By Melanie Brender
Honors College alumnus and long-time supporter Gary Seevers passed away peacefully last week at the age of 87. He is remembered for advancing agriculture and natural resource conservation with a humble, philanthropic spirit.
From 4-H to the Oval Office
Seevers’ life included a deep love of agriculture, which began to take root the day he was born on the family farm. It persisted when he joined 4-H at a young age – the program that introduced him to Michigan State University’s campus for workshops and competitions.
That love seeped into his studies, as Seevers earned three degrees from MSU – a bachelor’s degree in animal science, then master’s and doctorate degrees in agricultural economics.
It kept him in East Lansing for a while as an extension specialist for MSU. Then it took him to Oregon State University for a professorship, the White House in capacities under two U.S. presidents, Wall Street to start a new commodities business for Goldman Sachs, and as far away as Tokyo to serve as Goldman Sachs’ head of fixed income and co-chair.
The farm kid from Jonesville, Mich. blended his passions with a Spartan education to achieve an amazing and varied legacy. His impact at MSU will continue to provide generations of students and faculty with support for their own journeys.
Seevers’ MSU philanthropy has included two scholarships for undergraduates, a fellowship for graduate students, an endowed chair in natural resource conservation, and funds to renovate the now named Cook-Seevers Hall.
He has also provided professional expertise as a past chair of the MSU Foundation, member of the president’s cabinet for the Empower Extraordinary campaign, and on the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Stakeholders Advisory Council.
Impacting nearly 25 years of Honors College students
A member of the inaugural Honors College class at MSU, Seevers went on to establish two endowments for the unit. The first one – the Dr. Gary L. Seevers Scholarship – goes to Honors College students majoring within CANR. The second – the East Coast Seevers Scholarship – has helped the Honors College recruit students from the east coast.
Seevers was able to see over 100 students receive funding from the scholarships he established within the Honors College, spending time with many of them on annual trips to campus. The first scholarship was awarded in 2001.
The upcoming round of Seevers Scholarship applications is due March 1, 2025.
“As one of the earliest recipients of his scholarship, I am grateful not only for the opportunities it provided, but also for the values he exemplified – integrity, generosity, and a passion for learning,” said Cortney Lupp, who graduated from the Honors College and CANR in 2004.
“His legacy continues to inspire, and I am honored to carry it forward,” Lupp said.
Lupp works as a national director of sales and training for Virbac, an international company that provides animal health products and services.
“I had the privilege of meeting Dr. Seevers while studying at MSU during a dinner with fellow Seevers Endowed Scholarship recipients,” said Dustin Baker, another Honors College and CANR alumnus.
“What stood out to me was his remarkable ability to connect with young people and his deep passion for supporting their success,” Baker said.
After earning a bachelor’s degree in agribusiness management with a political economy specialization from MSU, Baker went on to secure a master’s degree in applied economics from Cornell.
In his current role as a director of education and research for Commodity & Ingredient Hedging, Baker follows agriculture trends to help clients manage price and margin risk.
“I am grateful for Dr. Seevers’ willingness to support the future of agriculture through his scholarship, and the encouragement he provided me to pursue it as well,” said Loren King, who also graduated from the Honors College and CANR.
King serves as a senior digital marketing specialist for MorganMyers, a marketing and communications firm specializing in the agriculture and food sectors.
“[Seevers’] life experiences, intellect, and wit gave me a glimpse of what the future could be, and his gift made it possible,” King said.
Remembering his humble, philanthropic spirit
Multiple alumni have acknowledged Seevers’ humility interwoven with his philanthropy.
“Dr. Seevers was a remarkable man – deeply accomplished, yet so humble that you’d never realize the true extent of his influence. I’ll always remember his warm smile and genuine conversations at college events,” Lupp said.
“I am forever grateful for Dr. Seevers’ generosity and the profound impact he had on my educational journey,” Baker said. “The world was a better place because of his intellect, integrity, and unwavering commitment to giving back – he truly embodied everything a Spartan should aspire to be.”
The Honors College extends condolences to Seevers’ wife, Eiko, of nearly 30 years, his children and stepchildren, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and his vast network of extended family and friends.
Per Seevers’ request, one way to honor his memory is through a donation to the Gary L. Seevers Scholarship Fund for Honors College students. Gifts may be made online here or through contacting Tonya Frisbey.