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eterinaryREPORTFall/winter 2008 | vol. 31 | no. 26Reproductive BiologyStudies Make News15Four Earn Honorsfrom College, AlumniAssociation22Thank You, Donors!

In this issueCollege News .. . . . . . . . . . . . . 2FacultyDiscoveries in the News..... 6New Faces .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Research Funding.. . . . . . . . . . 9Vallis Depart.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Kudos..................... 11AlumniMessage From the UivmaaPresident .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14College, Alumni AssociationBestow Awards............ 15The Vet at the Mane Event .. 16Class Notes .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17In Memoriam .. . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Advancement NewsCollege Faculty and Staff FindMany Reasons to Give .. . . . . 22Donor Honor Roll.......... 22Calendar.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37Dean’s ColumnMaking a Difference,Achieving a DreamBy Herb Whiteley“What is tucked into a manila envelope and wedged into a 6’x 6’ squarewill make an enormous difference in our lives.”Erin Long, then a fourth-year veterinary student, shared that insightwith the guests at the College’s scholarship celebration last spring. Herwords come to mind as we take stock of our accomplishments in 2008,look forward to opportunities ahead, and pause to acknowledge thecontributions of so many.Dr. Long referred to the impact on students when they find notificationof a scholarship award in their mailbox. Scholarship money makesthe difference for students, enabling them to pursue a summer experience,an internship, or a career that ignites their passion instead of beingconstrained by economic factors to choose an alternative path.Donors make a difference throughout the College. When you scanthe names of supporters that appear in this issue of Veterinary Report,stop to read the stories behind the gifts: the zeal of the Class of 1988 inraising $70K to establish a scholarship; the gratitude of pet owners whowant to make veterinary care accessible to others.The College is committed to pursuing its priorities and dreamsdespite troubled times. The decades-long decline in state support willdrop even more sharply this year. Our energy costs are rising and willsoon be assumed within the College, rather than the campus, budget.Yet our dreams are becoming reality:Veterinary education, our highest priority, will be revolutionized bythe new highly integrated curriculum that faculty are formulating.We have revitalized the Vet Med Scholars Program, which attractsveterinarians into research careers by offering dual DVM/PhDdegrees.Our new Chicago headquarters will open in just a few months,contributing substantially to our teaching program, clinical trialsand specialty caseload at our Urbana hospital, and our veterinaryand public outreach efforts.Opportunities abound for making an impact on each of theseinitiatives—and on the lives of the people and animals connected tothem—through your gifts.The year ahead will bring challenges as well as unprecedented opportunityfor recognition and reward as our College realizes several dreams.Your gifts can and will make a difference. Thank you.Scholarshipmoney makesthe differencefor students,enabling themto pursuea summerexperience, aninternship, ora career thatignites theirpassion.On the cover: An original watercolorpainting by Melissa Lynch wasauctioned at the third annual OskeeBow Wow. Story on page 33.

College NewsKoritz, and Carol Davis,” says Dr. Davis, noting that he washonored to have been selected.“The discipline continues under the leadership ofDuncan Ferguson, who was among the first group ofcandidates to be certified as Diplomates of the College ofVeterinary Clinical Pharmacology. Four other members ofthis initial group of diplomates were trained by me in ourresidency program: Jeffrey Wilcke, Mark Papich, GordonBrumbaugh, and Corey Langston.“Pharmacology provides the scientific basis for rationaldrug therapy, and the specialty of clinical pharmacologyestablished the safety and efficacy of drug usage by meansof the clinical trial. We constantly must guard against thereturn of quackery in veterinary medicine by following scientificprinciples in the selection of drugs for the treatmentof our domesticated animals.”Thank you, Dr. Biehl, for leadership during a time oftransition, and kudos to the faculty, staff, and students inboth units who continue to provide quality care and servicesto animal patients, clients, and referring veterinarians.CSI: UrbanaPublic Health Outreach AdvancesCollege’s ‘One Health’ InitiativeThe investigation under way was as fictitious as those onCSI, but the tension in the room was real, as staffers withthe Illinois Department of Public Health enacted theirreal-life roles in a mock food-borne disease outbreak.In November, the College hosted the two-day exercise,funded through a grant from the U.S. DepartmentOnline Portal Opens Doorsfor Referring VetswNeed to access findings from the diagnostic lab in a hurry?Wonder who the expert on blastomycosis is in the teachinghospital? Or looking for information on the DVMprogram, earning online