![[alumni awards photo]](https://vetmed.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/awards-feature.jpg)
The University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine and its alumni association have selected the award recipients for 2025. Winners will be recognized at 5 p.m. on Thursday, September 18, during the happy hour event at the Annual Fall Conference for Veterinarians.
This year the conference and happy hour take place at the University of Illinois Philanthropy Center, 303 St. Mary’s Road in Champaign, Illinois, less than a mile from the college grounds.
Dr. Erwin Small Distinguished Alumni Award
The Dr. Erwin Small Distinguished Alumni Award was given to Dr. Sandra Faeh in recognition of her significant contributions in organized veterinary medicine, veterinary practice, and mentoring.
Dr. Faeh is a 1996 DVM graduate of the University of Illinois. As a veterinary student, she served as a delegate to the Student American Veterinary Medical Association and later as that organization’s president. While practicing in the Chicago area, and eventually becoming co-owner of four small animal practices, Dr. Faeh continued her leadership roles in organized veterinary medicine. She held positions on the board of directors—including the role of president—for both the Chicago Veterinary Medical Association and the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association
Serving at the national level, Dr. Faeh worked to build online networks, including the Veterinary Information Forum and the Online Educator Community, to improve collaboration and information sharing. She was elected president of the American Veterinary Medical Association, and her term in office concluded in July of this year.
In 2021 Dr. Faeh joined National Veterinary Associates, where she used her experience as a veterinarian and practice owner to mentor new veterinarians in all aspects of their careers. She currently holds the title of chief medical officer with that organization.
Outstanding Young Alumni Award
Dr. Matthew Berry was selected for his success as an emerging leader in comparative oncology and translational research. He is an assistant professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine.
After graduating with the Class of 2017 as salutatorian, Dr. Berry continued his veterinary career at the college, first matching as an intern and then being accepted into a combined medical oncology residency and PhD program, which he completed last fall.
As a tenure-track faculty member, he has begun establishing his own research program, securing grants and publishing in veterinary and human biomedical journals.
Special Service Award
The Special Service Award goes to Dr. Ray and Debbie Heinrichs for their mentorship and support of Illinois veterinary students through veterinary outreach to Native American communities that rely on horses and other equids.
Dr. Heinrichs earned his veterinary degree from the College of Veterinary Medicine in 1984. He and Debbie operate the Southern Illinois Mobile Veterinary Clinic in Anna, Illinois. For many years, the couple has volunteered at the Pine Ridge Reservation at Wounded knee, South Dakota. Outreach to this reservation is overseen by the Equitarian Initiative, a non-profit organization that provides education and free veterinary care to communities around the globe that rely heavily on equids.
By involving current veterinary students, the Heinrichs provide hands-on experience with dental exams, lameness consults, hoof trims, and more while also sustainably improving the health and welfare of working horses, donkeys, and mules.
