College Confers Awards for Teaching, Research, and Staff Excellence

Eight individuals were honored at the annual Excellence Awards Recognition Program on October 19. Dean Peter Constable served as emcee for the event and presented the awards to the winners.

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Kelsie Dolezal, program coordinator at the Chicago Center for Veterinary Medicine, received the Shirley Seets Staff Excellence Award for demonstrated excellence in job performance and service. (Dolezal was unable to attend the recognition program.)

Marla Frisby, laboratory animal care specialist in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, received the Dr. Robert and Lucy Graham Award for a staff member who has made outstanding contributions.

Crystal Zulauf, associate program director of continuing education, received the Terry and Judy Rathgeber Academic Professional Excellence Award for outstanding performance by an academic professional staff member.

Dr. Jonathan Samuelson, a resident in small animal internal medicine, received the Dr. Walter E. Hoffmann and Dr. Ann L. Johnson Resident Teaching Excellence Award for an outstanding graduate student or resident in training for an AVMA-recognized specialty board.

Dr. CheMyong “Jay” Ko, associate professor in the Department of Comparative Biosciences, received the Zoetis Animal Health Award for Research Excellence, presented to a current faculty member who shows promise of attaining or has already attained national recognition.

Dr. Michael Spinella, associate professor in the Department of Comparative Biosciences, received the Dr. Gordon and Mrs. Helen Kruger Research Excellence Award in recognition of quality and quantity of publications, research awards, and outside recognition of the nominee’s work.

Dr. Lois Hoyer, professor in the Department of Pathobiology and associate dean for research and advanced studies, received the Dr. Gordon and Mrs. Helen Kruger All-Around Excellence Award. This is presented to the faculty member who demonstrates excellence in teaching, research, and service. (Dr. Hoyer was unable to attend the recognition program.)

Dr. Megan Mahoney, associate professor in the Department of Comparative Biosciences, was the inaugural recipient of the Kuhlenschmidt Innovative Teaching Award. This award was created by a 1998 DVM graduate of the college for “faculty who practice innovative teaching methods, demonstrative creativity and initiative” to acknowledge the important influence of Dr. Mark Kuhlenschmidt, now professor emeritus in pathobiology. This endowed award serves as a reminder of the tremendous impact educators have upon students and the future of the veterinary profession.