CE credits, or posting a positionannouncement?We’ve put all these resources at the practitioners’ fingertipson a single Web page, the new Veterinarian’s Portal.Please check it out at vetmed.illinois.edu/4dvms/.A key feature is the new Directory for Referring Veterinarians,a compendium of information about our clinicalfaculty, services, contact numbers, and more from theVeterinary Teaching Hospital. (To receive a print copy ofthis directory, call Peggy Olsen at 217-265-6588.)Teaching Hospital andDiagnostic LaboratoryRe-AccreditedThe Veterinary Teaching Hospital in October received confirmationof its accreditation renewal after a site visit fromrepresentatives of the American Animal Hospital Association(AAHA). In November the Veterinary Diag-nosticLaboratory was notified that it had received full accreditationfrom the American Association of Veterinary LaboratoryDiagnosticians through 2012.In December, Dr. Michael Biehl moved to a faculty positionas clinical professor of toxicology in the Department ofVeterinary Biosciences after two years as hospital directorof the Veterinary Teaching Hospital.College of Veterinary Medicine • University of IllinoisSay “cheese.” Dr. San Myint, a post-doctoral research associate, confers withfaculty members Drs. Fred Troutt, Yvette Johnson-Walker, Jack Herrmann, andDick Wallace at the close of the first day of the mock disease outbreak exercisein November.of Homeland Security, to evaluate the state’s emergencyresponse preparedness. Faculty in the Community Healthand Preventive Medicine section of the Department of VeterinaryClinical Medicine developed and ran the exercise.This activity falls within one of the College’s strategicgoals, the “one health” initiative, which focuses on activitieswith direct applications for improving public and environmentalhealth.Other efforts related to this initiative include the jointDVM/master’s degree in public health program, whichcurrently enrolls 24 veterinary students, and a 4-weeksenior clinical rotation that takes students to farms, liveanimal markets, food manufacturing plants, zoos, andpublic health offices to learn about epidemiology, biosecurity,human and animal disease surveillance systems, andoutbreak investigations.By the way, the culprit in the mock outbreak? Cheese.

Students Spend the SummerDown on the FarmLast summer 17 Illinois students got their hands on pigs,horses, cattle, sheep, goats, alpacas, elk, bison, and poultryfor deworming, hoof trimming, calf pulling, milking, pregnancychecks, castrations, outbreak investigations, necropsies,dehorning, vaccinations, and much more.The students took part in a new program that encouragesexperience with food and fiber animals and explorationof these aspects of veterinary careers. Called theIllinois Food Animal Reproduction, Medicine, and SurgeryProgram, or iFARMS for short, this program replaces—and allows greater variety than—the summer externshipspreviously offered at the College’s former research farm atthe Dixon Springs Agricultural Center in southern Illinois.Students entering the second- or third-year of the veterinaryprogram applied to receive small stipends for experiencesof up to 4 weeks’ duration at a public or private foodanimal production or practice facility. Students arrangedtheir own experiences. They were required to get facultyapproval in advance and to present a report for interestedstudents in early fall.Locations of iFARMS experiences in 2008 rangedfrom goat dairies in north Urbana, Ill., and in Mauna Kea,Hawaii, to large swine or dairy farms, to mixed or largeanimal veterinary practices throughout Illinois as well as inIowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, and South Dakota.“The little extra funding gave me a boost to see what elseis out there,” says Kyle Flessner, Class of 2010. He spenttwo weeks at a swine practice in Sutton, Neb., and twoweeks at a mixed practice in Foley, Minn.“I learned a lot and got plenty of hands-on experience.It opened my mind to the whole large animal experience,”he says, citing LDAs, milk fever, and meetings with swineindustry executives among the new experiences afforded bythis opportunity.iFARMS will be an ongoing program at the College.More Technology inthe ClassroomOut with the microscopes, in with virtual images and clickers.Since fall 2007, incoming students have been requiredto own laptop computers, and all class notes have beenprovided electronically, saving $30,000 in photocopying.This fall the microscope rental fee was used to digitizehistology slides. Instead of fumbling with adjusting focusknobs, students can focus all their attention on identifyingcell and tissue structures on the computer screen.“The students seem to be grasping histology much morequickly,” says Dr. Rex Hess, veterinary biosciences. “Theimages are incredibly sharp and the students have access tothem at any time, which was not true of the slide sets. It isjust like a microscope, but without all the fiddling.