The 2024 winners of the annual alumni and special service awards have been announced by the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine and the Veterinary Medical Alumni Association. The awards will be presented on September 27 during the alumni reception at the Annual Fall Conference for Veterinarians, held at the college’s Basic Sciences Building.
Dr. Erwin Small Distinguished Alumni Award
The Dr. Erwin Small Distinguished Alumni Award was given to Dr. Timothy Fan in recognition of his exceptional research achievements, leadership, and mentorship. Dr. Timothy Fan, who earned his veterinary degree from the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, completed an internship at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 1996 and returned in 1998, earning a PhD here in 2007. He is boarded in small animal internal medicine as well as in the medical oncology specialty.
In more than 25 years at the college, he has greatly elevated Illinois as a cancer research innovator. From preclinical research to clinical trials involving pets with spontaneous tumors, his research covers the spectrum of basic and applied cancer biology, with an eye toward translational relevance in human cancer patients. He was a founding member of the campus Cancer Center at Illinois, where he currently serves as associate director for translational research and development.
Additionally, Dr. Fan is known for his dedication to mentoring the next generation. His nomination states, “Dr. Fan is steadfast and displays humility, charisma, and passion in the field of veterinary medicine.”
Outstanding Young Alumni Award
Dr. Sarah Wright, Class of 2020, was recognized particularly for her contributions to the veterinary profession through scientific communication and clinical service.
After graduating at the start of the pandemic, Dr. Wright completed in internship at VCA Aurora Animal Hospital followed by a fellowship at the Vancouver Aquarium. At the aquarium, she served as the primary clinician for 65,000 animals as well as over 150 stranded marine mammals. She also mentored 12 veterinary students and residents.
In her current role as associate editor for the AVMA Journals, Dr. Wright has developed a podcast and other social media strategies to bring research findings to the attention of veterinary practitioners. She also supports veterinary organizations in aquatic animal medicine and amphibian/reptile practice in raising awareness through social media.
A letter in support of her nomination notes: Sarah embodies the Illini spirit of “labor and learning” through creativity and entrepreneurship in the field of veterinary medicine.
Special Service Award
Rebecca Kamerer, CVT, has been given the Special Service Award in recognition of her organization and adaptability while managing the oncology clinical trials team in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital.
As a member of the oncology service since 2004, Kamerer has contributed to the growth of the clinical trials team and emphasized the team’s development through mentoring clinical trial interns. She was named the clinical trials manager in 2023 and now coordinates trials for three principal investigators.
Her nomination letter explains, “Rebecca is dedicated, working beyond her salaried hours to ensure every client is comforted, every investigator has been assisted and every patient has been well cared for.”
