Patti Chipman, supporter of the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary, receives 2026 CANR Honorary Alumni Award

Patricia “Patti” Chipman received a Michigan State University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, or CANR, Honorary Alumni Award at the ANR Awards Program in February.

The CANR Honorary Alumni Award recognizes an individual whose lasting contributions to the college enhance lives and support meaningful efforts that strengthen the well‑being of society.

Patti Chipman

Chipman’s philanthropic impact is broad in scope. Most recently, she has generously supported an ongoing fundraising campaign led by the W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary, located in Augusta, Michigan, about 65 miles southwest of MSU’s main East Lansing campus. When completed, this $4.7 million project will renovate the Sanctuary’s welcome center, auditorium and offices—spaces that have welcomed visitors since the 1960s.

Notably, Chipman has been a steadfast supporter of the MSU Landscape Architecture program for nearly four decades. Her long history of philanthropy began with the creation of the John and Patricia Chipman Endowed International Enrichment Program in 1986.

The fund was established to provide students with immersive international study opportunities that broaden their understanding of global design and culture. Over the years, her commitment has grown to support not only students but also faculty, strengthening the overall excellence of the program.

Chipman’s dedication is deeply connected to the legacy of her late husband John E. Chipman who graduated from MSU in 1953 and founded Landscape Forms Inc. Together the Chipmans shared a belief in the transformative power of global learning and worked to ensure MSU students could access opportunities that would shape their professional paths.

Students who have participated in the study abroad program funded through the Chipman endowment often describe the experience as life changing. They speak about gaining confidence and building cultural awareness as well as developing a deeper understanding of landscape architecture in practice.

Chipman’s generosity has also supported faculty development and the recruitment of top talent in the LA program. Her investments have helped faculty build international connections to enrich their teaching and bring new ideas into the classroom. This support has played a role in the program’s climb to becoming one of the top landscape architecture programs in the country.

Chipman has been described as thoughtful, collaborative and deeply committed to the success of MSU students. Her influence continues to support meaningful connections across generations of Spartans.