“When virtual microscopy works, it is marvelous, butit depends upon a computer server that has gone downa couple of times,” says Dr. Hess. He has been workingclosely with Craig Flowers, director of computing services,to perfect the system, and they hope to help expand theconcept next year into pathobiology as well.Many other technological enhancements have beenimplemented in the curriculum this year. Most of theCollege complex now has wireless Internet capability.Several classrooms feature lecture content-capture systems,so instructors can create podcasts—a recording of theaudio and visual material presented—to be made availableto students for review. Instructors can use new equipmentto create high-quality video vignettes for use in instructionalmaterial. Videoconferencing capabilities have beenupgraded in some classrooms, facilitating distance learningwith two-way video and audio communications.The iClicker audience response system has been a bighit, according to Flowers.“The iClickers work the same as depicted on theshow Who Wants to Be a Millionaire,” says Flowers.“Instructors like them because they can quickly gauge howwell students are learning a particular subject. Likewise,students can see where they stand. Not to mention clickersare just plain fun.”Veterinary Report • Fall/Winter 2008e

College NewsWhat It Means to Get—or Give—a ScholarshipThe College awarded nearly $270,000 to morethan 120 outstanding students and 3 deservingfaculty members on April 12. Donors,recipients, and friends and family celebratedtogether over lunch. Following are excerptsfrom the remarks offered by scholarshipdonors Dr. Marvin Case (DVM IL ’59), ofOnalaska, Wis., and Linda Case, of Mahomet,Ill. Erin Long spoke on behalf of studentrecipients.For a number of years we had been contributingmoney to a scholarship at theCollege, but we never thought it possiblefor us to have our own scholarship fund.We found the process much easier thanwe anticipated. We did not need a lot ofmoney to get started. With our annualgifts and 3M matching funds, our scholarshipfund—as well as the scholarshipaward—has grown.Our scholarship is for a veterinarystudent who is about to complete thesecond year and who has an interestin pursuing a non-practice veterinarycareer…I am very proud to be a veterinarian,and I am most pleased to be able to help, ina small way, a student to fulfill their goal ofjoining me as an alumnus of the Universityof Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine.—Dr. Marvin Case[O]ur final reason for creating Nike’s Giftwas as a way to remember those studentswho cared for our dogs and to encouragecurrent students to consider workingin veterinary oncology. Although it iscertainly a challenging specialty, workingwith cancer patients and their owners andhelping pets to live well with cancer canbring many rewards and certainly allowsa veterinarian to find expression for his orher deep love and empathy for animals –one of the reasons that so many studentsenter this profession in the first place.—Linda CaseThe difference that Awards and Scholarshipmoney can make may equal thedifference between a student taking thenon-paid research experience with amentor over the night job as a server at alocal restaurant…For me, it meant feeling free to choosethe next career step that was most fulfillingand best aligned with my values anddreams, and less importantly somethingthat would provide a wealth of income.The bottom line is that the generosity ofAwards and Scholarship donors like yourselvesenhances our veterinary educationand our veterinary careers. You are layingthe foundation that makes it possible forstudents to achieve their goals and followtheir dreams.—Erin Long, Class of 20082008 First-time AwardsThe College thanks these new donors fortheir generosity and vision in assistingveterinary students.Bayer Advantage Multi Award forParasitologyBayer Compassionate CommunicationsScholarshipClass of 1963 Endowed ScholarshipClass of 1975 Endowed ScholarshipClint Franks Memorial ScholarshipsDrs. Gail and Joseph Golab AnimalWelfare ScholarshipsChristian Jensen and Regina JensenScholarshipDr. Francis E. “Gene” Lynch MemorialAwardNike’s Gift – Linda and Mike CaseNovartis Ethicon Surgery AwardNovartis Parasitology AwardDoris Rivera Scholarship in VeterinaryMedicineCedric and Edna Rybolt ScholarshipFred and Geraldine Steffen MemorialScholarship Fund – Edward andJudith PolzinNick MannrCollege of Veterinary Medicine • University of Illinois

Scenes fromGraduation 2008The College conferred 95 DVM degrees, 3master’s degrees, 5 PhDs, and 27 certificates ofinternship or residency on May 11.As in the previous year, Dr. ThomasGraves, veterinary clinical medicine, gave thewelcome, and the graduating veterinary classselected Dr. Anne Barger, pathobiology, to givethe address.Dr. Ronald E. Gill, president of the IllinoisState Veterinary Medical Association,offered greetings. ISVMA president-elect Dr.Sheldon Rubin gave the ISVMA Award tovaledictorian Erin Long, while Dr. JonathanForeman, associate dean for academic andstudent affairs, presented the Carrie McGreevyAward to salutatorian Daniel Tierney.Hooders included Dean Herb Whiteley;Dr. Foreman, Dr. Dawn Morin, and MaryKelm, all with academic and student affairs;Dr. Barger; Dr. Graves; and Drs. RalphHamor, Sandra Manfra Marretta, and CliffordShipley, all in veterinary clinical medicine.After the hooding ceremony, Dean Whiteleyled the graduates in the Veterinarian’sOath. Dr. Brooke Nitzkin gave the responsefrom the Class of 2008.Photos: Nick MannClass of 2012: At a GlanceTotal class size: 120Gender: 22 men, 98 womenResidency: 88 Illinois residents, 32 non-residentsAge range: 21 to 50; 77 percent between 22 and 25 years oldDegrees earned: BA, BS, JD, MBA, MSSelected undergraduate institutions:Illinois schools: Augustana College, Eastern Illinois University, NorthwesternUniversity, Southern Illinois University, University of Illinois at Chicago,University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignOthers: Colorado State University, Florida State University, Iowa StateUniversity, Michigan State University, Rutgers University, Texas A & MUniversity, University of CaliforniaVeterinary Report • Fall/Winter 2008t

