Excellence in Teaching and Research

 

 

Abbott held faculty positions in Colleges of Veterinary Medicine at WSU and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign before joining the College of Veterinary Medicine at Texas A&M University in 1994. She conducted research on the role of calcium in neuronal development and function as well as on the effects of heavy metals on early development, using zebrafish and mice as animal models. She also collaborated with computer scientists at several institutions to create 3D, high-resolution maps of the mouse brain. Abbott was a TAMU Montague Center for Teaching Excellence Scholar (1997), received the Association of Former Students of Texas A&M University Distinguished Achievement Award for Teaching at the College Level (2009 and in 2017) and at the university level (2010), the Pfizer Inc. Carl J. Norden Award for Teaching Veterinary Medicine (2010) and an American Association of Veterinary Anatomists Outstanding Anatomist Award (2013). Abbott retired in 2018 from Texas A&M University as an Emeritus Professor of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences. She currently lives on the southern Oregon coast with her husband, the Rev. James L. Abbott, a retired Evangelical Lutheran Church of America pastor.

Excellence in Teaching and Research

 

Adams is the chairman of the board of directors and the chief scientific officer for Veterinary Medical Research & Development, a company he founded in 1981. Located in Pullman, the company develops and manufactures over 300 veterinary diagnostic test kits and reagents that are used in more than 55 countries. Adams was CEO of the company for 33 years before he stepped down in 2014. Scott and his wife, Janet, are generous supporters of the Pullman community and the Palouse Choral Society.

Excellence in Teaching and Research

He served as the Dean of the University of Georgia's College of Veterinary Medicine from 1975 to 1996. His work in medical microbiology and avian medicine includes authoring 30 publications dealing with avian disease, and he is most noted for his work uncovering the relationship between environmental conditions and infectious agents.

Excellence in Teaching and Research Alumni Award

Dr. Anderson earned his DVM from WSU and is a professor of pathology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Medicine. After veterinary school, he completed a
residency and fellowship in human pathology at UAB, later earning a PhD in experimental cardiovascular pathology. Since joining the faculty in 1986, his research on cardiac hypertrophy, atherosclerosis, and stents has led to over 100 publications and six patents. A leader in medical education, he co-created the PEIR website for digital pathology resources. His teaching excellence has earned numerous awards, including the Alpha Omega Alpha Robert J. Glaser Distinguished Teacher Award, and he was named a fellow of the Association of Academic Pathology in 2023.

Since her graduation from WSU in 1987, Dr. Kathryn Bayne has led a distinguished career in bettering the lives of animals used in clinical research. Dr. Bayne has been cited as a true “one health” practitioner with research animals worldwide benefitting from improved care, while society benefits from the scientific advances these animals make possible. At WSU, she completed a PhD in wildlife biology and has joined the National Institutes of Health as a veterinary behaviorist. She is currently the Global Director for the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International (AAALACI), and an affiliate professor of Animal Science at the University of Hawaii.

Her work as an internationally recognized knowledgeable and pragmatic leader in the field of laboratory animal medicine makes her aptly deserving of this year’s 2009 Distinguished Veterinary Alumnus Award for Excellence in Teaching and Research.

Excellence in Practice

 

Bender is a bonafide vampire hunter in Mexico and only occasionally mistaken for Harrison Ford’s Indiana Jones. He was a U.S. Marine who became a veterinarian. He has had the opportunity to treat and be chased by musk ox in the beautiful bitterroot valley of Montana and see the lovely Canadian island of “Anne of Green Gables,” not just on PBS, but by practicing at the Atlantic Veterinary College on Prince Edward Island. Then trading green pastures for red rocks, Bender spent over 20 years as Navajo Nation Tribal veterinarian, enjoying community practice, zoo and wildlife medicine, public health, and all the joys of being a government veterinarian. He currently teaches veterinary science at Navajo Technical University, and now gets to avoid pulling calves in the mud. He continues to be involved in oral rabies and birth control vaccine research as a cooperating researcher with USDA Wildlife Services and while still not yet “Dr. Jones,” he has co-authored a research paper in archeology and did play a human doctor on TV once.

Excellence in Veterinary Practice

Dr. Joe “JD” Bergevin was born and raised in Walla Walla, Wash, where he learned to train horses.  He later used those skills to put himself through college with rodeo circuit earnings. JD earned a DVM degree from the WSU College of Veterinary Medicine in 1960 and founded the Woodinville Equine Hospital (originally the Woodinville Veterinary Hospital) with Dr. Frank Merritt in 1975. Dr. Bergevin is a pioneer in equine arthroscopy and is considered an expert in the diagnosis of equine lameness, navicular injuries and degeneration. Bergevin has spent a major part of his career learning about the best practical treatments for colic, and more recently he developed major advancements in equine dentistry. His humor, integrity, enthusiasm, knowledge and never-ending curiosity have made him a mentor and an inspiration to many. He was described by a colleague as the “epitome of an equine veterinarian.” When describing the practice of veterinary medicine, Dr. Bergevin is fond of the phrase, “Ya gotta have the fever,” and he has proven to everyone that he most definitely does.

Excellence in Practice

Dr. Terry Brown grew up on a farm in Sprague, WA. He obtained a BS degree in Animal Nutrition from WSU in 1970. After 2 years performing medical research for the Army, he moved to private practice in Longview, WA. In 1979 he was recruited to manage and serve as a staff veterinarian at the newly formed Pet Emergency Clinic (PEC) in Spokane. For over 30 years he led ongoing development of the PEC, recruiting numerous specialists to the practice. At least 20 students who worked at the PEC under the mentorship of Dr. Brown went on to graduate from the WSU College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Brown approached cases in an intelligent analytical fashion, as well as using practical common sense. The term “Grace under Fire” comes to mind when describing Dr. Brown.

