2016 Outstanding Alumni

Dr. Richard Saacke, Professor Emeritus of Dairy Science inducted into the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Hall of Fame

Saacke joined the faculty of Virginia Tech in 1965, devoting his career to excellence in research, teaching, and mentoring graduate students in the field of bovine reproductive physiology and artificial insemination. 

A native of Newark, New Jersey, he completed his education at Rutgers University and Pennsylvania State University.  He spent the first part of his career as an extension dairy specialist at the University of Maryland and then on the faculty in the Department of Dairy Science at Penn State.

His introduction to his chosen field came under the guidance of an innovative researcher who laid the foundation for modern artificial insemination in the United States. Findings from his master’s thesis are still in use today and his doctoral research employed electron microscopy to show detailed ultrastructural characteristics of bovine sperm.

Saacke’s research program can be credited with many firsts in the area of bovine reproduction. His lab was instrumental in leading the artificial insemination industry through the transition from unfrozen, cooled semen to frozen semen.  His work led the transition from glass ampoules to French straws for semen storage and the guidelines he developed for freezing sperm continue to be an integral part of the AI industry today.

His guidance of 23 graduate students through his laboratory continues to have a global impact on the dairy and livestock industries. Outside of the lab, nearly 3,500 undergraduate students were impacted by his physiology of livestock reproduction class. 

He and his family continue to this day to have a positive impact on students in the college by providing philanthropic support through the Richard G. & Ann L. Saacke Undergraduate Scholarship.

“For me Dr. Dick Saacke is the very definition of ‘professor,’ ” said Professor and Department Head Mike Akers. “From his imposing presence and his scholarly manner, I think he was destined to his career.  He has an uncanny ability to draw in colleagues, students, and producers to share his love and enthusiasm for his research and interests.  During his career he made those around him want to be better, to be worthy of his standard.  I can think of no better legacy,” said the Horace E. and Elizabeth F. Alphin Professor of Dairy Science.

To learn about Dr. Paul Siegel (a great friend of all in Dairy Science), visit: 2015-16 Alumni Award Recipients

Dave Winston awarded the 2016 Outstanding Faculty Service Award

David Winston of Radford, Virginia, was recognized with the Outstanding Faculty Service Award for his outstanding contributions to the college and the Department of Dairy Science.  He is a two-time alumnus of the dairy science department, completing both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in 1987 and 1998 respectively. 

Winston serves as the 4-H Youth Dairy Scientist in the Department of Dairy Science and is an expert in animal management systems and youth development. In his role, he serves as a member of the Virginia Cooperative Extension 4-H Positive Youth Development Program Team and on the Council for Youth Development.  Nationally he represents Virginia 4-H as a planning committee member for National 4-H Dairy Conference. Since 2002 he has coached four National Champion 4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl Teams.

Beyond his impact on the youth of Virginia, he teaches courses in dairy science and industry, dairy information systems, and graduate seminar.  He also leads the department’s scholarship committee awarding more than $80,000 annually. A significant portion of the scholarship funds are raised during the annual Hokie Cow Classic Golf Tournament which he plays a significant role in planning and executing. 

He has served as the Virginia Tech Dairy Club advisor for 19 years.  Advising the Dairy Club is not for the faint of heart. Seventy-five members strong, they are one of the most active clubs in the college, if not at the university.  The club is known by every Hokie football and basketball fan for their milkshakes – one would be hard pressed to find a member of the CALS community who hasn’t stopped by on their way through the concourses of Lane Stadium and Cassell Coliseum to say hello and purchase their milkshake before they run out.  The club honored Dave in 2006 by dedicating their annual yearbook, the Milky Way, in his name. 

Dairy Club President Elizabeth Davis says, “His guidance and advice as an advisor has helped strengthen the club. He always makes himself available to students no matter if they need help with school, clubs, business, or life. He's dedication is to be admired.”

Winston serves in leadership roles within a multitude of regional and national professional organizations such as the North American and Southern Regional Intercollegiate Dairy Challenges, which allow dairy science students to apply theory and learning to a real-world dairy while working as part of a team.

Dave served many years on the College’s Diversity Council where he held positions of leadership and organized discussion groups and events.  He continues to represent the college on university committees and task forces for diversity initiatives at the university

In 2008, he received the Diversity Enhancement Award established in 2006 by the CALS Diversity Council to recognize outstanding diversity accomplishments of faculty, staff, and students in the college. He is also an immensely valued member of the CALS Alumni Organization board of directors serving as dairy science’s department representative.

When he isn’t busy helping develop young minds and serving the institution, he is a volunteer docent at Glencoe Museum house in Radford. He also assists with special events organized by the Radford Heritage Foundation.

“It has to be a source of great pride when David hears, ‘I came to Virginia Tech and majored in dairy science because of David Winston,’ ” said Department Head and Horace E. and Elizabeth F. Alphin Professor of Dairy Science Mike Akers. “Throughout his career he has had a positive impact on literally hundreds of students formally in his college classes and though a myriad of youth 4-H, FFA, and judging activities.   I think of David as the Johnny Apple Seed of Dairy Science.  His impact has been wider and further reaching than he will probably ever really appreciat

2016 Outstanding Departmental Alumni Award:

John Clay, B.S. 1975, M.S. 1978

2016 Outstanding Departmental Recent Alumni Award:

Rena Johnson, B.S. 2006