College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Alumni & Friends

Michigan State University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) alumnus and dedicated supporter Gary Seevers, Ph.D., passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 1, 2025. He was 87.

A three-time CANR graduate, Seevers received a bachelor’s degree ('59) in animal science, and a master’s ('66) and doctorate ('68) in agricultural economics from the Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics (AFRE). An accomplished economist and financial market specialist, Seevers went on to have a distinguished career working for MSU Extension, on Wall Street and in the White House.

“Through his extraordinary personal achievements, dedicated service and profound generosity, Gary Seevers made a difference that will never be forgotten,” said Interim CANR dean Matt Daum, Ph.D. “Gary generously shared his love of his alma mater with the world and exemplified the true spirit of a Spartan. Our deepest condolences go out to Gary’s beloved wife Eiko and the entire Seevers family.”

“Gary was a passionate supporter of the Department of Agricultural, Food, & Resource Economics (AFRE) at MSU,” said AFRE chairperson and professor Chad Cotti, Ph.D. “He had a big heart and his impact on our students and community has been immeasurable. AFRE was proud this past fall to dedicate the AFRE undergraduate space in Agriculture Hall as the Seevers Student Center for Ag, Food, & Resource Economics, which Gary so generously supported. Gary was a titan to all of us, he will be greatly missed by everyone in AFRE.”

4-H, Washington and Wall Street

Seevers’ connection to MSU started well before becoming a student. He grew up helping with cattle and sheep on his family’s farm in Jonesville, MI, and joined 4-H at an early age. His first visit to campus was during 4-H Week, an experience that inspired him to attend MSU as a student.

His first job out of college was as a 4-H Extension agent in Lenawee County, MI, and then as the 4-H agent for Ingham County, MI. By the time he completed his doctorate degree at MSU, Seevers had job offers at five universities and eventually chose to join the faculty at Oregon State University.

In 1970, Seevers was appointed by President Richard Nixon to the President’s Council of Economic Advisers where he focused on issues surrounding food inflation. He was later appointed by President Gerald Ford in 1975 to the newly created Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), serving as a commissioner and acting chair.

After his government service, Seevers joined the Wall Street financial firm Goldman Sachs in 1978. He retired from Goldman Sachs in 1994, after serving as a General Partner responsible for futures brokerage business around the world.

“Gary's influence and impact were truly remarkable. First at the CFTC in the United States and later at Goldman Sachs around the world, Gary Seevers shaped the explosion of commodity futures and options products as they proliferated beyond agricultural markets. He was midwife to the transformation of global risk markets,” said University Distinguished Professor Emeritus Scott Swinton. 

Impacting student, revitalizing spaces

Throughout his career, Seevers often attributed his success to the education he received at MSU which equipped to successfully navigate the many challenges and opportunities that he encountered. In return, Seevers found ways to give back to MSU, through both his extraordinary philanthropic contributions and dedicated volunteer service.

Seevers provided a $3 million gift in 2018 to renovate Cook Hall to provide a space for graduate students within AFRE to study and work collaboratively. The iconic building, originally built in 1889 and located on the northeast side of campus in “Laboratory Row”, was renamed Cook-Seevers Hall in his honor.

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 academic journey as Seevers was from 1964 to 1968. Other renovations included restoration of the ceilings, walls, woodwork and custom lighting to preserve the historic character of the building.

Seevers also funded life-changing opportunities for students and faculty. In 2000, he created the Gary L. Seevers Scholarship fund for MSU Honors College students. The first scholarship was awarded in 2001 and over 100 Honors College students have received funding to date. In 2004, he joined with President Emeritus Gordon Guyer to establish the Guyer/Seevers Chair in Natural Resource Conservation. In 2014, he created the Seevers Graduate Scholars endowment to recruit top graduate students to the AFRE program.

Throughout the years, Seevers received a variety of honors from MSU for his support and service. In 2024, he received the Dean’s Pinnacle of Excellence Award, the highest accolade awarded by the CANR dean. Seevers received the Philanthropist Award from the MSU Alumni Association in 2004 and is recognized in MSU’s Clifton R. Wharton Society. Seevers was also a member of the Michigan 4-H Emerald Clover Society.

In addition to his wife Eiko, Seevers is survived by his children and stepchildren, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and his vast network of extended family and friends. Additional information about the life and legacy of Gary Seevers can be found here. 

Memorial contributions are suggested to the MSU Gary L. Seevers Scholarship Fund for Honors College Students or to the Jonesville High School Athletic Department.