Klemm spent his childhood outside of Memphis, Tennessee.  Mentored by an agricultural teacher, he was involved in the local FFA chapter, which led to a desire to become a veterinarian.  Upon completion of his pre-veterinary studies at the University of Tennessee, Klemm was accepted into the Vet. Med. program at Auburn University and received his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine in 1958.  While serving in the Air Force for two years, Klemm discovered a passion for research. Klemm won a grant from the National Institute of Health to continue his studies at Notre Dame and earned his Ph.D. in Biology in 1963.  He would spend another 28 years in the Air Force Reserves.

While teaching at Iowa State, Klemm accepted a position at TAMU’s Biology Department and moved his family to College Station in 1966.  He transferred to TAMU’s Vet Med School in 1980, where he continues to work as a Professor of Neuroscience.  Dr. Klemm’s research includes: brainstem mechanisms of behavior, effects of alcohol, and improving learning/memory capabilities, earning him the nickname “Memory Medic.” He has authored many books, conducts workshops and writes an advice column and blog on his website - www.thankyoubrain.com.

Klemm decided to provide the resources for TAMU Vet. Med. students to gain exposure to research at an early stage.  He would have considered research earlier had opportunities like summer fellowships been offered.  “Often times, students go home during the summer and do irrelevant jobs to earn a living.  They might as well do something useful like working with a scientist to gain a better appreciation for the role of research in medicine,” he said.  Klemm went on to explain that the scholarship will also serve the faculty advisors.  “I always wanted to have a vet student as an associate.  A student can receive a good education and bring a lot to a research project.”

The scholarship fund is also named to honor his late wife Doris, who earned her master’s degree in history at TAMU in 1986.  “It was one of the highlights of her life to go back to school in her 40’s and earn her master’s degree and she did it with a 4.0,” Klemm explained.  Doris taught for many years in the public school system and went on to teach history at Blinn for 10 years following graduate school.  “Texas A&M gave me my career and my wife her career.”   Klemm’s love of research continues.  He still works half time for the university as a project director on three research grants, examining how to improve science education in public schools.  “I’ve had a pretty productive scientific career and I feel I can share that opportunity through this scholarship.”

The Klemms have two children who are Aggies, Mark Klemm ‘81 and Laura Klemm ’84,’88.   Their oldest of nine grandchildren, Kelley, began her freshman year at A&M this fall.

For more information on Dr. Klemm's visit his personal site: www.cvm.tamu.edu/wklemm