Three individuals have been recognized for excellence and service by the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine and its alumni association. The recipients will receive their awards on Thursday, September 17, during the happy hour event at the college’s Annual Fall Conference for Veterinarians.
Dr. Erwin Small Distinguished Alumni Award
The Dr. Erwin Small Distinguished Alumni Award, given to one who has excelled in their field and made significant contributions to the profession or college, goes to Dr. Paul Myer, a 1986 graduate of the college.
Dr. Myer owns Hawthorne Animal Hospital in the St. Louis Metro East region, where he has worked for most of his career. Over the past 20 years, he has tripled the number of veterinarians and locations the practice has. His extensive mentorship extends to veterinary and technical staff in his hospital, Illinois veterinary students and student clubs, and regional practice owners who benefit from his experience.
Additionally, his nominators cited his years of service and generosity to a local wildlife rehabilitation center as well as to canine officers. He also sponsors a veterinary-themed exhibit at a children’s museum.
Outstanding Young Alumni Award
The Outstanding Young Alumni Award recognizes early-career Illinois degree holders who have excelled in their field and demonstrate creativity and entrepreneurship. Dr. Doha Shokry, who completed her Ph.D. earlier this year, is the recipient.
Dr. Shokry earned veterinary degrees at Alexandria University in Egypt and briefly taught there before coming to the College of Veterinary Medicine in Illinois for a Ph.D. She currently holds a postdoctoral fellowship in the laboratory of her mentor, Dr. Michael Spinella.
Her research has identified two biomedical pathways that show great promise for developing the first successful immunotherapy for testicular cancer.
Special Service Award
Dr. Lindsay Trickel, a 2014 graduate of the college, is the recipient of the Special Service Award, which recognizes an outstanding individual who has made significant contributions to the veterinary profession or college.
Dr. Trickel was selected for her dedicated mentorship of high school, undergraduate, and veterinary students. She currently works at Veterinary Emergency Group in Brentwood, Missouri. For many years she has volunteered her veterinary services for a domestic rabbit rescue group and a wildlife center. In 2019 and 2022 she performed rabies vaccinations and spay/neuter surgeries in suburban and rural areas of Kenya, working with local veterinary students and practitioners.