Faculty ResearchDiscoveries in the NewsExcerpted from news releases by Diana Yates, life scienceseditor in the News Bureau at the University of Illinois atUrbana-Champaign. The complete articles are available online.Chronic Exposure toEstradiol Impairs SomeCognitive FunctionsDr. Susan Schantz and others in veterinary biosciencesrecently showed that chronic exposure to estradiol, themain estrogen in the body, diminishes some cognitivefunctions. Rats exposed to a steady dose of estradiol wereimpaired on tasks involving working memory and responseinhibition, the researchersreported in the journal BehavioralNeuroscience.The researchers made the discoverywhen studying the effectsof estradiol on activities mediatedby the prefrontal cortex, a brainregion that is vital to workingmemory and to the ability to plan,respond to changing conditions,and moderate or control one’sbehavior.The researchers had notexpected to see such pronouncedresults. In fact, the study had beenDr. Susan Schantz and graduatedesigned to give them baselinestudent Victor Wang found thatinformation for a separate inquiryrats exposed to estradiol weresignificantly impaired on tasks into the effects of soybean estrogenson cognitive function. Theyinvolving working memory andresponse inhibition.planned to compare the effectsof chronic estradiol exposureto the effects of chronic exposure to genistein, a phytoestrogenfound in soybeans. Genistein is believed to havesimilar effects in the body as natural or synthetic estrogens,although no study has definitively proven that it does.Some women take genistein supplements or eat soybasedfoods to reduce hot flashes or other symptoms ofmenopause, says Dr. Schantz. “Women take them thinkingthey’ll be a safe alternative to hormone-replacementtherapy and they might help hot flashes.”L. Brian StaufferThe research indicates that multiple factors influencethe effects of estradiol on the brain, says Dr. Schantz. Thetiming of the exposure, the types of brain functions orstructures studied, and the age of the test subjects can allgenerate different results, she says.More at news.illinois.edu/news/08/0801estradiol.htmlGap Junction Protein VitalTo Successful Pregnancy,Researchers FindCollege researchers studying a critical stage of pregnancy—implantation of the embryo in the uterus—have founda protein that is vital to the growth of new blood vesselsthat sustain the embryo. Without this protein, which isproduced in higher quantities in the presence of estrogen,the embryo is unlikely to survive.This study, published in the journal Development, wasthe first to detail the mechanism by which the steroidhormone estrogen spurs cell differentiation and bloodvesselgrowth in the uterus during pregnancy, according tothe authors, who include researchers at the University ofIllinois, Emory University, BaylorCollege of Medicine, and NewYork University.Connexin 43 (Cx43) belongsto a family of proteins that formjunctions between cells thatregulate the flow of ions andsmall signaling molecules fromcell to cell. At the time of embryoimplantation, this gap junctionprotein is essential to the rapidgrowth of new blood vesselsneeded to support the developmentof the embryo and allow itto implant in the uterine wall, theresearchers discovered.Dr. Indrani Bagchi, left, molecularMary Laws, doctoral student and integrative physiology professorin veterinary biosciences, studied Milan Bagchi, and veterinarythe role of Cx43 in pregnantbiosciences doctoral student Marymice and in human endometrial Laws led the team that discoveredcells. By deleting the Cx43 gene that a gap junction protein is criticalin the uterus immediately after to a successful pregnancy.L. Brian StaufferyCollege of Veterinary Medicine • University of Illinois

