Honor

There are many ways you can honor someone special and support the MSU College of Human Medicine's transformative mission.

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John Hickner, MD | 1950-2022

Dr. John M. Hickner, age 72, died peacefully in his home in Escanaba on August 22nd, 2022 from a glioblastoma brain tumor. He is survived by Val, his devoted wife of 48 years, and their five children: Michael (Kathy), Laura (Joe), Zach (Lauren), Anna, and Olivia (Zack). John had five grandsons: Isaac, Teague, and Gavin Freidhoff, and Gabriel and Nathaniel Hickner. John was preceded in death by his parents, George and Mary, and two of twelve siblings, Catherine and Jim. He will be missed by his surviving siblings: Peter (Carol), Martha (John), Joe (Gail), Paul (Paula), Rosemary (Gerald), Ann (Brian), Tom (Amy), Bob (Meg), George (Jackie), Patti (Garrik). Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended Hickner family members mourn John’s passing.

John had an active and full life, starting in childhood. He and his 12 siblings lived in several states during their upbringing until John graduated from Niles High School in Niles, IN. An undoubtedly busy household, John participated in a variety of sports and excelled in academics, which he continued through post-secondary education. He completed his BA in psychology (Cum Laude) at St. John University in Collegeville, MN before attending Indiana University Medical School, where he earned his MD in 1975. He later earned a master’s degree in clinical research design and biostatistics at the University of Michigan School of Public Health to support his work in primary care research.

John and Val married in 1974 in St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Sioux Falls, SD. John completed his residency in Family Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. John, Val, and their young children arrived in Escanaba in 1978 so John could practice rural medicine and train medical students with the Upper Peninsula Medical Education Program (UPMEP), at that time a satellite location of Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine, where he was a faculty member for 25 years. He also held multiple leadership positions such as Program Director of UPMEP, Chief of Staff and Medical Director at OSF Medical Group and St. Francis Hospital, and eventually became the founding director of the AAFP National Research Network. John and his rural colleagues were family medicine pioneers in evidence-based approaches to patient care and value-based medicine. He built multiple primary care clinical practice research networks on the national, state, and local levels to serve rural communities and gained further recognition for this work when he was recruited to Vice Chair of Family Medicine at the University of Chicago. In 2009 he became the Chairman of Family Medicine at Cleveland Clinic and established their Medicine Institute Center for Research and Innovation (MICRI), which promoted the “medical home” approach to primary care. Throughout his career as a clinician, teacher, and researcher, John published hundreds of research publications, was on the founding editorial board of The Journal of Patient Safety, and became a Life Member of the American Board of Family Practice. After he retired from medical practice and his position as Chair of Family Medicine at the University of Illinois at Chicago in May 2018, he continued to serve as Editor-in-Chief of The Journal of Family Practice, recorded episodes of the Primary Care Update podcast, and lectured at multiple national conferences each year through early 2022. His visionary impact on improving patient care with specific attention to safety, quality, and value in rural settings has been widely regarded, and the lives that he has touched, from colleagues and staff to patients and students, are a testament to his heartfelt dedication and intellectual rigor.

While John was fiercely dedicated to his profession, he also had numerous hobbies that he enjoyed with his family and friends, including excelling as a tennis player, making music with his family, and finding relaxation on his sailboat, Valium Two. His young family enjoyed sailing adventures to Fayette, Door County, and destinations across Lake Michigan. They also traveled frequently and built many memories during a six-month sabbatical in Australia and New Zealand. John and Val traveled extensively as a couple, visiting over 40 countries around the world and all 50 U.S. states. John and Val’s house was filled with music, from piano playing to guitars to many, many sing-alongs. In retirement, they loved sitting on their patio and sharing the company of family and friends. They built many fond memories with Val’s extended family, the Trudeaus, especially over holidays. Furthermore, John was an avid reader, from stacks of medical journals to exploring the Chronicles of Narnia series with his kids several times over to revisiting several classics. Right through age 71, he pulled his grandkids around Lake Michigan on the ski boat and maintained his fine one-ski slalom form to the cheers of his adoring family, spectating from land. From evenings of dancing in the kitchen and sipping a cocktail, to visiting his children and grandchildren across the US, he will always be remembered by those closest to him as a devoted Catholic, a sharp mind, and one of the best examples of accepting life’s offerings in stride.

