Faculty, Students Honored

NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

Contact: Jan Williams, College of Veterinary Medicine, 612-624-6228

College of Veterinary Medicine Awards Banquet Honors Faculty, Students

MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (May 12, 2006) -The University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine held its annual Spring Awards Banquet on April 26, 2006. The banquet honors the achievements of the College faculty members and veterinary students. Special recognition went to Senator Dallas Sams.

During the banquet, 61 scholarship programs awarded 141 scholarships and awards to veterinary students in the amount of $130,000. The highest amount awarded was the Joseph E. Salsbury Scholarship, which endowed $25,500 to third-year veterinary students for their final year of studies.

The Minnesota Veterinary Medical Foundation and Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association Academy of Veterinary Medical Practice distributed the most prestigious scholarships. They awarded a total of $24,000, which included international travel grants to third-year students.

Senator Dallas Sams received the Outstanding Service Award for his support of veterinary medicine, his dedication to public service, and his interest in the mission of the College of Veterinary Medicine. Senator Sams has served in the Minnesota State Senate since 1990. He has a strong interest in agriculture and has served on a variety of Senate committees including those related to agriculture, finance, and economic development.

The top faculty awards went to Dr. Leslie Sharkey, associate professor in Veterinary Population Medicine, who received the Norden Teaching Award, the most prestigious faculty award. Dr. Mitch Abrahamsen, professor in Veterinary Biosciences, received the Pfizer Research Award for his exceptional and promising results in research, and Dr. David Polzin, professor in Veterinary Clinical Sciences, received the Mark of Excellence, which is given to a faculty member who has generated and shared new knowledge with the veterinary community.

For a complete list of scholarship awards, go to www.cvm.umn.edu/about/awardwinners/2006Awards.html.

The College of Veterinary Medicine improves the health and well-being of animals and people by providing high-quality veterinary training, conducting leading-edge research, and delivering innovative veterinary services. Approximately 350 professional students and 97 graduate students are enrolled in the College, which accepts 90 new students per year. Each year, approximately 40,000 cases are treated at the Veterinary Medical Center, 200 continuing education programs are delivered by faculty, 700,000 tests are performed in the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, and 800 birds of prey are treated and 200 are released by The Raptor Center.

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