David B. Schweikhardt, professor in the Department of Agricultural, Food and Resource Economics, died at his home last week.
“David was an indispensable, well-loved and greatly admired member of AFRE faculty since 1992,” said Titus O. Awokuse, department chairperson. “His passing is a great loss to AFRE and MSU. He was a true servant-leader over the years. He gave selflessly of his skills and time and served in various capacities to support and promote our department and university.”
Schweikardt was a leading expert in agricultural policy and institutional economics and had served as an intellectual resource on various policy issues to colleagues at MSU, across the state of Michigan and beyond. His research and extension work focused on agricultural and trade policy, including the North American Free Trade Agreement, the World Trade Organization, the Affordable Care Act and all United States farm bills since 1990.
A native of Indiana, he received a Bachelor of Science degree with highest distinction in agricultural economics from Purdue University in 1980, a Master of Science in agricultural economics from Michigan State University in 1983, and a doctorate in agricultural economics from Michigan State in 1989. He received a law degree from Michigan State in 2004 and was a member of the State Bar of Michigan.
A funeral service will be held to celebrate his life at 2 p.m., June 10, 2017 at the Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, 1730 East Grand River Avenue, East Lansing, Michigan. Visitation begins at 1 p.m.
Sometime during the 2017 Fall semester, the Department of Agricultural Food and Resource Economics plans to host an event to celebrate Dave’s professional career and accomplishments. Details on dates and location will be provided at a later time.
Community members can send their memories and condolences to MSUCANR@anr.msu.edu to be shared on a memorial page.