Outstanding Service Award

 

Dr. Brown grew up in Yelm, Washington, and got his start as a veterinarian in Spanaway before embarking on his career at Yelm Veterinary Hospital in 1982. He became a partner in the practice by 1985 and worked there until his death in 2022. Dr. Brown spent a great deal of time paving the way for future veterinarians, teaching hands-on skills to third-year veterinary students. He was also the main veterinarian for Wolf Haven International – a sanctuary located near Tenino, Washington, for captive-born displaced wolves – for about 40 years. Dr. Brown devoted much of his life working to rehabilitate wildlife, including with initiatives such as the Mexican Wolf Program. Since the 1990s, Dr. Brown was a Washington state licensed wildlife rehabilitator, conducted animal handling courses, and volunteered for 14 years with World Vets International. He also spent several years volunteering for Rural Area Veterinary Services (RAVS).

Excellence in Teaching and Research

Dr. Steven Budsberg, professor and director of clinical research at the University of Georgia enhances knowledge within the veterinary community through research, teaching residents and veterinary students, mentoring of young faculty, and supporting clinical research. Dr. Budsberg’s research has had a major impact on the understanding of osteoarthritis, gait mechanics and orthopedics. He is also a leader in the study of use of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) in pain management. He established an internationally recognized research laboratory in musculoskeletal research and is the recipient of over five million dollars in research funding. He has assisted over 35 other laboratories worldwide to establish the force plate technique for gait analysis and has published more than 95 peer-reviewed research papers and 90 research abstracts. Dr. Budsberg is the recipient of numerous awards for research excellence including the AVMA-AKC Excellence in Caine Research Award, Pfizer Animal Health Award and University of Georgia’s Creative research medal.

 

He has served on numerous scientific boards and grant review committees and is currently the Chair of the Council on Research of the American Veterinary Medical Association. He is a member of several professional organizations including the AVMA Council on Research, Veterinary Orthopedic Society and the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, serving as the president from 2008 -2009.

Outstanding Service Award

Dr. Butchart’s distinguished career includes serving as the Agricultural Officer with the Agency for International Development in Tunisia, North Africa where he is credited with laying the foundation for that country to improve and sustain its dairy industry.  Instead of importing 40% of the country’s predicted milk, the country was self-sustaining some 18-years later. His work has extended to initiating breeding programs in Morocco, enhancing food safety and production in Pakistan during the Soviet invasion of neighboring Afghanistan, and has obtained the highest rank possible as a Foreign Service Officer in a singular professional achievement. His work also led to postings in outposts such as two years in Ouagadougou, Upper Volta (now called Burkina Faso), five years in Tunisia, and three years in Pakistan.

In making his nomination, Dr. Bill Kelso writes “the value of (his) achievement should be viewed from the thousands of beneficiaries who will have… a more sufficient supply of nutritious food. His vision of what was needed for a sustained long-term effort of improvement shows his wisdom in program planning.” Dr. Butchart is also the recipient of the Distinguished Diplomate Award by the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine.

Excellence in Veterinary Teaching and Research

Script from presentation of award by Dean Borje K. Gustafsson:

As we do each year, the College of Veterinary Medicine at Washington State University honors two of our own who have distinguished themselves among their peers as seen through the eyes of their peers.

This year we once again honor two individuals for Excellence in Practice and Excellence in Teaching and Research with the 1997 Distinguished Veterinary Alumnus Awards.

...

Our next Distinguished Veterinary Alumnus Award recipient lives in Columbus, Ohio, is a Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and
Metabolism, at The Ohio State University, and is the Professor and Chair of the Department of Veterinary Biosciences at OSU.

He earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree from WSU in 1960, master's and Ph.D. degrees from OSU in 1961 and 1965 respectively and became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists that same year. In 1992, he was elected a member of the National Academy of Sciences, Institute of Medicine. Among the institute's 476 members, our alumnus is one of only 11 veterinarians ever elected to membership.

Over the last three decades, our alumnus has actively researched the comparative pathophysiology of endocrine/metabolic diseases in animals and the development of animal models for human disorders. Much of this research has focused on the interrelationships of parathyroid hormone, calcitonin, and active vitamin D
metabolites in the endocrine control of calcium metabolism in bone cell activity.

His work has not gone unnoticed, a testament to is quality. Here are few of the highlights from an extensive collection. n 1995, he was awarded the AVMA's Excellence in Canine Research Award. In 1993, Ohio State recognized him as one of their Distinguished Scholars. In 1987 he won the Gaines Research Award, in 1984 the Ralston Purina Small Animal Research Award, and in 1975 the National Borden Research Award.

Join me now as we too honor the excellence of Dr. Charles C. Capen, our 1997 Distinguished Veterinary Alumnus for Excellence in Teaching and Research.

Excellence in Practice

Excellence in Practice

 

Cook has been practicing veterinary medicine for 43 years. He worked for the state of Nevada for two years and then moved to his hometown of Bozeman, Montana, where he practiced as a mixed-animal veterinarian for nine years. In 1982, he opened his own practice, All-West Veterinary Hospital (now seven doctors for large and small animals), where he practices equine medicine. His philosophy is that hard work, being early, working at the highest level of expertise, and compassionate care are the most basic qualities that apply to all of life. He looks forward to work every day and learning new techniques that will increase his ability to provide the highest-quality care.

Cook has been a member of the Montana and American Veterinary Medicine Associations and the American Association of Equine Practitioners since 1971. He has volunteered as the Montana State University Rodeo Team veterinarian for the past 41 years and was the veterinarian for the College National Finals Rodeo for 16 years while it was in Bozeman. He provides hours of volunteer work for 4-H and speaks at numerous equine-related group conferences and events. For the past 34 years, he has also been a veterinarian for the Tevis Cup Western States 100 Mile Ride and was invited to vet the Tom Quilty Championship Endurance Ride in Australia in 2013.

