Mary Body Donates $50,000 to WSU College of Veterinary Medicine

Reflecting on her experience at WSU, Body stated, "The education I received at WSU really changed my life and opened up so many opportunities. I want to help make sure those opportunities are there for others, too."

Body graduated in 1953 with a degree in bacteriology and public health, a program that was then part of the School of Molecular Biosciences. Her education laid the groundwork for a 30-year career as a teacher of biological sciences in Seattle area public schools.

While at WSU, Mary met her first husband, Ralph Body, and they married during their junior year. Shortly after her graduation, they welcomed their daughter while still residing in Pullman. Mary reminisces about her time at WSU, where she lived in a dorm and felt a sense of independence and community.

She noted that, despite societal expectations at the time discouraging women from pursuing careers in medicine and science, her peers and the faculty at WSU were supportive. "At WSU, it wasn’t like that. Fortunately, society is different now," she said, highlighting the change in perceptions regarding women's capabilities.

After gaining experience in a clinic laboratory in Grandview, Body became involved with Camp Fire Girls, which fueled her passion for working with youth. She later returned to school to earn her teaching certificate and enjoyed a fulfilling teaching career until her retirement in 1998.

"There’s so much energy in the students. They’re eager to learn, even when they have a lot of things working against them," she remarked about her time in education.

Mary's recent donation aims to provide discretionary support that allows the college to address immediate needs. "There always seems to be something an organization wants to do that they don’t have the funds to do. If they had discretionary money, it could make a difference," she explained.

She expressed pride in the work being done at the College of Veterinary Medicine: "I think the things happening in the College of Veterinary Medicine are outstanding. There are a lot of exciting programs, and more people are realizing how connected animal and human health can be."

Now residing in the Seattle area with her husband, Al Raymond, Body emphasized that as she ages, the importance of giving back has grown. She is committed to supporting institutions that profoundly shaped her life, ensuring future generations have similar opportunities. "I was fortunate in my own experience, and I want others to have those same chances. That’s why I’ve given back."