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K-State Today

May 24, 2023

College of Veterinary Medicine presents scholarships and awards during annual banquet

Submitted by Joe Montgomery

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Clinical Assistant Professor Leslie Weaver, left, and veterinary alumnus Tom Jernigan ’79 present the Dr. L. Derald and Mary Ellen Jernigan Scholarship Award to Cheyenne Brown, who just completed her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine with the graduating class of 2023.

The Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine hosted its 2023 Senior Banquet on May 9 at the Manhattan Conference Center. The college presented more than $230,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors, with more than 80 awards presented, some to multiple recipients.

"The Senior Awards Banquet recognizes students who have excelled during the clinical training program," said Bonnie Rush, Hodes family dean of the college. "A few scholarships reward exceptional academic performance, but most awards are intended to recognize students for their hands-on performances while working with pets and livestock. Awardees are selected by the faculty to recognize senior veterinary students who show promise and talent in particular areas of emphasis. Typically, it is recognition for doing the work they will do as graduate veterinarians."

Three groups of students were recognized for completing the requirements for concurrent certificate programs in addition to their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree studies. Nine students were presented with the Food Animal Veterinary Certificate, nine students earned the Shelter Medicine Veterinary Certificate and four students received the Exotic Animal/Zoological Medicine Veterinary Certificate.

Two annual faculty awards were also presented during the banquet. Kenneth Harkin, the Steve and Colleen Hodes professor and section head of small animal internal medicine, was selected as the recipient of the 2023 Zoetis Distinguished Veterinary Teaching Award. Since 1963, the Zoetis Distinguished Veterinary Teaching Award has been presented at each of the U.S. veterinary colleges to an outstanding teacher who advances the veterinary profession by inspiring students to their highest levels of achievement and professionalism.

The Dr. William and Deanna Pritchard Veterinary Service and Outreach Award was established in 2012 to emphasize the importance of service and outreach in the veterinary profession. This year's recipient of the Pritchard Award is Brad Crauer, associate clinical professor and director of the shelter medicine program.

The Pet Tribute Faculty Award provides senior students with an opportunity to honor a faculty member who distinguishes themselves through exceptional role modeling as a compassionate caregiver and health care professional. This year's senior class voted for Neala Boyer, clinical associate professor.

In addition to the faculty award, the Pet Tribute House Officer Awards were presented to Jessica Zito, small animal emergency intern, and Anne Lovett, large animal internal medicine resident. The Pet Tribute Award Veterinary Nurse Award was presented to Rachel Gooldy in the Hill's Pet Health and Nutrition Center and Cassidy Goering in the anesthesia service.

View the full list of scholarships and awards.