John Hickner will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and wider community. He was a champion for rural and marginalized folks in need of quality healthcare, and he brought positive change to primary care. He cared fervently for all he encountered in his life and was offered the same grace when treated by Drs. Stupp and Chandler in addition to many hospital staff, including Dr. Tyler Koski who was instrumental in his admission to Northwestern Memorial’s neurosurgical unit. The Hickner family is immensely grateful to all involved in helping John during his final months of life, including Gayle DeShambo and the care team at UP Health Systems Home Health and Hospice who brought comfort to his final weeks.

In John's memory, the Hickner family has established the John and Val Hickner Endowed Scholarship at the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. Gifts in honor of Dr. Hickner can be made below.

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Kenneth Betz | 1942-2023

Kenneth David Betz, of Grand Rapids Michigan passed away at his home on April 16, 2023. Ken was born 'the happiest, luckiest guy' in 1942 in Grand Rapids to Karl and Marie (Geiger) Betz.

He was always trying to keep up with his older brother Karl, and enjoyed being active from a young age. Ken never met a sport that he didn't like. He was a three-sport athlete at Union High School, and was awarded the Varsity Cup after being named the top athlete of the class of 1960. He golfed, played softball, enjoyed skiing well into his 70s, and ran a Half Marathon at the age of 71. Following in Karl's footsteps Ken attended the University of Michigan to study Metallurgical Engineering. His love of the university and especially Michigan football was a lifelong passion he shared with his family.

After college, Ken returned to Grand Rapids to join his brother and father working at Betz Industries. He found his career on the foundry floor rewarding as he provided support and mentorship, and an extra hand to anyone who needed it. His natural ability to teach others in a calm and respectful way was a quality he applied to many aspects of his life. In 1967, while attending a Halloween party he met the first love of his life, his wife Judy, over a shared 6 pack of Pabst. A year later, they were married and spent 48 years together. They had three children, Heidi, David and Anne, but with his kindness and mentorship, he was a father figure to many others - two exchange students, and many other friends who were folded into the family.

Eventually after Judy's death, he was set up by friends with the second love of his life, Pat. They were married in 2019, and although their original plans to enjoy travel and new adventures was derailed by the pandemic, they were able to enjoy the quiet company of each other. Through marriage, Ken also became a bonus father to Pat's children Ashley and Jordan, and saw his brood of grandchildren, the joy of his life, grow to 8.

Ken genuinely loved people, loved to hear their stories and cared deeply about anyone whom he had just met. His interest was sincere, and no matter where he was, Ken could strike up a conversation and immediately make a new friend. He also loved adventures- traveling around Europe, taking a Jeep trip in Africa, sailing around New Zealand, spending time in Colorado, or enjoying a Lake Michigan sunset.

Ken's other passion in life was his workshop. He loved woodworking, working in the yard, volunteering for Habitat for Humanity anything to put his skills to the use of others. His giving spirit led to helping others, no matter where they were in their lives or what kind of help they needed. Those who knew him recognized his giving spirit, and his understanding that the world can be a good place if we work hard, but more importantly, are simply kind to each other.

In 2021, Ken and Pat established the Pat Brewer and Ken Betz 'Spartarine' Endowed Scholarship for Human Medicine, which offers scholarship support to medical students at Michigan State. Pat and Ken started the scholarship because they felt it was not only the right thing to do, but in the hopes others would join them to make a difference for students who are the first in their family to pursue careers in medicine.

Read the full Spartarine Scholarship article
David A. Peters, MD | 1987 - 2021

David A. Peters, MD, was an exemplary young doctor who exhibited kindness, integrity and humility throughout his life and career. His parents, Kathy and Dave, met at Michigan State University during medical school while Kathy pursued her MD at the College of Human Medicine and Dave his DO at the College of Osteopathic Medicine (see their Spartan Love Story). They went on to raise a beautiful daughter and son, and had an active medical practice together.

David was immersed in the life he loved when he died in a tragic mountain biking accident on December 1, 2021. He practiced emergency medicine in Seattle at Swedish Memorial Hospital and Snohomish in the mountains. He was known as magnanimous, kind, funny, thoughtful, and the best friend you could have. He was passionate about nature and spent every free minute outdoors. He was an amazing athlete, competing in Tough Mudders, Iron Mans and triathlons. He loved living out west with its easy access to the mountains and would set off in his RV whenever he could. He had a diverse legion of friends and was always inspiring them to get outside and run, swim or ride bikes.