Raymond Ediger was born in Bethany, Oregon, and attended Oregon State University for his undergraduate education. Dr. Ediger’s 62-year career has encompassed numerous accomplishments and awards. While serving in the Veterinary Corps as director of the Fort Detrick Biological Laboratories in Fort, Detrick, Maryland, he was credited for making it one of the leading laboratory animal facilities in the U.S. He is also credited for developing procedures for the caesarean-derivation of germ-free colonies of laboratory animals. Many of his innovations are now accepted as the gold standard in the care and use of laboratory animals. Dr. Ediger is a Diplomate of the College of Laboratory Animal Medicine and created the National Institute of Health’s Animal Facilities Diagnostic Laboratory, which served the NIH laboratory animal colonies on the Bethesda, Maryland, campus. As the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) state veterinary epidemiologist, he initiated the Maryland Scrapie Eradication Program and was honored as MDA’s Most Outstanding Employee of the Year. “I want to thank WSU and the veterinary school for the fantastic training we had, and their ability to train a student for a career in veterinary medicine, that in your wildest dreams, you didn’t know that you would ever do,” Ediger said as he addressed the crowd.

Excellence in Practice

Excellence in Veterinary Practice

Excellence in Veterinary Practice

 

Fineman worked in private practice for 17 years as a clinical oncologist and practice owner before transitioning to management and leadership full time. She is also an adjunct faculty member in the WSU College of Veterinary Medicine and facilitates small group clinical reasoning exercises in the Diagnostic Challenges Program. She has a special interest in communication skills and their impact on medical and business outcomes.  Fineman currently serves as chief executive officer for the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine and previously served as vice president of learning and development with Ethos Veterinary Health. After earning her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from WSU, she completed an internship at Kansas State University and a residency in medical oncology at Purdue University before becoming board certified in oncology.

Excellence in Practice

Excellence in Veterinary Teaching and Research

Excellence in Teaching and Research

 

Garner is a renowned veterinary pathologist who specializes in zoological and wildlife diseases. In 1994, Garner founded the consulting firm Northwest ZooPath. Since that time, he has worked with numerous zoos, wildlife centers, universities, and veterinary clinics in the United States and abroad. He has authored or co-authored more than 200 papers and book chapters. Garner is also a gifted teacher and is committed to training veterinary pathologists and residents. He established an outreach training program for foreign pathologists in 1999 and has housed and trained 22 externs and residents. A sought-after speaker, Garner has given hundreds of presentations and seminars at national and international meetings and veterinary colleges, including Washington State University where he has held an adjunct faculty appointment since 1998.

Excellence in Teaching and Research

She is the President of Global Preclinical Services for Charles River Laboratories and has distinguished herself with outstanding contributions in toxicological pathology that have had a profound impact on animal and human health.

Excellence in Teaching and Research

Dr. Fletcher Hahn's research contributions have been recognized on a national and international level and have brought recognition to the veterinary medical field, in particular, veterinary pathology. He has made outstanding contributions to the understanding the pathogenesis of pulmonary diseases produced by inhaled radioactive and chemical agents. Thus, improving our scientific basis for occupational and environmental human health standards. He has also been employed at Lovelace Inhalation Toxicology Research Institute in Albuquerque, NM for 33 years and has authored or co-authored over 270 papers and reports.

Excellence in Teaching and Learning

Dr. Steve Haskins' (1969) singular contribution has been his unwavering commitment to development of critical patient care as a specialty within veterinary medicine in which he is considered by many to be “an absolute pioneer, and world authority.”  Dr. Haskins was a catalyst in forming the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society and the American College of Veterinary Emergency Critical Care and established one of the first residency programs in small animal Emergency and Critical Care Medicine.  In his over 60 published research works in anesthesia and critical care, and an equal number of book chapter and teaching publications.  He has had a strong impact in the creation of new scientific knowledge in the field, and with the evolution the art and science of intensive patient care.  His students and residents speak of him fondly as a gifted and dedicated teacher, who holds the rare honor of receiving the Norden Distinguished Teacher Awards from two universities (U of Minnesota, UC Davis). He has also received the ACVECC Scientific Achievement Award, the VECCS Distinguished Service Award, and the AMC Distinguished Alumni award.  Among the comments written in support of Dr. Haskins, one in particular stands out: “there are fewer than a handful of individuals in the world who can match Dr. Haskins from the perspective of world renown, scholarly activity, and teaching skills.”

Excellence in Practice

Director of the Dubai Equine Hospital since 1992 and credited with being the primary force behind bringing leading edge equine medicine and surgery to the Middle East.

Excellence in Teaching and Research

Dr. Loren Koller (1965) has led a long a distinguished career as both a biomedical researcher, and academic veterinary medicine professor.  Dr. Koller is credited with pioneering, and founding the scientific discipline known as “immunotoxicology,” a worldwide recognized field of research that provides a new direction in both basic and clinical research.  Dr. Koller’s early research endeavors led to an entirely new environmental research field that has provided countless career opportunities for veterinarians.  From 1985 - 95 he served as the Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Oregon State University.  Dr. Koller has been recognized by the National Academy of Sciences for his medical and scientific expertise and has been invited by the United Nations to serve as an Inspector for Weapons of Mass Destruction.  He currently serves as an Environmental Health and Toxicology consultant using his expertise to improve and assure a safe work environment for workers, and the public in general.

Script from Awards Ceremony (Borje Gustafsson, Dean):

Our next 1992 Distinguished Veterinary Alumnus Award goes to another WSU double alumnus. Degrees from both 1941 and 1942 make him a classmate of Dr. Warsinske's. From WSU, both men's paths separated for a while but have now reconverged.

For four years after his graduation, he worked in private practice. From 1946 through 1948 though, he did a two-year tour of duty with the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Agency in Europe and China. It was there that tonight's honoree realized broader aspects of veterinary medicine including international service, epidemiology, and disease control. It was a realization that would launch a career in international veterinary affairs that lasted almost 30 years.

