Dr. Carlos Pijoan

Carlos Pijoan

Researcher, Clinician, Teacher, Mentor, and Lifelong Learner

It is with great sadness that we mourn the passing, in January 2007, of the founding director of the Swine Disease Eradication Center, Dr. Carlos Pijoan. Carlos was recruited to the University of Minnesota in 1982 after emerging as an international leader in swine health research in his native Mexico. He is recognized worldwide for his contributions to knowledge of swine respiratory disease, and his work on the influence of swine production systems on the dynamics of microorganisms such as PRRS virus, Haemophilus parasuis, Streptococcus suis, and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae. He remained a positive and intellectually challenging colleague and friend until very late in the course of an illness that would have left most of us discouraged and unmotivated. Carlos oversaw the professional development of numerous graduate students, and in the process forged enduring friendships with many of the current leaders of the international swine veterinary community. Many of these colleagues traveled to Minnesota in 2004 for a memorable celebration of his life and career. The manner is which Carlos was able to defy his illness for close to 3 more years was a testament to the man and a lesson for us all.

Beyond Carlos the professional, there were an array of hobbies and interests that are the hallmark of the curious and creative: an artistic woodworker, bird watcher, photographer; a connoisseur of art, architecture and much else; nature lover, world traveler, and inspirational parent, loving husband, leader and mentor. Carlos truly touched uncountable lives, both personally and professionally, throughout the global swine and research communities. Although his leadership in the Swine Disease Eradication Center will be sorely missed, the memory of his enthusiasm for swine health and production research will remain an inspiration to all who follow him.

In remembrance of Carlos and his legacy, the family requests that all charitable donations in memory of Carlos Pijoan should be directed to the Swine Disease Eradication Center fellowship in his name. This endowed fellowship will provide funding for applied research in swine health for a graduate student at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. Please send these donations to the U of MN College of Veterinary Medicine, VMC #450 1365 Gortner Ave., St. Paul, MN 55108.

Click here for an Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) brochure describing the scholarship.