My academic career led me to Virginia Tech (1976-1981). While there, I benefited from exceptional mentorship and friendships with Drs. Milton Wise and Joe Fontenot. In fact, Joe and his wife, Eula, served as godparents to our son, Kevan! Later, I attended Colorado State University (1981), where I served as an Extension Beef Specialist under the guidance of Drs. Bernard Jones and David Ames. My greatest professional joy came from mentoring graduate students. I always hoped they’d become more successful than I ever was, and many of them did.
Above, left to right: Jean and Dennis Lamm and the Lamm Family
My family has always been my grounding force. Jean and I raised our two children, Kevan and Dana. Both were active in 4-H and developed a strong appreciation for agriculture and now, they’re passing that passion on to our five grandchildren. Kevan is an Associate Professor at the University of Georgia, and his wife, Alexa, is a Professor of Agricultural Leadership there. Dana is a successful entrepreneur, and her husband, Chris, works as an IT specialist. Watching our grandchildren help with chores at the ranch is a powerful reminder of how deeply these traditions take root across generations.
Above: the Lamm Ranch
After retiring from CSU in 2013, I've come to appreciate the words of a fellow retiree who once told me, he “wakes up in the morning with nothing to do and by the end of the day, he’s only half done.” I can relate to that!!
Joining ASAS at the encouragement of Dr. Hoffman while at ISU was a decision I’ve never regretted. ASAS has been my professional home for over 40 years. The annual meetings were always a highlight, both professionally and personally. They were a chance to reconnect, to explore new places, and to be reminded that we’re part of something much bigger than ourselves.
To me, animal science has never been just a profession; it’s a calling. It’s about stewardship, education, and the belief that what we do matters for both animals and people. I am honored to be part of a community like ASAS that continues to inspire and advance this important work.
We all have a role to play in shaping the future of animal science. Whether you're just starting your career or reflecting on a lifetime of work, your support - big or small - helps ensure that young scientists have the resources, encouragement, and community they need to thrive.
Supporting the ASAS Foundation is important because I have been where they’re going. Hopefully, you’ll join me in lifting up the students, because their journey is just beginning, and they deserve to start strong.
Dennis Lamm, Ph.D.
P.S.- I'd love to hear from and connect with my many ASAS friends! Please don’t hesitate to send me a note at dennis.lamm@colostate.edu.
For information about the ASAS Foundation and how you can support current and future animal scientists, visit online HERE, or contact Amy Brainard, ASAS Chief Development Officer at amyb@asas.org or (217) 729-7600.