His list of committee and consultant activities reads like that of a diplomat with one exception, this diplomat holds a DVM degree from Washington State University. He chaired the Foreign Animal Diseases Committee. He was editor for the journal Foreign Animal Diseases. He was a member of the National Academy of Sciences National Research Council Committee on Animal Health and chair of the task force on International Disease Problems. A member of the President's Advisory Council, he served on the Committee on World Food Problems. And quite frankly, the list fills two full pages and extends to virtually every continent and many nations on the globe.

His list of publications and presentations is equally impressive. Like all of us will someday, he faced retirement in 1979 but was not to remain idle long. It was here that the paths of this honoree and Dr. Warsinske came together again. Since 1982, he has served as vice president and chief technical director to Bova International Incorporated, the commercial embryo transfer organization founded and headed by Dr. Warsinske.

Please join me in honoring as a 1992 Distinguished Veterinary Alumnus and proud Cougar, Dr. Nels Konnerup.

Outstanding Service Award

Measuring a career in elephant years.

Barbara and L. Everett Macomber

Excellence in Practice

Dori Borjesson, center, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Washington State University, poses for a photo with CVM alumni. This year's winners were Leslie Sprunger, left, Steve Vredenburg, second from left, Khursheed Mama, second from right, and Gary Marshall, right, who also won an Outstanding Service Alumni Award. (College of Veterinary Medicine/Ted S. Warren)

Dr. Khursheed Mama has left an indelible mark on the profession through her roles as clinician-scientist, mentor, teacher, and leader. As interim department head of Clinical Sciences at CSU, she exemplifies compassionate leadership, prioritizing the well-being of the faculty and staff, and spearheading recognition initiatives. Her dedication to faculty retention is evident in her impactful onboarding and ongoing mentorship of faculty. Dr. Mama’s influence as a clinician and educator extends to zoological parks and overseas venues, where she collaborates on development of anesthesia protocols for non-traditional species and is sought after for her expertise in training veterinarians. Dr. Mama has over 100 peer-reviewed manuscripts focused on addressing anesthesia and pain management related topics in a broad range of species.

Outstanding Service Alumni Award

Dr. Gary Marshall is committed to mentorship and community support in the veterinary profession. For years, Marshall, an adjunct faculty member of the college, has taught feline medicine to senior veterinary students at Island Cats Veterinary Hospital in Mercer Island, Washington. He continues to serve on the Washington State Veterinary Medical Association Board, where he completed a term as president. Nationally, Marshall represents Washington in the AVMA House of Delegates and also serves on the Women’s Veterinary Leadership Development Initiative Board of Directors. Dr. Marshall’s commitment to mentorship and community support is evident in initiatives like Vets Outdoors and the pandemic-inspired “Cat Class” virtual lecture series. He was also selected by the WSU DVM Class of 2022 to deliver their commencement address.

Charles Martin and Dean Warwick Bayly

Excellence in Teaching and Research

Dr. Charles Martin, DVM, MS, DACVO

A 1965 graduate of WSU College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Charles L. Martin continued with an internship in small animal medicine at the University of Pennsylvania followed by graduate studies at The Ohio State University where he received a Master of Science degree with a specialty in ophthalmology. He joined the newly established Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 1968 where he assumed responsibilities for instruction in all disciplines in small animal medicine as well as ophthalmology. Additionally, he has held clinical positions at Kansas State University and the University of Georgia serving as chief of staff and then director of the teaching hospital at UGA for nine years. Following retirement, he also became a visiting professor at Auburn University.

Dr. Martin is a charter diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists and its past president serving twice on the board of regents and its examination and credentials committee. He also is a past president of the American Society of Veterinary Ophthalmology. A distinguished emeritus professor at the University of Georgia he has authored over 150 scientific publications, including numerous book chapters and two text-books, most recently Ophthalmic Disease in Veterinary Medicine. His pioneering work and reference material in biomicroscopy ,glaucoma and keratoconjunctivitis sicca is foundational to training ophthalmologists Hailed as a gifted teacher with a quest for knowledge and scientific advancement in the field of veterinary ophthalmology his career of more than forty years has touched the lives of countless numbers of veterinarians. In making the nomination for Dr. Martin, Dr. William Yakely (’69) writes “Dr. Martin’s research was driven by a need to know, and by the voids in veterinary literature. (His) work is held as the standard today as it was when published some 35 years previous. He didn’t seek glory or honors; he just quietly went about his work.”

WSU Veterinary College Honors Distinguished Alumnus

PULLMAN, Wash. - When Tats Matsuoka, DVM, was growing up during the ‘40s in a Japanese internment camp in Montana, little did he dream he would someday be a leading researcher in veterinary medicine.

Born in Seattle in 1928 to Japanese immigrant vegetable farmers, Dr. Matsuoka rose from humble beginnings to graduate in the top ten percent of his high school class in Chinook, Mont., serve in the U.S. Air Force, and graduate as a veterinarian from WSU in 1959. Later, he helped develop several trademark medicines used by veterinarians worldwide.

Recently, he was selected as the WSU College of Veterinary Medicine’s 2003 Distinguished Veterinary Alumnus of the Year for his accomplishments in both teaching and research.  Traveling from Indiana, Dr. Matsuoka was presented the award April 4 at the college’s annual conference.

“I am just overwhelmed,” he said about receiving the award, and joked that his children used to tell him when a family pet got sick, “well, I guess we have to take ‘em to a real vet now.”

Dr. Matsuoka began his career in the University of Montana’s diagnostic laboratories and for the state veterinary research laboratory in Bozeman after he graduated from WSU. In 1963, he was hired by Eli Lilly Research Laboratories in Greenfield Indiana, where he worked until his retirement in 1992.  There, he conducted research and helped the company develop and market industry-standard antibiotic treatments for respiratory illnesses in animals.

One product, Micotil, used to treat cattle for bovine respiratory disease, garners the company sales of nearly $70 million each year.  Another antibiotic used to treat and control respiratory diseases in pigs, Pulmotil, has resulted in annual sales of about $30 million.

