UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Richard Saacke of Blacksburg, Va., has been named a 2006 Dairy Science Distinguished Alumnus by Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences.

A professor emeritus of reproductive physiology at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Saacke has focused his work on the improvement of reproductive efficiency using artificial insemination.

His research has focused on the structure and function of spermatozoa, ova and the mammary gland. Areas of emphasis have related to optimizing semen preservation and identifying semen traits important to sperm transport in the female, to fertilization and, in more recent years, to embryonic development.

Saacke, who has published approximately 90 research papers, received the National Association of Animal Breeders Research Award in 1985 and the Physiology Award from Upjohn in 1988.

He has also been recognized by the American Veterinary College of Theriogenology as an honorary diplomat (1997), Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences as a Distinguished Alumnus (1997), and Virginia Tech for excellence in teaching.

Saacke, who received his bachelor's degree from Rutgers University, and his master's and doctoral degrees in dairy physiology from Penn State, has enjoyed support throughout his career from his wife and partner, Ann. They are the parents of five children and grandparents of 13.

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EDITORS: For more information, contact Carol Ertley at (814) 863-3665.

Jeff Mulhollem Writer/editor Phone: 814-863-2719 E-mail: jjm29@psu.edu