In an effort to recognize Dr. Joe Domecq’s lifelong service to the dairy industry, industry partners came together to establish an endowment fund through the Michigan Dairy Memorial and Scholarship Foundation. Industry partners began their fundraising efforts in 2021, and the $50,000 fundraising goal was met this summer, establishing the Dr. Joe Domecq Dairy Judging and Teaching Endowment.
Domecq works with young dairy leaders in his roles as Michigan State University (MSU) Institute of Agricultural Technology (IAT) dairy management program coordinator, animal science academic specialist, MSU dairy challenge team coach and 4-H, IAT, and MSU dairy judging coach. Dr Domecq serves as Coordinator and Advisor for Dairy Education programs at MSU. The scholarship endowment pays homage to Domecq’s involvement in MSU’s dairy program and will provide ongoing financial support to students participating in dairy judging and the dairy management programs at MSU.
In addition to being recognized with this endowment fund, Domecq has previously received Hoard’s Dairyman Youth Development Award in 2012, the dairy industry’s highest award recognizing a dairy youth educator. The future of Michigan’s dairy industry is strong because of Domecq’s unique ability to guide students toward meeting their short-term and long-term life and career goals.
Domecq’s endowment is established through the Michigan Dairy Memorial and Scholarship Foundation (MDMSF), one of the largest scholarship program in the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. MDMSF is made possible through contributions made in honor of individuals who have served the dairy industry. The Domecq endowment is now one of many named endowments managed by MDMSF that will help students further their dairy education.
Thanks to generous donors, MDMSF provides scholarships annually to worthy MSU students with plans to advance the future of the dairy industry. This year the foundation was able to award $126,000 in scholarships to MSU students pursuing dairy industry-related programs of study for the 2022-23 academic year.
Donations to MDMSF and the Dr. Joe Domecq Dairy Judging/Management Endowment are still being accepted:
- via check: payable to Michigan State University, Designate Domecq, CANR (A105121), Mail to University Advancement, Spartan Way, 535 Chestnut Rd., Room 300, East Lansing, MI 48824
- or via credit card: Call 517-884-1000 or visit https://givingto.msu.edu/gift/?sid=9436