The future of the Department of Dairy and Food Science at SDSU is brighter, thanks to the David A. Thompson Endowed Department Head and Professor, established by a $2 million gift from David A. and Marilyn Thompson.
David A. Thompson and Dr. Vikram Mistry were presented with medallions at the investiture ceremony hosted at the South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum.
“The endowment ensures that whatever the future is, our students will be served by excellent faculty, facilities and research opportunities,†explained Dr. Vikram Mistry, the first recipient of the endowed position.
Celebrated as the nation’s top dairy science program, SDSU is one of only two in the country to provide undergraduate and graduate students with education and research opportunities in dairy production and dairy manufacturing. In 2015, the department added a food science major for undergraduate and graduate studies.
Built on a foundation of teaching and research, Mistry says industry competes for SDSU graduates, as evidenced by 100 percent job placement and strong starting salaries.
Serving the department and students for 33 years, Mistry says he is humbled to be the first to hold the endowed title. And, he values the power of endowment funds to continue the department’s journey of excellence, investing in innovative research, cutting-edge facilities and recruitment of high-caliber faculty and students.
“This endowment perpetuates excellence and allows the department to expand to new heights,” said Mistry. “We are grateful for Mr. Thompson’s generous support of our programs. He has already inspired us to excel. In addition, his support will have a lasting impact on lives of students and will help shape the dairy and food industry for the future.â€
