WesternU and UC Davis Students Honored at Awards Ceremonies

from California Veterinarian July/Aug 2023

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This past May, graduating veterinary students from Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine and the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine were recognized at banquets held in their honor. The CVMA celebrates the students’ accomplishments, perseverance, and hard work, and wishes them well as they begin their veterinary careers.

UC Davis

The UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM) held its Senior Banquet on May 5. The CVMA’s 2023–2024 President Dr. Michael Karle hosted the CVMA-sponsored event and helped distribute the awards to the student recipients along with Molly Hallsten, UC Davis’s 2022–2023 student representative to the CVMA’s Board. Dr. Karle discussed his time as a UC Davis student representative to the CVMA House of Delegates and Board of Governors, which initiated his careerlong involvement in the CVMA. He also outlined the ways in which the CVMA advocates for its membership, from fighting for the profession at the State Capitol to providing a variety of continuing education opportunities.

Other speakers included UC Davis SVM’s Dean Michael Stetter and school alumnus Dr. Sean Gadson. The ceremony concluded with a moment of silence and a tribute for Dr. Lane Johnson, a beloved instructor who unexpectedly passed away in April.

Additional CVMA staff members present were Executive Director Dan Baxter, Director of Regulatory Affairs Dr. Grant Miller, and Membership & Student Services Manager Laura Phillips.

Lynnette Aggio, Executive Vice President of Veterinary Insurance Services Company (VISC), and Matt Smith, Vice President of VISC, were also in attendance.

Emily Bingham received this year’s CVMA Award for Practice Excellence for displaying excellent potential for efficient execution of high-quality medicine and outstanding personal integrity. Ashley Caron-Brummel was the recipient of the Lifelong Learning Award due to her efforts in promoting the importance of continuing education while in veterinary school. Dr. Mary Somerville, California Veterinary Medical Foundation (CVMF) President, honored Tanner Talan with the CVMF Award, which is given to students demonstrating outstanding service in veterinary medicine at a city or county animal shelter or during a recognized California disaster response effort.

Matt Smith, Vice President of VISC, presented VISC’s 2023 scholarship award to Sara Lo of UC Davis. The VISC award honors fourth-year students who have demonstrated outstanding business and communication skills throughout veterinary school.

WesternU

On May 17, Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine held its Awards Ceremony and Family Barbecue to honor its graduates. CVMA Board members and WesternU faculty members Dr. Teresa Morishita and Dr. Diane McClure presented each award.

The recipient of the 2023 CVMA Award for Practice Excellence was Paige Lenz. Paige was recognized for her skilled and dedicated delivery of veterinary medicine and excellent personal principles. The CVMA Lifelong Learning Award was given to Brian Painting for his laudable support of veterinary continuing education. Samantha Garcia earned the CVMF Award for her phenomenal service efforts.