Stockman and teacher Dr. Lemuel Goode honored as new CALS scholarship is created
“He went the extra mile in helping students receive their degrees.”
That was a special recollection about Dr. Lemuel Goode shared by his son, Charles L. Goode, during ceremonies establishing the Lemuel “Lem” Goode and Lucy Goode Animal Science Scholarship Endowment in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Charles Goode, his mother, Lucy Goode, and sister, Dr. Candace Goode Vick, created the endowment to honor Lem Goode, a beloved faculty member in the CALS Department of Animal Science at N.C. State University, who served from 1947 till his retirement in 1986. Goode, who was internationally known for developing the Polled Dorset sheep breed in 1955, passed away in 1995.
Dr. Johnny Wynne, CALS dean, hosted the agreement signing event August 13. The endowment, created with a $100,000 gift from the Goode family, will fund annual scholarships for undergraduate students in the Department of Animal Science.
An outstanding teacher who was committed to undergraduate teaching, Lemuel Goode coached the N.C. State livestock judging team and taught beef, sheep and swine production classes, as well as a major portion of the introduction to animal science course each semester for 20 years. He was also adviser in the Agricultural Institute, the College’s two-year associate’s-degree program—a program he fervently believed in, Charles Goode noted at the signing event, saying his father “knew the four-year degree was not for everyone.”
Many N.C. State degree holders, both four-year and two-year, credit Lem Goode with their success in earning those degrees.
Dr. Todd See, Animal Science Department head, said he frequently encounters CALS alumni who tell him, “Lem Goode was the best instructor I ever had. He changed my life.” Likewise, Dr. Ken Esbenshade, CALS director of Academic Programs and former head of Animal Science, said, “Alumni always remember Lem Goode and the contributions he made to their education.” And Charles Goode said,” Former students tell me how, without my dad, they might not have graduated.”
Now, Charles said, “It’s a privilege for my mother, my sister and her family and my family to give back to N.C. State University by creating this endowment. N.C. State holds a special place in our hearts,” he said, noting that his sister, Candace, an associate professor of parks, recreation and tourism management at N.C. State, received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees there, that his brother-in-law and daughter are alumni, and his two nephews are current students. (Charles Goode is himself a three-time CALS alumnus with bachelor’s degrees in food science, agricultural economics and soil science.)
“We are pleased to provide financial assistance needed by students to attend N.C. State and be able to graduate without the burden of a student loan,” he said.
Esbenshade, thanking the family, said, “This is a special day, because it’s an opportunity to learn about the Goode family and its legacy and the contributions that legacy will continue to make.” Added Ken Sigmon, associate vice chancellor for University Advancement, “This generous gift, with the impact it will have on future students, is a fitting way to recognize someone who had such an impact on N.C. State students.”
When Goode passed away, he was remembered in a tribute by CALS colleague Matt Claeys, who wrote, “On Friday, June 17, 1995, NCSU, North Carolina, animal industries and the world lost one of its truly nice people. … a stockman, gentleman, friend and a great teacher.”
At the August endowment signing, Goode’s daughter-in-law, Cindy, recalled how he had helped his baby grandchildren learn to crawl by placing the palms of his hands behind their feet to push against.
With the creation of the new Goode Scholarship, Lem Goode will still be giving a boost to the young people he loved to teach. – Terri Leith
