MVMA awards

(February 14, 2011) - The Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA) honored College of Veterinary Medicine faculty members with the Veterinarian of the Year Award, President's Award, and Outstanding Faculty Award at its annual meeting in Minneapolis February 10-12.

Dale Sorensen honored with Veterinarian of the Year Award

Dr. Dale Sorensen, professor emeritus and a former acting dean of the College, was the recipient of the Veterinarian of the Year Award, which is given to an MVMA member who has given much to the veterinary profession as well as to their community – a well-rounded member who is outstanding in the veterinary profession.

President's Award presented to Bob Hardy

MVMA President Dr. Mike McMenomy presented the President's Award to Dr. Bob Hardy, a longtime professor in the Veterinary Clinical Sciences Department who is retiring this year. The recipient of the President's Award is chosen by the current MVMA president, who chooses an individual that he feels has contributed significantly to the veterinary profession and MVMA, and has promoted the human-animal bond, animal health and welfare, or public health.

Sheila Torres receives Outstanding Faculty Award

Dr. Sheila Torres, associate professor in the Veterinary Clinical Sciences Department, received the Outstanding Faculty Award, an award given to a University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine faculty member who has provided outstanding service to Minnesota veterinarians; who give of their time and talent to the veterinary profession, and are dedicated contributors to organized veterinary medicine.

Major is Hero Animal of the Year

Major, the seven-year member of the Roseville Police Department’s K9 Unit who was critically wounded while on duty in November, was awarded the MVMA's Minnesota Animal Hall of Fame Award by Senator Amy Klobuchar on February 12, when he was named Hero Animal of the Year. Major underwent emergency surgery and intensive treatment and rehabilitation at the Veterinary Medical Center, but lost the use of his hind legs. The award honors outstanding contributions that animal companions make to enrich human lives and heighten public awareness of the human-animal bond.