Among others, he also helped develop drugs that treat pneumonia in pigs, horses and cattle and a deadly intestinal disease called coccidiosis for poultry.

“He grew up in a time of war and duress that many of us will never experience,” said, Dr. Warwick Bayly, dean of the WSU College of Veterinary Medicine, “yet he succeeded as if it never happened.”

David Prieur, Marc Mattix, Dean Warwick Bayly

Outstanding Service Award

Dr. Marc Mattix is a Colonel in the US Army Reserves, and serves as the Assistant Chief of the US Army Veterinary Corps.  His work has long been in integrating animal and public health surveillance, along with being engaged in emergency and terrorism preparedness from the local to national level.  His expertise as a Veterinary pathologist is apparent in the over 200 publications and presentations he has produced that have had significant impact in implementing safeguards for all of America.  Currently, he serves as a pathologist with the Montana Veterinary diagnostic Laboratory.  Dr. Mattix is the past President of the Montana Veterinary Medical Association and serves on the Gallatin County Board of Health.  He is an Affiliate Professor at Montana State University and an Adjunct Professor at Purdue University.  Privately, friends say he is also an accomplished fiddle player.

Dr. James McBain is considered a pioneering expert in marine mammal veterinary medicine. He has authored and coauthored no fewer than 83 scientific papers, books and presentations on marine mammals and is recognized worldwide for his experience and expertise. Dr. McBain is seen by his peers as having fundamentally altered the way in which marine mammal medicine is practiced. For over 20 years he has worked for SeaWorld/Busch Entertainment Corp. in San Diego where he served as the Vice President of Corporate Veterinary Services, overseeing five parks, and the largest collection of marine mammals in the world.  Given the unique nature of his specialty, Dr. McBain also serves to mentor and train countless veterinarians seeking his specialized knowledge. Among his special goals, is a determination to educate us on the impacts of human overpopulation on the world’s wildlife.

It is this dedication to the profession we find most admirable in awarding the 2009 Distinguished Veterinary Alumnus Award for Outstanding Service.

Excellence in Research

Excellence in Teaching and Research

 

Middleton is a professor and assistant director of the Agricultural Experiment Station at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, where he has clinical, teaching, research, administrative, and service responsibilities. His research is primarily focused on the epidemiology, control, and treatment of bovine mastitis, as well as other infectious diseases important to veterinary and public health. As an educator, he combines teaching and hands-on learning for students in the classroom and the clinic. In 2015, Dr. Middleton received the National Mastitis Council Distinguished Service Award for Presidential Performance and the Zoetis Award for Veterinary Research Excellence, and he was recognized as a University of Missouri top faculty achiever in 2017. He and his wife, Lisa, and children, Benjamin and Jennifer, live on a small farm outside of Columbia, Missouri, where they raise sheep and hay. In his free time, he enjoys off-road driving and restoring old cars.

 

Excellence in Teaching and Research Alumni Award

Dr. Morley earned B.S. degrees in animal sciences and veterinary science in addition to a DVM at WSU. He now serves as a professor and director
of research for the Veterinary Education, Research, and Outreach (VERO) Program at Texas A&M University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and is a renowned epidemiologist, animal scientist, and veterinary internal medicine specialist who is recognized internationally for his expertise in infectious diseases. Dr. Morley has 30 years of distinguished service on the faculty at premier institutions, including Ohio State University, Colorado State University, University of Colorado, and Texas A&M. He has published over 230 peer-reviewed scientific articles and acquired more than $21 million in research funding during his career.

Outstanding Service Award

Excellence in Veterinary Practice

Dr. Thomas Newland's particular area of expertise is his revolutionary round hospital designs that have been the model for numerous veterinary hospital architects throughout the years. His friends and classmates have many honorable things to say about him as not only a veterinarian, but also as a human being. One classmate in particular spoke of his maturity, wisdom, and how he always spoke with a calm voice. Dr. Newland persevered and excelled through veterinary school despite having to take time out of school in order to serve his country during WWII. His perseverance and true strength of character has been reflected throughout the many blessings and tragedies that have made his life. A special goal of Dr. Newland's is to strive to be a loving and caring person to his family, classmates, and friends.

Excellence in Teaching and Research

Excellence in Practice

Script from presentation of award by Dean Borje K. Gustafsson:

As we do each year, the College of Veterinary Medicine at Washington State University honors two of our own who have distinguished themselves among their peers as seen through the eyes of their peers.

This year we once again honor two individuals for Excellence in Practice and Excellence in Teaching and Research with the 1997 Distinguished Veterinary Alumnus Awards.

Our first award recipient is a practitioner in the truest sense of the word. Until his recent retirement he could still be found working in his practice some 44 years after he graduated from WSU. But far beyond veterinary medicine, he is a model citizen.

In his church near his family's home in California, he was a Bishop for 6 years, Stake President for 12 years, and continues to serve as the Public Affairs Director.

In his local Chamber of Commerce, he is a past President, served as a director for more than 14 years, and has been the Honorary Mayor twice and Businessperson of the Year twice.

And then there's decades of involvement to count with the Boy Scouts of America, civic planning boards, the San Juan Unified School District, and of course his alma mater. At times he has employed as many as 35 people from his local community-including many who desperately needed it.

Listen to what others have said about our winner tonight:

From Dr. David K. Whitmer, a marriage, family, and child counselor in Sacramento:

QUOTE ''... [he] has a legendary reputation as a veterinarian that rivals Dr. Doolittle ..."

From Jan Bass Otto, Executive Vice President of the Carmichael Chamber of Commerce:

QUOTE ''He is a living legend ... After years of personal, professional, and civic accomplishments he is still as fresh and vibrant as when he first began practice ... ''

Please join me now as I say, Dr. Major A. Nilson is indeed a Distinguished Veterinary Alumnus not only this year but every year.