pregnancy in mice, she was able to reliably prevent implantationof the embryo in the uterus. In human endometrialcells, Cx43 enhanced the differentiation of cells that makeup the stromal tissue of the uterus. These cells producefactors that promote the growth of new blood vessels.The findings have important implications for early pregnancyloss and female infertility, according to Dr. IndraniBagchi, veterinary biosciences.“Connexin 43 has been shown to be in the uterus inmany animal systems—cows and pigs and rodents andhumans,” Laws says. “But this is the first time that it’s beenshown to be critical for pregnancy.”More at news.illinois.edu/news/08/0910pregnancy.htmlCollege Faculty Help Lead NewNIH Center for Reproductionand Infertility ResearchDrs. Indrani Bagchi and Paul Cooke, both of the Departmentof Veterinary Biosciences, are among the Universityof Illinois faculty with a leadership role in a new Center forReproduction and Infertility Research.With funding of about $8 million over five years fromthe Advisory Council of the National Institute of ChildHealth and Human Development, the center will support amultidisciplinary research team with a goal of understandingthe mechanisms that control maternal-fetal interactionsduring early pregnancy and identifying factors thatunderlie infertility in women suffering from endometriosis,a common gynecologic disorder.The Illinois center is one of fourteen national centersof excellence that are part of a program called the SpecializedCooperative Centers Program in Reproduction andInfertility Research.Dr. Milan Bagchi, from the campus’s School of Molecularand Cellular Biology in the College of Liberal Arts andSciences, will direct the center and coordinate researchefforts. Clinicians from the Emory University MedicalSchool and a molecular geneticist from Baylor College ofMedicine also will contribute to the effort.The center will contribute to translational research onthe Urbana-Champaign campus by bringing the knowledgegained from basic cell biological studies and uniqueanimal models to the clinical realm to inform the molecularbasis of human infertility associated with endometrialdysfunction.More at news.illinois.edu/news/08/0129reproduction.html.Female Embryonic SexualDevelopment DrivenBy Universal FactorA gene essential to the growth and development of mostorgan systems in the body also is vital to female—but notmale—embryonic sexual development, according to Dr.Humphrey Yao, veterinary biosciences, and his colleaguesat the University of Illinois and the University of Texas.The findings, which appeared in Human Molecular Genetics,lend support to a controversial hypothesis about mammaliansexual development.In the beginning—in terms of their sexual organs—allembryos look alike, explains Dr. Yao. “They have a commonprimordium, the foundation forboth testis and ovary. Only at acertain stage of development doesthis primordium start to follow adifferent path.”Dr. Yao’s laboratory investigatedthe role of beta-catenin, animportant regulator of cell proliferationand differentiation anda molecule known to be involvedin transforming the primordiuminto testis or ovary.First the researchers developeda mouse embryo in which thebeta-catenin gene could be shutoff at the earliest stage of developmentof the gonads while remain-student Chia-Feng Liu found that aDr. Humphrey Yao and graduateing functional in other organs. gene essential to the development ofmany organs is also vital to female,“To our surprise, the ovariesbut not male, sexual development.still formed,” Dr. Yao says. Butmale sexual structures alsoappeared, creating an amalgamation of male and femalesexual structures. “That tells us very conclusively that betacateninis an internal regulator of this pathway,” says Dr. Yao.To see how the absence of beta-catenin would affecttestes formation, the researchers repeated the experimentin embryos in the early stages of testes development.“When we looked at the testes without beta-catenin,”Dr. Yao says, “they developed just fine. I couldn’t believe it.How could such an important gene like beta-catenin functiondifferently in males and females?”These findings provided some support for a recenthypothesis which proposes that embryos will developtestes as the default unless an unknown factor disrupts thepathway and leads to the development of ovaries. Previoustheories said that unless it had a Y chromosome, an embryodeveloped ovaries and became female by default .More at news.illinois.edu/news/08/1113embryo.html.L. Brian StaufferVeterinary Report • Fall/Winter 2008u

New FacesKathleen ColegroveAssistant Professor, Pathobiology, Veterinary DiagnosticLaboratoryDVM, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of VeterinaryMedicine, 2002PhD, School of Veterinary Medicine, University ofCalifornia-Davis, 2008Research interests: Diseases of free-ranging and captive wildlife, in particularinfectious diseases of marine mammals; the role of environmental factors inwildlife disease; immunohistochemistry in diagnostic and cancer pathology.Dr. Colegrove recently received her doctorate in comparative pathology fromthe University of California-Davis, where she also completed a residency inanatomic pathology. She has also worked as a consulting pathologist at theMarine Mammal Center, Sausalito, Calif. Her current research focuses on thepathogenesis and molecular alterations in endemic urogenital neoplasia inCalifornia sea lions. Collaborative projects have shown that viral infection,genetic factors, endocrine-disrupting environmental contaminants, steroidhormone receptor expression, and alterations in the tumor suppressor genep53 may be involved in tumor development.Richard EvansAssociate Professor, Veterinary Clinical MedicinePhD, State University of New York at Albany, 1997Research interests: Statistics and evidence-based medicine.Dr. Evans received his PhD in mathematical sciences beforetaking a position as assistant professor at the