Source: Cheri Ubel, 785-532-4043, ubel@vet.k-state.edu
Photo available. Contact media@k-state.edu or 785-532-6415
News release prepared by: Christina McCall, 785-532-4187, cmccall@vet.k-state.edu
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
K-STATE COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE RECOGNIZING JOLIET, ILL., VETERINARIAN WITH DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS AWARD
MANHATTAN -- Cecil W. Ingmire, Joliet, Ill., is receiving the 2007 Distinguished Alumnus Award from the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine and its Veterinary Medicine Alumni Association.
The award will be presented Monday, June 4, as part of K-State's 69th annual Conference for Veterinarians.
The Distinguished Alumnus Award is given to a veterinarian who has had an outstanding career and who has contributed to the success of the veterinary profession through service and professional organizations.
Ingmire grew up in Kansas on farms in Morris County. He graduated from Dwight Rural High School, one of two boys in a class of seven, in 1943. He then went to K-State. Because of World War II, classes at the university were accelerated to three 16-week semesters, with one week off between semesters. After a year of pre-veterinary classes, Ingmire completed the four-year veterinary curriculum in less than three years. He received his doctor of veterinary medicine degree from K-State in February 1947 at the age of 21.
"I had great professors," Ingmire said. "I have never forgotten them."
After graduating from K-State, Ingmire worked in a mixed practice in Akron, Ohio, for one year. He started his own practice in Joliet in 1948. He tested for brucellosis and tuberculosis in cattle, acquainting him with many farmers throughout the county.
From 1954-56, Ingmire was a captain in the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps, serving as a food inspector. Following his military service, he returned to Joliet and built his own clinic, working mainly with farmers and dairymen and later, equine clients. He retired in 1997.
During his 50-year career, Ingmire was a member of the American Association of Equine Practitioners, American Association of Beef Practitioners, American Veterinary Medical Association, Illinois State Veterinary Medicine Association and Kankakee Valley Veterinary Medical Association. He served on the board of the Illinois State Veterinary Association from 1987-1990 and as president from 1991-92.
He is an active mentor to the Will County Farm Bureau and 4-H, helping young people who are interested in farming and careers in veterinary medicine. He also worked for the establishment of veterinary technician programs at Parkland College, Champaign, Ill., and at Joliet Junior College.
Ingmire and his wife, Mary, have been married for 60 years and have four children, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. His son, Wayne Ingmire, earned a doctor of veterinary medicine degree from K-State in 1975.