From childhood he possessed the biggest heart with his numerous pets, friends and family. Beginning in his teens he helped his parents at their clinic, assisting in patient care and physical therapy and patients as well as staff loved seeing him and his sweet smile and compassionate caring. When graduating from Penn State and was asked what he was going to do, he answered, “I don’t know how to do anything else, so I guess I’ll have to be a doctor." That was laughable because he could figure out any mechanical problem and learn anything he set his mind to.

After medical school at Wayne State University, where he was on a surgical track, he decided to try Emergency Medicine so he would have time to pursue his other interests. He made many lifelong friends at his residency at Case Western/Cleveland. His closest friends from his “pack” in Portland Michigan had started moving to Seattle and he wanted to join them, accepting his first job at Swedish Memorial. He also practiced Emergency Medicine at Snohomish, Washington, at a rural mountain hospital. His schedule allowed him to pursue his many interests in nature and environment, outdoor sports, and outdoor lifestyle.

David was an inspiration to those who knew him, and his memorial in Seattle was a testimony to that. The many people who attended included orderlies, techs, nurses, and other doctors whom he had encouraged to try running, swimming, and getting outside. Many, including his medical directors, spoke of the incredible loss, he was so skilled in his field. His ability to inspire others was a result of his exemplary qualities—always being kind, respectful, and humble and possessing great integrity. Amazingly, he was also funny and playful, a joy to be with.

In the spirit of these qualities of kindness, integrity, and humility in order to inspire College of Human Medicine medical students, Kathy and Dave have established the David A. Peters, M.D. Memorial Endowed Scholarship in Human Medicine. Preference will be made to members of the MSU Chapter of the Gold Humanism Honor Society or those with a letter of recommendation from a faculty member describing how the student exemplifies humanism in medicine or has an interest in emergency medicine.

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Kate Lax | 1984-2023

Kate Lax passed away peacefully on January 12, 2023, at the age of 38. A devoted mother to toddler Evelynn, wife to Dave, and dog mom to beloved pup Henrik, Kate was a friend and colleague who will be remembered as a wonderful person full of spirit, warmth, kindness and compassion. Kate was a friend to many and ray of sunshine to all. A Spartan through and through, Kate attended the MSU James Madison College, and graduated in 2007 with a degree in social relations and policy.

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Alan David Neiberg, MD |1942-2022

Dr. Alan David Neiberg, a 1973 graduate of the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine and former faculty member, was a successful and respected internal medicine physician who practiced in the Lansing area for over four decades.

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Helen O'Connor | 1947-2022

Helen I. O’Connor, nearly 75, of Traverse City passed away peacefully on December 12, 2022 at Munson Medical Center. Helen was born on December 15, 1947 to the late Hubert Lee and Lucile (Lamblin) Bailey in Kentucky. Helen married Donald Edward O’Connor after he returned home from his time in the service. They were married on August 23, 1968. Together they welcomed two children, Michielle and Martin into this crazy world and together they were a family. Donald unexpectedly passed away on February 12, 1981 after experiencing a massive heart attack. Helen later met her best friend, Dennis George Martin and they married on October 8, 1982. After many good years, he sadly passed away on September 18, 2012. Helen was an amazing mom and grandma. She was a wonderful domestic goddess and enjoyed sewing, baking and quilting. She also liked to spend time outside in her garden, mowing the lawn, boating and camping. She also loved trips to the casino. Above all else, she cherished her family and loved spoiling her grand girls. Helen was preceded in death by her siblings Thomas, Jack and Mary. Helen is survived by her daughter Michelle Leigh O’Connor; son Martin Edward O’Connor; granddaughters Morgan Leigh (Devin) Gokey and Emily (Matt) Hill; great grandsons Mason and Fynn Gokey; and her siblings Rita, Edith, Carol, Donald and Joseph.

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Stanley & Nancy Rock

Stanley Rock lived with Parkinsons disease for over 30 years. His partner in life, Nancy Rock, walked hand in hand with Stan through the many stages of this disease. Stan was a minister and Nancy was a nurse by profession, but their mission together was to help others however they could. Stan was involved in two clinical trials to further Parkinsons research and this tribute gift will continue to support their desire to help others who are experiencing this disease.

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Margaret "Peggy" Thompson, MD | 1959-2022

Dr. Margaret Thompson retired as the College of Human Medicine associate dean for community academic programs. As the previous associate dean for academic affairs, she provided leadership to the preclinical, clinical and academic support aspects of the college’s legacy curriculum. Before, during and after the implementation of the Shared Discovery Curriculum, she provided ongoing expertise and support to faculty, staff and students, and taught extensively throughout four years of the curriculum.