Universityof Arkansas for Medical Sciences and then the College ofVeterinary Medicine at Iowa State University. In addition to publishing frequentlyin the area of statistics and evidence-based medicine, Dr. Evans hasalso served as the director of the statistic laboratory at the Menninger Clinicin Topeka, Kan.Megan MahoneyAssistant Professor, Veterinary BiosciencesPhD, Michigan State University, 2003Research interests: Circadian rhythms, neuroendocrinology,sexual differentiation of brain and behavior, regulation offemale reproductive cycles.Since completing her dual doctorate in Zoology and inEcology, Evolutionary Biology and Behavior in 2003, Dr. Mahoney completedpost-doctorate work in reproductive sciences at the University of Michiganand worked as a research scientist in the University of Michigan’s psychologydepartment. Her research brings together two major fields of biology:reproductive endocrinology and chronobiology. Specifically her lab examineshow the circadian timekeeping system interacts with steroid hormonesto regulate the timing of female reproductive events and how disruptionsof the circadian clock (jet lag, shift work) decrease reproductive functionin female rats and degus as well as how prenatal exposure to exogenoussteroid hormones impacts sexual differentiation of the brain of adult animals,particularly sheep.Tiffany McFaddenVisiting Clinical Instructor, Veterinary Clinical MedicineDVM, Ross University, 2006Professional interests: Emergency and critical care.After receiving her veterinary degree, Dr. McFaddenworked in emergency medicine for two years in Houston,Texas, and then in anesthesia for six months at Texas A&MUniversity. Her current clinical research includes oxidative stress, treatmentwith antioxidants and nutraceuticals, and measuring decreases in oxidativestress in free catch urine samples. Her team is planning to assess oxidativestress in dogs with blastomycosis, in dogs and cats with arthritis, and inanimals with cancer.Mauria O’BrienAssistant Professor, Veterinary Clinical MedicineDVM, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1996Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Emergencyand Critical CareProfessional interests: Emergency and critical care service.Dr. O’Brien recently completed a residency in emergency and critical care atthe Animal Emergency Center in Glendale, Wis. After receiving her DVM, sheworked in small animal general practice for nine years before specializing inemergency and critical care.Robert O’BrienProfessor, Veterinary Clinical MedicineDVM, The Ohio State University, 1979MS, University of Cincinnati, 1987Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Radiology,1992Research interests: Contrast ultrasound; feline cardiopulmonary imaging; andadvanced CT imaging of emergency and critical care patients.Dr. O’Brien is continuing the whole body scanning research he began atKansas State University in collaboration with researchers from Kansas State,the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the University of Helsinki. Wholebody scanning allows for improved detection of the spread of cancer andother diseases. His team has begun to create a basic model of normalimaging in felines and will then move on to create a canine model.He frequently presents veterinary continuing education nationally andinternationally and was recognized for excellence in teaching while he was afaculty member at the University of Wisconsin.Kuldeep SinghAssistant Professor, Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory,PathobiologyMS, Utrecht University, The Netherlands, 2002PhD, Oklahoma State University, 2008Research interests: Pulmonary pathology, pulmonary bacterialdiseases, and bovine pneumonic pasteurellosis.Dr. Singh’s doctoral project investigated and quantified in vivo and in vitrocytokine response in bovine alveolar macrophages when challenged withwild type and leukotoxin deletion mutant Mannhemia haemolytica. He earliercompleted a residency in anatomic pathology at Oklahoma State, duringwhich he characterized strain variation in a canine adenovirus.iCollege of Veterinary Medicine • University of Illinois

ResearchPamela WilkinsProfessor, Veterinary ClinicalMedicineSection Head, Equine Medicineand SurgeryDVM, Cornell University, 1986MS, Cornell University, 1989PhD, Cornell University (Physiology), 1998Diplomate, American College of VeterinaryInternal MedicineDiplomate, American College of VeterinaryEmergency and Critical CareResearch interests: Cardiovascular and respiratoryproblems of the critically ill foal or horse; respiratorydiseases and problems of horses; equineinfectious diseases; lactate metabolism andbacterial blood cultures in foals and adult horsesas indicators of disease severity and prognosis.For the past 11 years, Dr. Wilkins has been onfaculty at the University of Pennsylvania School ofVeterinary Medicine. There she started the equineemergency and critical care academic section careat Penn’s New Bolton Center in 2002 and servedas its chief until joining Illinois in August.She also worked as an associate veterinarian atan equine practice in New York for two years afterfinishing her master’s degree.In recent studies she has shown that, among adulthorses