“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
Dr. Fred Stormshak - A Lifetime of Discovery, Mentorship, and Reproductive Biology Excellence
"As the youngest of five children born to immigrant parents from the former Yugoslavia, my life began on a dairy farm near Enumclaw, Washington, instilling in me a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for agriculture. In 1955, college studies began at Washington State University, being the first in the family to pursue higher education. My initial goal of becoming a high school ag teacher gave way to a growing interest in research, prompting a shift to dairy science and setting the stage for a lifelong commitment to animal science.
Above Left (left to right): Fred Stormshak, Washington State Univ., 1959 and L.E. Casida, Ph.D., joined ASAS in 1932
Joining American Society of Animal Science (ASAS) in 1960 marked a pivotal point in my journey. At the time, I was a graduate student at the University of Wisconsin, pursuing a doctorate in endocrinology under the esteemed mentorship of Dr. L.E. Casida.
One of his most memorable pieces of advice, “let the animal do the talking,” remains an enduring principle that continues to shape how I think about research. His influence extended far beyond the lab, guiding me toward deeper engagement with the Journal of Animal Science and the ASAS community.
Above: Alice and Fred Stormshak
That same year, a mutual friend introduced me to Alice, and what a remarkable year it turned out to be. Alice was raised in Waukesha, Wisconsin, earned her BA from Carroll University, began graduate study at the University of Wisconsin, and later completed a master’s degree in education at Oregon State University.
Now, six decades of marriage later, we've been blessed with two amazing daughters, both accomplished in their own right. But the true sparkle in our lives comes from our four incredible granddaughters, Talia, Samara, Lily, and Carly, each one bringing joy, laughter, and pride into our world in their own special way. Watching them grow has been one of the greatest joys of our lives.
During my tenure as a faculty member at Oregon State University, one of my top priorities became encouraging students to publish their work in the Journal of Animal Science and to present at ASAS meetings, which had been instrumental in shaping my own career.
Mentoring graduate students and watching them grow through their own experiences, just as I once did, has been one of the greatest privileges and accomplishments of my academic life. Many went on to lead academic research programs or practice veterinary medicine at the highest level.
Above: A few of Dr. Stormshak’s former graduate students. Back Row, Left to Right: Shelby Filley(PhD),Cecily Bishop(PhD),Jessica Schrunk(MS), Mary Smallman(MS), Tim Hazzard( PhD, DVM),
Ov Slayden( PhD), Kelly Pinkard-Hazzard(MS,DVM), Diana Takahashi(MS), Mary Zelinski(PhD). Front Row, Left to Right: Fred and Alice Stormshak
Above: Alice, Fred, and their faithful companion, Zeke.
Alice and I have a shared commitment to educating the next generation and fostering lifelong learning. We’ve worked to create opportunities that honor the past while inspiring and equipping future leaders.
To honor the field that shaped my life, Alice and I recently established the Stormshak Innovations in Reproductive Biology Award through the ASAS Foundation and joined ASAS Foundation’s 1908 Society. The award is designed to support excellence in the study of reproductive biology of large domestic animals and to encourage future generations to advance the field with the same passion and purpose.
Whether ASAS has shaped your career, supported your students, or simply offered a sense of belonging in the animal science community, consider paying it forward. Whether it’s a legacy gift like ours or a contribution to any ASAS Foundation initiative, your support helps fuel the future of animal science.
Together, we can ensure that the next generation of scientists has the same opportunities, support, and inspiration that shaped our own journeys and that the story of animal science continues to grow for decades to come."
Fred Stormshak, ASAS Member since 1960
If you have been inspired by Fred and Alice's story, mentored by his wisdom, or simply believe in the power of investing in the future of animal science, you can help carry this legacy forward. To learn more about or to support the Stormshak Innovations in Reproductive Biology Award, visit online here.
Become an ASAS Foundation Partner, at any level, and join the Stormshaks in making a difference.
