Alan C. Menge, associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology in the Medical School and associate research scientist in the Reproductive Sciences Program, will retire from active faculty status on December 31, 1998, after a most productive career as a researcher, teacher, and contributor to the reproductive success of countless couples.

Professor Menge received his B.S. degree in 1956 from the University of Illinois and his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in 1961 from the University of Wisconsin. He joined the faculty of Rutgers University in 1961 and came to the University of Michigan in 1967 as an associate professor, having been recruited by the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology to establish a basic research program in reproductive immunology in conjunction with the clinical program directed by S. J. Behrman, M.D.

Professor Menge built the preeminent unit studying the immunology of reproduction, markedly expanding the knowledge base of the immunobiology of sperm and developing clinical assays that are still in use today. He trained a generation of fellows and clinicians and was an active member of the educational program of the department.

From 1979-80, Professor Menge was a Fogarty Senior International Fellow at Uppsala University, Sweden. He was vice chair in 1980 and chair in 1982 of the biannual Gordon Research Conference on the Mammalian Genital Tract. From 1990-91, he was a visiting scientist at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. In 1994, he established the Laboratory of Assisted Reproductive Technologies at the University of Michigan in support of the clinical program. There he refined a number of techniques, leading to his certification in 1995 as a high complexity clinical laboratory director.

Professor Menge has achieved an international reputation for his work in reproductive immunology and is known for his thoughtful and ethical approach to a field strewn with ethical land mines. His absence will be felt deeply, both by his colleagues and by couples who have benefited from his work.

The Regents now salute this distinguished teacher and researcher in reproductive sciences for his dedicated service by naming Alan C. Menge associate professor emeritus of obstetrics and gynecology and associate research scientist emeritus.