with gastrointestinal disease, those withcirculating bacteria are 12 times more likely to diethan are horses without a bacterial blood infection.These findings challenge the prevailing viewthat adult horses with GI problems should not begiven antibiotics.Jackie WypijAssistant Professor, VeterinaryClinical MedicineDVM, Cornell University, 2002Diplomate, American Collegeof Veterinary Internal Medicine(Oncology)Professional/research interests: Clinical cancermedicine in pet animals; clinical and translationalresearch in oncology, particularly further characterizingthe molecular signaling in cancer cellsand potential therapeutic applications.Dr. Wypij joined the faculty after completing amedical oncology residency here at Illinois. She iscurrently working on the anti-angiogenic effectsof targeted anti-cancer drugs and is particularlyinterested in cancer at the molecular level andbridging the gap between basic science researchand clinical application for pets.Research Projects Funded BetweenOctober 1, 2007, and March 31, 2008Ferguson D., $39,370, Colgate-PalmoliveCo., Human neural stem cell linein defined medium as a screen forneurodevelopmental toxinsGoldberg T., $47,156, Morris AnimalFoundation, Eco-epidemiology ofinfectious disease transmission in wildAfrican primates IIGordon-Evans W., $5,990, Spangler Funds,Evaluation of S-adenosyl-L-methioninein a double blinded, randomized placebocontrolled, clinical trial for the treatment ofcanine osteoarthritis in the dogGriffon D., $12,960, American Kennel ClubCanine Health Foundation, Gait mechanicsand predisposition to cranial cruciateligament disease in dogs: Knee kinematics,kinetics, and neuromuscular patterns ingreyhoundsHerrmann J., $6,000, Spangler Funds,The prevalence of human and canineblastomycosis in Illinois counties from2001-2006Hofmann M., $235,017, National Institutes ofHealth, Isolation and characterization testisstem cells; influence of GDNFHoh C., $5,800, Companion Animal MemorialFunds, In vitro function of a commercialfrozen canine DMSO-preserved plateletconcentrateJohnson A., $7,000, Spangler Funds, Theeffect of body condition on postoperativerecovery in dachshunds with intervertebraldisc disease treated with surgery andaggressive physical rehabilitationMacNeill A., $6,000, Companion AnimalMemorial Funds. Investigation of myxomavirus as an oncolytic agentMitchell M., $19,118, Louisiana StateUniversity, Evaluating the efficacy of silverdihydrogen citrate against salmonella sp. inthe aquatic habitat of the red-eared slider(Trachemys scripta elegans)Ragetly G., $15,000, American Collegeof Veterinary Surgeons, Evaluation oftwo strategies to improve adhesion ofchondrocytes on chitosan scaffoldsSable H., $90,000, National Institutes ofHealth, Assessment of psychostimulantaddiction risk following developmentalPCB exposureTerio K., $37,800, Morris Animal Foundation,Do immune function alterationsexplain Asian elephant susceptibility tomycobacterium spp?Whittington J., $5,000, National WildlifeRehabilitation Association, Ophthalmicfindings in birds of prey usingelectroretinography, ultrasonogrphay, anddirect exam techniquesYoo D., $82,020, Elanco Animal Health,Mechanism of tilmicosin for inhibition ofswine virusesZarfoss M., $4,999, American College ofVeterinary Ophthalmologists, Caninepreiridal ibrovascular membranes: Amorphologic and immunohistochemicalstudyVeterinary Report • Fall/Winter 2008o

Faculty RetirementVallis Depart for California after 19 Years in IllinoisStepping down as College dean in 2001 after nearly 12 years in therole did not diminish the schedule or contributions of Dr. Victor “Ted”Valli. He remained an active researcher, teacher, and pathologist servingclients of the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.Nor did retiring from the College earlier this year mean he haspacked away his microscope; he is working in a private diagnostic lab inDavis, Calif., and plans to teach graduate courses at UC-Davis.Identifying highlights of his career at Illinois, Dr. Valli is quickto credit his wife, Carroll, for her many contributions to the College,including hosting numerous events in their home.He also acknowledges the help of staff in the dean’s office andthe computing and design units. “It amplifies your time to have goodsupport staff,” he notes.As dean Dr. Valli maintained a high profile in veterinary leadershipnationally. He served as president of the Association of American VeterinaryMedical Colleges and of the Board of Veterinary Medicine ofthe National Association of State Universities and Land Grant Collegesat the same time, a connection that greatly improved communicationsbetween the groups.“I liked the politics, going on the Hill, getting things done,” he recalls.“[Then-ACES dean David] Chicoine and I were in Springfield everymonth. We took four trips every year throughout the state” to fosterconnections with agricultural and veterinary alumni and met with localstate legislators.Under Dr. Valli’s leadership, the College benefited from nearly $6million in venture technology funding from the state.Dr. Valli was raised on a ranch in Canada, and he points to theveterinary profession’s agricultural roots as a critical source of ongoingsupport. Yet his research and heart hold a soft spot for companionanimals.