Excellence in Veterinary Practice

 

Pieracci is a veterinary medical officer in the Division of Global Migration and Quarantine with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. During her career as a public health veterinarian, she has implemented canine rabies elimination programs in multiple African and Asian countries. Pieracci was a public health emergency responder for the Ebola outbreaks of 2014 and 2018, and for the 2019 novel coronavirus (nCoV) outbreak. She is passionate about using a one health approach to address current and emerging zoonotic diseases. Pieracci earned a master’s degree in public health from Johns Hopkins University, is board certified in preventative medicine, and completed an Epidemic Intelligence Service Fellowship with the CDC.

Excellence in Veterinary Practice

Dr. Marvin Prentice has consistently expressed his commitment to excellence throughout his entire life. Whether it be his veterinary practice, serving his country, caring for his family, or his community; Dr. Prentice is an incredibly bright, responsible, and loving human being. He has always had a passion for orthopedic surgery, which he used his own ingenuity to develop many specialized pins and plates. Dr. Prentice's many years of work with non-profit organizations provided veterinary medical and surgical assistance that have given many animals a second chance. His dedication to serving the community through his veterinary works has inspired many individuals to follow in his lead.

Outstanding Service Award

 

Pritt is the assistant vice president of Conflict of Interest and the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. She also oversees export control compliance and stem cell research oversight as well as regulatory compliance for one of the largest biomedical research programs in the United States. During her career, Pritt has held numerous positions in academia and industry and is a nationally recognized authority on research program regulatory compliance, animal welfare, and administrative leadership. She has been on faculty at the Harvard Medical School where she served as associate director for animal care, training, and operations, and was the director of regulatory compliance and animal welfare at Covance, Inc. Pritt regularly speaks to research and veterinary audiences across the U.S. and has authored multiple publications on management and regulatory compliance. She earned master’s degrees in managerial science and business administration in health care management and is a charter diplomate by examination of the American College of Animal Welfare. She currently serves as president of the specialty college. Outside of biomedical research, she has also served as the vice president of the American Veterinary Medical Association and was a co-founder and president of the Women’s Veterinary Leadership Development Initiative.

Verley and Raymond Reed

Excellence in Teaching and Research

Excellence in Teaching and Research

 

Renne, board-certified in anatomic pathology since 1973, devoted more than 40 years of his career to toxicology and veterinary pathology. After serving in the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps from 1968-74, Renne was a staff pathologist at Experimental Pathology Laboratories in Herndon, Virginia, where he served as a consultant to the Tumor Pathology Branch of the National Cancer Institute. He joined Battelle Memorial Institute’s Pacific Northwest Laboratories in Richland, Washington, in 1976 and was the group leader for pathology from 1980-94 and toxicology department manager from 1994-96. He served as the staff pathologist for the Pathology Technical Group of Battelle from 1996 until his retirement in 2007. After his retirement, Renne started Roger Renne ToxPath Consulting, Inc., a consultant practice in toxicologic pathology in Sumner, Washington. Renne is a member of the Society of Toxicology and was a charter member of the Toxicologic and Exploratory Pathology Specialty Section of the Society of Toxicology. He also is a member of the American College of Toxicology, American College of Veterinary Pathologists, and the Society of Toxicologic Pathology. He served on the editorial board of Toxicologic Pathology.

Excellence in Teaching and Research

Script from awards ceremony:

- Dean Warwick Bayly

“From his earliest days here at Washington State University … we knew our award winner was something special, finishing 2^nd in his class … a full semester ahead of his classmates.  For the past 23-years, he has helped revolutionize the technology and approach to preclinical drug safety testing.  Our award winner is credited with introducing an integrated model of Risk Management that helps bring new drugs to market, with better understanding of the potential adverse effects of the medication.  Simply put, the model makes drugs more effective, and reduces the time needed to bring them to the marketplace.  His contributions have been critical to several of today’s leading drugs for human and veterinary medicine including Zoloft, Celebrex, and Relpax, to name a few.

In my office, there lies a file folder two inches thick, from your fellow graduates who have nominated him for this award.

Here are a few comments they have made:

“He is a pioneer … a vigorous proponent of harnessing new technologies to advance the predictive power of toxicology research.”

“A global thought leader …”

“A truly innovative, and uniquely creative thinker”

“…is driven to make a difference.”

“… he has changed the lives of others.”

His friends say, if you ask about which of his personal accomplishments he is most proud, you’re likely to hear the story of the day he was challenged to debate his positions on “Safety and Evaluation” against a conservative European regulator on their long standing “precautionary principles.” It is those principles upon which many European agencies base their regulatory decisions. Before a crowd of some three thousand, it would be our recipient, who would carry the day, with a resounding 97% support for his innovative ideas.

But his work is not limited to the laboratory.  It may be in the classroom, where his greatest achievements are reached.  He has developed a “Risk Management Seminar Series” that has been recognized by an unmatched cadre of leading scientists worldwide in using basic biology in the development of pharmaceuticals. It is a course that has been adopted by the FDA.  He is also the founding member of a biomedical consortium that provides K through 12 education to increase the awareness of laboratory animal activities and biological research issues.  He has had a significant impact on their latest campaign called “Is it Safe?”, which helps students make better choices using science, and risk assessment.

Currently, our award winner is the Senior Vice President at Pfizer Global Research and Development, and head of Worldwide Drug Safety and Evaluation, for the world’s largest and most successful pharmaceutical company.  It is an impressive position that has the potential to affect the lives of millions of people worldwide.

Married, to his lovely wife Nancy, with two children, our 1975 graduate is said to still practice veterinary medicine.  But his clients are limited to the pets of friends, and those within his family.

Please join me in awarding our 2004 Distinguished Veterinary Alumnus Award for Excellence in Teaching and Research, to Dr. Jack Reynolds.”

Outstanding Service Award

Worked in Uganda, dedicating her veterinary talents to those less fortunate. She cared for, and treated, local animals, while developing better food stocks with drought resistant crops. She established a program to feed widows and orphans using much of her own money. All of this within the confines of a remote area, often beset with the violence of civil unrest.

