Dr. Donald Van Riper

Although Dr. Donald C. Van Riper was born on the east coast, he has called the Midwest his home for more than 50 years.

Donald C. Van Riper was born April 30, 1931 in Paterson, N.J., and raised in Elizabeth, N.J. He graduated from Elizabeth’s Thomas Jefferson High School in 1949. After attending Franklin and Marshall College for 3 semesters he joined the United States Navy in 1951 and served 4 years. It was during this time that he met his wife, Marjorie Helen Van Riper. Upon discharge from the service he continued his education receiving his bachelor’s degree from Kansas State College in 1958 and his doctoral degree in veterinary medicine from Kansas State University in 1960.

Dr. Van Riper joined the United States Air Force Veterinary Corps after graduation. In 1964 he received his master’s degree in laboratory animal medicine from Texas A&M University. He culminated his 22 years of service in 1982 as director of clinical research at Wilford Hall USAF Hospital, Lackland AFB, in San Antonio, TX.

Following his military career he settled in San Antonio and worked for the Texas Animal Health Commission until his retirement in 1992.

Donald is the proud father of two children, Donna and husband, Julian and Mark. He also has four grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

In his retirement Dr. Van Riper enjoys travel, home maintenance, volunteerism, and fishing.

“My K-State education has helped me by opening the door to a rewarding professional career while serving my country,” Dr. Van Riper said. I appreciate the opportunity given me by K-State, and now I want to show that appreciation by helping someone else, if only in a small way.

His advice for the recipients of his scholarship is to “work hard, study hard, and be the best that you can be.”