Dr. Thompson is a retired family medicine physician who led the Grand Rapid’s campus as community associate dean for 10 years and was assistant dean for clinical curriculum for two years. She graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in biochemistry and molecular biology, and, subsequently, from the University of Michigan medical school. Dr. Thompson completed one year of an obstetrics and gynecology residency before training in family practice at the Medical Center Hospital of Vermont. She moved to Grand Rapids in 1990 and was active in teaching both residents and medical students, serving for several years as the lead clerkship director for the family medicine clerkship. She had a long history of innovative medical education, partnerships in inter-professional education, community leadership on numerous boards, and excellent work with students and faculty across the state. Dr. Thompson wrote the college’s successful application to be one of the 10 pilot schools for the AAMC Core Entrustable Professional Activities for Entering Residency program. Dr. Thompson brought uncommon versatility, collegiality and a signature brand of confidence-inspiring leadership to everything she did for the college.

This fund was established following Dr. Thompson’s retirement to honor her commitment to supporting students as well as the many relationships she formed with colleagues during her time at the college.

Upon hearing of plans to honor her this way, she expressed desire for the recipient of this fund to have the fortitude and strength to be a generalist with a “go anywhere” attitude in their practice of medicine. Dr. Thompson believes a student who demonstrates enthusiasm and aptitude for learning a variety of subjects and disciplines are qualities that make a good primary care physician. It is Dr. Thompson’s preference for the scholarship recipient to exhibit a desire to practice medicine in Michigan, which reflects the passion she had for this state and demonstrates the need for financial assistance.

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E. James Potchen | 1932-2022

Dr. E. James Potchen passed away peacefully on August 20, 2022, at the age of 89. As a physician, lawyer, scholar and world traveler, Dr. Potchen continuously sought to enhance human capital and help others succeed, mentoring many across all walks of life. Dr. Potchen understood the importance of keeping an open mind and felt we all could consistently learn from others, regularly saying: “If anyone does better, we all do better.”

Dr. Potchen was gregarious and driven to learn. He received a BS in horticulture from Michigan State University College of Social Science ('54), MD from Wayne State University ('58), MSc in management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) ('73) and JD from the University of Michigan ('84). He practiced general medicine in Grand Rapids, MI, before taking his residency at Harvard Medical School, where he served as chief radiology resident. He was appointed the inaugural director of nuclear medicine at the Peter Bent Brigham Hospital and selected as the first chief of nuclear medicine at Washington University's Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology.

After completing a Sloan Fellowship at MIT, Potchen was appointed as professor of radiology and dean of management resources at Johns Hopkins University. In 1975, he accepted the position as the first professor and founding chair of the then newly-established Department of Radiology at the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. While at MSU, he taught numerous courses in medicine and business. In 1990, he was awarded the title of University Distinguished Professor and received the William J. Beal Outstanding Faculty Award.

Dr. Potchen belonged to numerous medical and radiology societies and was active in the American Medical Association. He wrote/edited 31 books and authored and co-authored 42 chapters in medical texts, in addition to 167 publications in the fields of chest radiology, neuroradiology and neuroscience, to name a few.

Dr. Potchen established an All-University Award for Excellence for undergraduate students, given every year to ten MSU students. In 2018, he established the E. James Potchen and Geraldine J. Potchen Endowed Scholarship at the MSU College of Human Medicine, which supports medical students demonstrating financial need, along with a drive and commitment to succeed in medical school and beyond.

Beyond advocating for MSU’s academic excellence, Dr. Potchen supported many sports programs. He was also a long-standing and dedicated patron of the arts for the Wharton Center, the MSU Broad Art Museum, the College of Music and the MSU Library.

Dr. Potchen had a passion for nature and loved birds, flowers and plants. Visitors to MSU's Radiology Building are frequently struck by the beautiful gardens and decorative pools that Jim helped orchestrate. He was an Eagle Scout and recipient of the Distinguished Eagle Award. Jim was a voracious reader who adored travel, having visited all seven continents and over 120 countries. Based on his wide-ranging skills and activities, some referred to him as a modern-day Renaissance man.

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Roy J. Gerard, MD |1924-2022

Roy J. Gerard, M.D., was one of the founders of Michigan State University College of Human Medicine Department of Family Medicine as a medical specialty, and was one of the first people to change from identifying as a general practitioner to identifying as a family medicine physician. After being wounded in the Battle of the Bulge, Roy returned home and graduated from the University of Michigan for both college and medical school.