Dean Warwick Bayly, Kenneth Sinibaldi, James Lincoln

Excellence in veterinary practice

Dr. Kenneth Sinibaldi (’69) has dedicated his entire career to developing new and improved procedures for use in veterinary surgery and then sharing them with his colleagues.  He has been involved in over 30 major research projects, and has taught for nearly 4 decades.  Yet to his closest friends, it is his work as an outstanding practitioner that led to this award.   Stories abound both publicly and privately of his treatment of family pets, police dogs, and even zoo animals.  Dr. Sinibaldi has donated countless hours of time, and energy to helping agencies such as the Woodland Park Zoo, and the Seattle and King County K-9 Police Departments.  Yet perhaps his greatest compliment came from his fellow practitioners who insist there is no better animal caregiver they would rather turn for distinguished surgical treatment and care, then Dr. Kenneth Sinibaldi.

Walla Walla Veterinarian given top award by WSU

(Pullman) Longtime Dayton Veterinarian Dr. Dean Smith has been awarded WSU’s Distinguished Veterinary Alumnus Award for Excellence in Practice for 2004.  This is the highest honor given by WSU’s College of Veterinarian Medicine.

Dr. Dean Smith’s distinguished career includes serving as a Fullbright Lecturer at the University of Cairo in Egypt, Director of the Oregon State University Diagnostic Lab, and is the past Washington State Veterinarian.

Behind his many accomplishments, Dr. Smith is hailed as being a brilliant diagnostician, with a talent for leading younger veterinarians.

Several friends and co-workers who submitted nominating letters for this award described him as being “An exemplary model for young professionals through his unfailing courtesy in his interpersonal dealings and accuracy in assessing problems.  Qualities that have best encouraged young students to enter a career in the veterinary profession because they’d like to be “just like him.”

Dr. Dean Smith has two sons.  Currently, he is enjoying retirement in the Walla Walla area.

Excellence in Veterinary Teaching and Research

Outstanding Service Award

Dr. Leslie Sprunger, an accomplished educator and researcher at WSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine, has had an enduring impact on veterinary education. Known for creative and insightful teaching in anatomy and physiology, Dr. Sprunger has profoundly influenced both students and colleagues. As associate dean, she played a pivotal role in shaping WSU’s Regional Program in Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Sprunger has been a leader in evidence-based transformative initiatives at WSU, including the transition to pass/fail grading and has initiated a national movement to modernize grading systems in professional veterinary education. As chair of the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges Academic Affairs Committee, Dr. Sprunger exemplifies leadership, community building, and a commitment to wellbeing.

Dr. Thom was a pioneer in opening the field of radiology in veterinary medicine in the 1930's. He investigated proper dosage, methods of restraint and anesthesia, and protective measures for human personnel.

Dori Borjesson, center, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Washington State University, poses for a photo with CVM alumni. This year's winners were Leslie Sprunger, left, Steve Vredenburg, second from left, Khursheed Mama, second from right, and Gary Marshall, right, who also won an Outstanding Service Alumni Award. (College of Veterinary Medicine/Ted S. Warren)

Dr. Steve Vredenburg is a trailblazer in bovine embryo transfer, boasting a remarkable 42-year veterinary career. His pioneering work includes the development of cutting-edge technologies for non-surgical recovery and freezing of bovine embryos, contributing to global advancements in this field. As the former owner of the Banks Veterinary practice in Oregon, he cultivated a full-service clinic renowned for innovative therapies, surgeries, and diagnostic modalities. Dr. Vredenburg’s influence extends internationally through collaborations with ALTA Genetics, Therriault Creek Ranch, Trans Ova Genetics, the American Embryo Transfer Association and many cattlemen and dairymen.

Script from presentation (Borje Gustafsson, Dean):

Our first 1992 Distinguished Veterinary Alumnus Award winner is double alumnus of Washington State University 1941 and 1942. His professional life history is one any veterinarian would be proud of.

After graduation, he worked for the state Animal Health program, followed by a short stint teaching veterinary clinical medicine at WSU. In 1943, he co-founded with Dr. Carl Hjort the Northwest Veterinary Clinic in Stanwood, Washington, a practice that eventually branched out to Arlington and grew to seven practitioners and nearly a dozen supporting personnel.

As president of the Northwest Veterinary Clinic, our honoree established one of the first comprehensive herd health programs for his clients. In 1950, he developed a surgical technique for correcting a displaced abomasum, the results of which were published in 1951. From 1964 to 1970, he served on the National Mastitis Council and was the individual who proposed use of the California Mastitis Test as the standard for sanitary milk evaluation.

Along with his activities in the profession, tonight's honoree has demonstrated a keen business sense and been an outstanding citizen in his community. In 1973 he established one of the first commercial embryo transfer organizations in the U.S.-­ Bova International of which today he is president and director. Currently, Bova
International is the oldest such operation in continuous existence shipping fresh and frozen embryos worldwide.

In his community, he served on the Stanwood School Board helping to see a new high school built during his tenure. From 1971 to 1985, he served as director of the Bank of Stanwood.

I could go on for another few minutes detailing the awards this great man has received, but it is only one award we are concerned with here tonight.

Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in the distinct honor of presenting a 1992 Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine Distinguished Veterinary Alumnus Award to--Dr. Harold E. Warsinske.

Excellence in Teaching and Research

 

Weisbroth is retired but is a consultant in laboratory animal medicine with several institutions. Earlier, he served as director of animal care facilities for several major universities where he also pursued a research career in diseases of laboratory animals. He left academia in 1978 to become the president of Anmed Biosafe, a diagnostic lab, until retiring in 2001. At Anmed Biosafe he pioneered in developing diagnostic profiles for periodically evaluating the health status of laboratory rodents and lagomorphs, a process now practiced globally by all commercial lab animal producers and most institutional users. Weisbroth initiated the series of texts sponsored by the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine, of which the first was “The Biology of the Laboratory Rabbit,” widely recognized as an authoritative text on the subject, and he served as editor or contributor to several others in the series. He received the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) Griffin Award in 1990 and the AALAS Research Award in 1972. Weisbroth is married with three children and five grandchildren. He loves classical music, spending time with his family, and playing tennis.

