College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Alumni & Friends

Gary Seevers, Ph.D., will be honored with the Michigan State University (MSU) College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) Dean’s Pinnacle of Excellence Award at the March 1 ANR Awards Program.

The CANR Dean’s Pinnacle of Excellence Award is presented to alumni who have obtained the pinnacle of achievement in their field and brought distinction to the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Created in 2023, this award is the highest accolade awarded by the dean. Dr. Rohini Mulchandani will also be honored with a 2024 CANR Dean’s Pinnacle of Excellence Award at the March 1 ANR Award ceremony.

“I am thrilled to present the Dean's Pinnacle of Excellence Award to such extraordinary Spartans,” said Kelly F. Millenbah, Ph.D., CANR dean. “They have brought distinction to the college through their remarkable professional achievements, personal integrity and devoted service to MSU and their communities. Outstanding alumni like Dr. Gary Seevers and Dr. Rohini Mulchandani are an inspiration to CANR Spartans everywhere.”

Seevers received a bachelor’s degree ('59) in animal science, and a master’s ('66) and Ph.D. ('68) in agricultural economics from MSU. His connection to MSU started well before becoming a student. He grew up on his family’s farm, helping with their cattle and sheep, and joined 4-H at an early age. His first visit to campus was during 4-H Week, an experience that inspired him to one day attend MSU as a student.

An accomplished economist and financial market specialist, Seevers went on to have an extremely successful career working for MSU Extension, on Wall Street and in the White House. His first job was as a 4-H Extension agent in Lenawee County, and then as the 4-H agent for Ingham County. After finishing his doctorate degree, he joined the faculty of Oregon State University.

In 1973, Seevers experienced one of the most exciting moments in his career when he was appointed by President Richard Nixon to the President’s Council of Economic Advisers where he focused on issues surrounding food inflation. President Gerald Ford appointed him in 1975 to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, serving as a commissioner and acting chair. In this role he was exposed to the world of futures markets, which led him to Wall Street. He finished his career at Goldman Sachs in New York serving as a general partner.

Throughout his career, Seevers has partially credited his professional success to MSU, for preparing him for all the challenges and opportunities he has faced over the years. He has generously given back to his alma mater, through both his extraordinary philanthropic contributions and dedicated volunteer service.

In 2000, he created the Gary L. Seevers Scholarship fund for Honors College students with a gift of $600,000. In 2004, he joined with President Emeritus Gordon Guyer to establish the Guyer/Seevers Chair in Natural Resource Conservation, providing a seed $1.25 million cash gift and adding a $1 million charitable gift annuity in 2007. In 2010, he again added to that legacy with a $1 million charitable remainder trust to provide a future gift to both the Seevers Scholarship and the Guyer/Seevers Chair.

Seevers provided a $3 million gift in 2018 to renovate Cook Hall to provide a collaborative space for graduate students within the Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics to study and work collaboratively. The building was renamed in his honor to celebrate his tremendous support. Built in 1889, Cook-Seevers Hall is on the northeast side of campus in “Laboratory Row.” In 1969, the building was named Cook Hall in honor of Albert J. Cook, one of the leading economic entomologists in the United States.

The renovation drastically improved the building’s accessibility with the addition of an elevator and accessible entrance. The first and second floors now house modern technology, desks and meeting spaces for graduate students – students who are on the same scholastic journey as Seevers was from 1964 to 1968. Other renovations included restoration of the ceilings, walls, woodwork and period lighting to preserve the building’s historic origins.

Seevers received the Philanthropist Award from the MSU Alumni Association in 2004. He is a life member of the association and is recognized in MSU’s Clifton R. Wharton Society. He has also been an active volunteer for MSU, serving on the MSU Foundation Board for eight years and as a member of the University Investment Advisory Sub- Committee. Seevers is also a member of the Michigan 4-H Emerald Clover Society.