In 1955, Dr. Gerard established his practice as a family physician in Saginaw, Mich., where he and colleagues--including another college founder, Tom Johnson, M.D.--started one of the country’s first family practice residencies based out of their Saginaw practices. Dr. Gerard became a national and statewide advocate for the discipline. In 1974, he became the founding chair of the Department of Family Medicine (then it was named the Department of Family Practice), and he was core to implementing Dean Andy Hunt’s founding vision supporting and leading primary care and the human emphasis of medicine.

Members of the college will miss his leadership, his dedication to family medicine and medicine in general. Perhaps most of all, we miss him as a man focused on ensuring everyone gets the care and support they need for a healthy life.

Honor Dr. Gerard and support the Roy J. Gerard Faculty Enrichment Fund today.

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Steven Almany, MD | 1957-2022

Dr. Steven Almany, age 64, of Bloomfield Hills, Mich., passed away peacefully on 3/17/2022 after a prolonged illness. His family, including his wife of 30 years, Amy, and his children, Matthew, Michael and Brett were by his side. Steve had been undergoing care at Royal Oak Beaumont Hospital, a place that he knew well, having trained and practiced there for nearly 40 years as a leading cardiologist, and one of the founding partners of Michigan Heart Group. His last days were filled with memories and well wishes from some of the lifetime collection of friends and colleagues he had shared time with in those roles.

Steve was born in May of 1957 in Detroit, Mich., as the only son of the late Ben and Joyce Almany. He graduated from Grosse Pointe North high school, and later from Michigan State University and the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. He trained at William Beaumont Hospital where he served as Chief Medical Resident and then as a Cardiology Fellow, serving also as Chief Fellow. He began in practice by helping form the Michigan Heart Group, a practice he helped build for the remainder of his life. He served in leadership roles in cardiology, helping as head of the Cath Lab, and eventually helping start the structural heart lab. He trained hundreds of cardiologists and students. Steve also took care of thousands of patients, whose gratitude and respect has endured over time.

Dr Almany also had a keen insight and was drawn to medical device innovation, parlaying that talent into a successful role as one of the general partners at the highly successful Biostar Ventures, a role he continued over the past 15 years. He was author of numerous patents and served on multiple boards in the medical device world with distinction.

Steve's home life was dominated by his three sons, whom he coached in sports and helped direct during their own very successful academic careers. Matthew and Michael are currently medical students at Wright State University and Brett is a student at Michigan State University. He was also a father to three dogs, Bob, Ted and currently Sam, all yellow labradors completely devoted to him and his family. He contributed to numerous charities, including Michigan State University and the Humane Society, two causes he felt very close to.

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Ralph E. Watson, Sr., MD | 1948–2021

Ralph E. Watson, MD, passed away peacefully on November 3, 2021, while in Houston, surrounded and supported by his family.

Dr. Watson received a bachelor of science degree from Xavier University and his medical degree from Michigan State University College of Human Medicine in 1975. He completed his residency in internal medicine at the University of Cincinnati (UC). He joined Michigan State University in the Department of Medicine in 1988 and became one of the longest serving faculty in the department. Dr. Watson was a highly respected specialist in clinical hypertension. He was director of the MSU Hypertension Clinic until his retirement in 2012 as professor of medicine and adjunct professor of pharmacology and toxicology.

In 2011, he was elected as a Fellow of the American Society of Hypertension (ASH), one of only 151 Fellows of ASH in the country. He served on the Editorial Board of Ethnicity and Disease, the official journal of the International Society on Hypertension in Blacks. He was a former member of the Board of Directors of the Association of Black Cardiologists.

His research on vascular molecular biology in hypertension has been published in several research journals. He published 12 book chapters and had received 18 research grants. In 2012 the College of Human Medicine presented him with the Lifetime Faculty Excellence in Teaching Award.

Dr. Watson was a larger-than-life personality and a consummate professional; his students, patients, and mentees simply adored and revered him. He will be sorely missed but his legacy will live forever with many lives he touched during his lifetime.

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Philip S. Keller |1931-2021

Philip S. "Phil" Keller of Rockford, Mich., passed away November 27, 2021 at the age of 90.

Preceded in death by his father Philip and mother Myra (Colton) Keller, Phil is survived by his loving wife of 64 years Betty A. Keller. They were married in Lansing, Mich., on September 20th, 1957.

