MSU Extension 4-H

Former MSU Extension professional and dedicated 4-H supporter Gary Seevers, Ph.D., passed away on Feb. 1. He was 87.

A three-time MSU College of Agriculture and Nature Resources (CANR) graduate, Seevers’ first job out of college was as a 4-H agent for MSU Extension in Lenawee County and then as the 4-H agent for Ingham County. After receiving his doctorate, Seevers joined the faculty at Oregon State University. A noted agricultural economist, he was appointed by President Nixon to the President’s Council of Economic Advisers in 1970. In 1975, he was appointed by President Ford to the newly created Commodity Futures Trading Commission, serving as a commissioner and acting chair. After his government service, Seevers joined Goldman Sachs in 1978. He retired in 1994, after serving as a General Partner responsible for futures brokerage business around the world.

Seevers’ grew up on his family’s farm in Jonesville, Mich., 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. Seevers was inducted into the inaugural class of the 4-H Emerald Clover Society in 2002.

Though his career and travels took him far from Michigan, Seevers never forgot his roots and was a strong philanthropic donor to many MSU and Michigan 4-H initiatives. He is a member of the Cornerstone Society and was instrumental in creating the Hillsdale County 4-H Youth Development Fund. Gifts in his memory to the Michigan 4-H Foundation will help grow this fund.