![[David Kieltyka in Uganda gorilla sanctuary]](https://vetmed.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/alum-kieltyka-feature-260x157.jpg)
Endows Scholarship for Students Facing Discrimination Dr. David Kieltyka (say Kell-TIC-ka) has had the kind of life and career from which “triumph over all the odds” books and movies are made. Growing up poor on the South Side of Chicago, he realized a childhood dream through attending the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine...
![[cat sleeps next to mailer]](https://vetmed.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/sassy-cat-main-260x157.jpg)
Invention Makes Treating Cats Safer If you’ve never handled a cat in a veterinary setting, you may think you can predict their body movements but you would be wrong! They will surprise you. Dr. Kristen Knight, a veterinarian at Banfield Pet Hospital in Oswego, Ill., and a 2014 graduate of the college, created the Sassy...
![[Dr. Gavin Meerdink]](https://vetmed.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/gavin-meerdink-260x157.jpg)
Dr. Gavin Meerdink, who held many roles at our college, passed away on July 4. Joining our faculty in 1989, Dr. Meerdink headed the clinical toxicology service within the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, served the state’s agricultural industry as an Extension veterinarian focused on beef and feed safety, and oversaw the Veterinary Medical Research Farm. He...
Dr. Katharyn Kryda, a 2011 DVM graduate who completed her master’s in public health at the University of Illinois at Chicago, was recently featured by the Association of Schools and Programs in Public Health (ASPPH) among several MPH graduates currently working as ASPPH Fellows. She is assigned to the U.S. Department of Transportation in the...
![[hot air balloons]](https://vetmed.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/hot-air-balloons-260x157.jpg)
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual Awards and Scholarships Celebration was held via Zoom this year. Nevertheless, alumni and student speakers shared their messages with the award winners and generous donors. Here are remarks from two of the speakers, Dr. Ron Gill, owner of Gill Veterinary Clinic in West Salem, Ill., and Dr. Valerie...
![[photo illustration of Dr. Michael McElvaine]](https://vetmed.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/McElvaine-260x157.jpg)
Created in Memory of Pioneer Advocate By all accounts, Dr. Michael McElvaine, a 1976 graduate of the College of Veterinary Medicine, made a significant impact on the world. His illustrious professional career was coupled with his far-reaching influence as a mentor, leader, and activist on behalf of diversity in sexuality and gender identity. At his...
![[Sarah Wright at three milestones in her veterinary education]](https://vetmed.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/wright-feature-260x157.jpg)
DVM Years Included Research, Travel In October 2016, Sarah Wright wrote a blog post* recalling her first impressions upon enrolling at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. “The first day of class left my head spinning with information and my nose burning from the anatomy lab,” she remembered. “How was I supposed to...
![[Dr. Taylor Willis, 2020 veterinary graduate]](https://vetmed.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/willis-feature-260x157.jpg)
Travel Abroad ‘Can Accelerate Your Education’ Taylor J. Willis insists she didn’t enroll at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine so she could see the world. It just turned out that way. Malaysia, Brazil, South Africa, Australia – through externships, spring break excursions, conferences and job shadow opportunities, Willis has circled the globe...
![[Dr. Anita Kalonaros at the White Coat Ceremony]](https://vetmed.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/anitak-feature-260x157.jpg)
‘Come on, let’s go’ Anita Kalonaros has been chasing her dream of becoming a veterinarian for as long as she can remember. “I think it’s something I’ve always said my entire life,” the Long Island, N.Y., native reflects. “I’m not sure there was ever a specific moment. We have papers from when I was in...
![[Dr. Robin Downing and her dog Tommy]](https://vetmed.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/news-downing-award-260x157.jpg)
Dr. Downing with Tommy The American Veterinary Medical Association recently honored Dr. Robin Downing, Class of 1986, as the winner of the 2020 Bustad Companion Animal Veterinarian of the Year Award. The award is one of veterinary medicine’s highest honors, recognizing the outstanding work of veterinarians in protecting and promoting the human-animal bond. Its namesake,...