He was the loving father of Philip (Jeanine) Keller, John (Emily) Keller, and Elizabeth (Christopher) Wassink. He was the proud grandfather of 12 grandchildren.

Phil received his mechanical engineering degree from Michigan State University in 1971 and was a devoted Spartan his whole life.

Phil worked for several engineering firms in Michigan and served as the president of Eagle Boiler and Engineering. He retired from the Eagle Group LTD in 2011, capping a career that spanned over five decades. He was proud to serve his country in the United States Naval Reserve.

Phil's main hobby was restoring automobiles with a lifelong affinity for the Mercedes-Benz marque. He also utilized his considerable mechanical aptitude to assist his family in countless home improvement projects. He also loved dogs and was the owner of several Airedales and Welsh Terriers.

Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Alliance at Michigan State University.

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Larry Swarthout | 1934-2021

The late evening of November 23, 2021, Larry Dean Swarthout of Spring Lake, Michigan ended his lengthy battle with Parkinson’s.

Larry retained his sense of humor and gentleness until the very end.

Larry was born on July 12, 1934, in Dayton, Ohio, to Myrtle and Harold Swarthout. Larry graduated from Portland High School in 1952.

On May 12, 1957, he married the love of his life, Donna Cobb. Together they raised a son, Kirt Dean, and a daughter, Pamela Sue.

At the age of 5 Larry started his career in customer service by helping his parents run their Gamble store in Portland. He would learn his fathers business in depth, from waiting on customers (knowing them all by name) to repairing anything they sold.

His strong work ethic led to a referral from the school superintendent to Michigan Bell Telephone Company. Larry quickly rose in the ranks at MBT. Promotions took him from Portland to Lansing, Spring Lake, and eventually, Grand Rapids. By the time Larry retired at the young age of 52, he was in charge of all large and small business systems for most of Michigan. Throughout the years in his many positions, Larry cared for and held close relationships with all of his employees.

After his early retirement Larry and Donna purchased Temptations Ice Cream and they settled back in Spring Lake. They would continue on to open three additional ice cream shops over the next few years. In 1989 they decided to sell all four stores and travel, splitting their time between Fort Myers, Florida, and Spring Lake, Michigan.

Larry is survived by his wife of 64 years, Donna, children Pamela (Norman Dodds) Stille of Spring Lake, and Kirt Swarthout of California; three grandchildren: Alivia Stille, Grant Stille, and Kristina Swarthout. He was preceded in death by his brother Harold Swarthout.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the MSU College of Human Medicine Parkinson’s Research Fund.

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Thomas Kaye, MD | 1957-2021

MSU College of Human Medicine alumnus Dr. Thomas Kaye ('87) practiced as a family physician for more than 30 years and devoted his life to helping others.

In addition to the countless patients for which he provided care, he spent much of his free time assisting those in need. He provided endless compassion, support and humor to his family, friends and patients; assisting those suffering from drug addiction and making house calls to elderly patients and his Amish neighbors. He adored working with the Oakridge High School Football Team as the team physician, and had fond memories of his time with the coaches, players and members of the community. He was also a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy.

When he wasn't watching MSU football and basketball, Dr. Kaye enjoyed spending time with his family, skiing, snowmobiling, riding his Harley and being outdoors. In addition to all his generous and significant work, he will most be remembered for his energetic personality and for bringing humor and light-heartedness to every situation.

An endowed scholarship at the College of Human Medicine has been established in his honor.

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Barbara Sawyer-Koch | 1948-2021

Former MSU Trustee, alumna and philanthropist Barbara Sawyer-Koch was passionate about supporting Alzheimer's research.

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Peter Secchia | 1937-2020

As a tribute to Peter's legacy, many generous Spartans have stepped forward with gifts in his honor.

Given in Peter's memory, these special investments will continue building on the foundation he began more than a decade ago.

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Karen Kools-Mclauglin | 1968-2020

Karen was born in Chicago Heights, IL and grew up in East Grand Rapids, MI. She attended Catholic Central High School where she played on the tennis team and formed life-long friendships. After graduating from Aquinas College with a degree in English, she pursued a brief career in real estate before heading to CA. She worked in property management before entering sales in the flooring business, a field dominated by men. They had met their match!

Karen rose to sales manager of an interior design company. Her colleagues loved her and she loved them. When she could no longer work after undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer, she launched her dog business, raising Jack Russell Terriers.

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