Joe Livingston and Kerry Livingston

Mike Palmer couldn’t afford to attend NDSU to become an engineer as he so desired as a young man. Instead, Mike enlisted in the US Navy, where he was highly decorated and impressively promoted to the rank of E-9, Master Chief Petty Officer in only twelve years in avionics (1959-1978). Through the experience and education, he received while serving our country, Mike was able to have a second career in the Engineering Department at NDSU as an Experiment Station Specialist Technician (1984-2001). Mike was generous with his time and talents by volunteering with his church and other organizations. Mike recognized the importance of a good education, and he was proud to assist in providing an opportunity for his four children and seven grandchildren to receive further education beyond high school. Mike would be delighted that his family is honoring his legacy by providing financial support to students seeking an education in the STEM field at NDSU as he did for them.