Excellence in Teaching and Research

 

Wilson received a B.S. from Utah State University; DVM, with Highest Honors from Washington State University; and a Ph.D. from the University of Toronto. He has held faculty positions at six universities, served as a visiting professor/scientist at six universities, and is a long-time affiliate professor at the University of Washington’s Departments of Pathology and Oral Biology. He served as chair of the Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology (1976-83) and as dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine (1983-88) at Washington State University. Wilson received nine awards for excellence in teaching in his 31 years of instructing veterinary, pharmacy, medical, dental, and graduate students. His research focused on the interaction of nutrition and disease and animal models of human disease. He held numerous consultancies in government and industry and served four years as a member of the National Advisory Research Resources Council of the National Institutes of Health.

Outstanding Service Award

Dr. Wolverton graduated from WSU with his DVM in 1977 before returning to his hometown of Orofino, Idaho, where he has dedicated his life to serving both animals and people. With over four decades of offering discounted spays, neuters, and a sanctuary for pets awaiting new homes, he has been a pillar of compassion and care in his community.

Nominated multiple times for the Rotary Citizen of the Year award, Dr. Wolverton is known for putting the needs of others above his own. He has also sponsored local 4-H programs for decades and consistently provided care for rescue animals, often without compensation.

She has been the Chair of the Comparative Medicine Department at Stanford University since 1994 and is cited as being a superb writer and accomplished speaker. She has authored or co-authored over 150 scientific manuscripts principally in the fields of neuropathology and comparative medicine. She is the first woman, and one of only 16 veterinarians ever elected to the National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine.

Mark Jutila is currently the microbiology and immunology department head at Montana State University, where he has been a faculty member since 1989. Dr. Jutila's lifelong goals have been to make lasting contributions to science and education. He has built a leading research and teaching program in multi-disciplinary microbiology and immunology and is a leader in understanding immune cell trafficking. Throughout his career he has also been dedicated to training and mentoring students. He helped to develop a biotechnology undergraduate program and a graduate program in immunology and infectious diseases. Dr. Jutila is a cofounder of LigoCyte Pharmaceuticals, now Takeda Vaccines, International. He received the National Academy of Inventors award in 2014 and was also named Distinguished Veterinary Immunologist (AAVI) in 2006. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family and playing outside in beautiful Montana.

The true legacy of Dr. James Lincoln is marked by the hundreds of veterinary surgeons for whom he has trained. For over 30 years, Dr. Lincoln has guided students at WSU through the difficult path of veterinary orthopedic medicine. Many consider themselves to be part of an exclusive club of trainees, who refer to his talented ability to take traumatized bones and realign the puzzle into perfection that is often referred to as healed “by the hands of Lincoln”. An icon here at WSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine, he has helped define a large body of surgical specialists who now utilize his principals of teaching and skills daily.

We can think of no other educator, colleague or friend more worthy of this year’s 2009 Distinguished Veterinary Graduate Alumnus Award.

Dr. McElwain earned his DVM from Kansas State University in 1980 before completing an NIH fellowship and residency at WSU, where he received his PhD in infectious diseases and immunology in 1986. A Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists, he joined WSU’s faculty in 1989, becoming a regents professor in 2013 and retiring in 2016 after 32 years. He served as director and executive director of the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, interim dean of the college, and co-founded the Paul G. Allen School for Global Health. An expert in global disease surveillance, he helped establish the National Animal Health Laboratory Network and was elected to the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine in 2009.

Distinguished Graduate Alumni

 

Tornquist is the dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine and a professor of Clinical Pathology at Oregon State University. She continues to head a diagnostic clinical pathology lab and provides diagnostic services in addition to teaching several courses in the professional program. Her research has most recently focused on hematology, infectious, and metabolic diseases of camelids, and diagnostic techniques in a variety of animal species. Tornquist joined the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine faculty in 1996 and was appointed associate dean for Student and Academic Affairs in 2005. She worked in private veterinary practice for six years before returning to academia. She earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Colorado State University before working as a resident at WSU. She is board certified in clinical pathology.

Dr. Francisco Trigo is a renowned veterinarian and veterinary pathologist, and leader in veterinary medicine in Mexico and Latin America. Under his leadership as Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at the National University of Mexico, his school is on track to become the first Mexican College of Veterinary Medicine to be accredited by the AVMA-COE. Dr. Trigo is credited with dramatically elevating the instruction, research, and status of veterinary medicine in  Mexico and its surrounding countries. Dr. Trigo has lectured at more than 170 national and international conferences, and has organized 38 scientific meetings and congresses, while publishing over 100 scientific papers. His research productivity has made him the preeminent authority in veterinary medicine in Mexico, and Latin America.

His leadership and dedication are the qualities we believe are most deserving of this year’s 2009 Distinguished Veterinary Graduate Alumnus Award.

Undergraduate Alumni Award

Dr. Erickson graduated from WSU with a B.S. in neuroscience in 2006 before completing osteopathic medical school in California at COMP in 2011, a psychiatry residency at the University of New Mexico in 2015, and a fellowship in New York in Consultation Liaison Psychiatry in 2016. She is now an assistant professor at the University of Washington, where she’s an expert in the collaborative care model and the medical director of the Traumatic Brain Injury-Behavioral Health ECHO program. She is board-certified in psychiatry, consultation liaison psychiatry, brain injury medicine, and neuropsychiatry-behavioral neurology. She supports the education of the next generation of psychiatrists as one of the associate program directors for the Adult Psychiatry Residency Program.