“Animals are sentient beings. I always greet the patients I meet in thehalls of the teaching hospital. They tell me ‘I’m scared. There are strangesmells here. I’m worried there’s something wrong with me.’“It’s very satisfying to participate in their care. You win a little everyday.”His most recent study showed that veterinary pathologists can applyWHO specifications to tumor typing in canine lymphoma with betterthan 80 percent agreement. The next step in this work is to analyzepatient survival as a function of diagnosis for 1,000 lymphoma casesabout which he has data. He believes his work will lead to tailored treatmentand improved outcomes for dogs with cancer.Dr. Valli has published 230 articles, including half a dozen in thepast year.“If I live long enough, I’ll publish a revision of my textbook,” he says,referring to Veterinary Comparative Hematopathology, published byBlackwell in 2007.Ted and Carroll Valli share a laugh at their farewell reception inMay.He’s currently completing a chapter for the sixth edition of Schalm’sVeterinary Hematology. With input from many he has started work ona new text on surgical pathology which will have more emphasis on thenecessity of both cytology and histology for every case and will includeexamples from exotic species, such as frogs, turtles, snakes, and pocketpets.“I’ve had the greatest time working with students, whether they’regrad students or vet students in class or they’re undergrads or highschool students working in my lab,” says Dr. Valli.“They all end up wanting to go into pathology,” he adds with a characteristictwinkle in his eye.He has mentored more than 20 graduate students over his careerand taught pathology to every Illinois veterinary student in the past 19years.“In a way I look at them all as my kids. That’s the wonderful thingabout the university: it has a pulse because of the youth. It keeps youyoung.”Ryan Hannaa1)College of Veterinary Medicine • University of Illinois

KudosDenise Archambeault and Chia-FengLiu, veterinary biosciences graduate students,gave oral presentations and were recipientsof the Lalor Foundation Merit Award at the41st annual meeting for the Society for theStudy of Reproduction in Hawaii in May.Dr. Rupesh Gupta, post-doctoral associatein veterinary biosciences, presented a posterat the meeting, and Dr. Humphrey Yaoreceived the New Investigator Award (morebelow).Kevin Attermeier, small animal clinicstudent employee, was chosen as the UniversityStudent Employee of the Year out of 26nominations campus wide. He received a $400scholarship.Dr. Val Beasley, veterinary biosciences, spokeat the University of California-Davis, TexasA&M University, and the University of Tennesseerecently on conservation medicine andecosystem health.Dr. Luke Borst, pathobiology, received theC.L. Davis Foundation award for outstandingpathology resident from the Universityof Illinois during the annual meeting of theAmerican College of Veterinary Pathologistsin November in San Antonio, Texas.Dr. Karen Campbell, veterinary clinicalmedicine, was elected president of the AmericanCollege of Veterinary Dermatology andwill be serving in that role for the next twoyears.Dr. Duncan Ferguson, veterinary biosciences,received a grant from the Society ofToxicology Colgate-Palmolive Grants forAlternatives Research Program.Faculty promotionsin 2008:Dr. Anne Barger, pathobiology/veterinary diagnostic laboratory,promoted to the rank of clinicalassociate professorDr. Rick Fredrickson, veterinarydiagnostic laboratory, promotedto the rank of clinical associateprofessorDr. Lois Hoyer, pathobiology, promotedto the rank of full professorwith indefinite tenureDr. Dawn Morin, veterinary clinicalmedicine, promoted to the rank offull professor with indefinite tenureDr. Larry Firkins, pathobiology, presentedthe day-long Frank W. Jordan Seminar atKansas State University College of VeterinaryMedicine in April 6.Dr. Wanda Haschek-Hock, pathobiology,has been named to the National Academiesof Sciences Committee on Emergency andContinuous Exposure Guidance Levels forSelected Submarine Contaminants.Dr. Marie-Claude Hofmann, veterinarybiosciences, received an Independent ScientistAward from the National Institutesof Health. This award is intended to fosterthe development of outstanding scientistsand enable them to expand their potential tomake significant contributions to their field ofresearch. Dr. Hofmann’s current research seeksto answer questions about stem cell biologyusing spermatogonial stem cells as a model.Jeff Chen-Che Huang, veterinary biosciencesgraduate student, received a $500 awardto present posters at the annual meeting of theEndocrine Society in San Francisco in June.Dr. Ann Johnson, recently retired fromveterinary clinical medicine, took the helmof the Western Veterinary Conference inDr. Ann Johnson, right, along with outgoingWVC president Dr. Jim Furman and College deanHerb Whiteley, congratulates Amanda Nava,Class of 2008, Illinois recipient of the 2008 WVCscholarship.February. This is the first time in the conference’s80-year history that a woman is servingas president. More than 13,400 veterinarians,veterinary technicians, practice managers, andothers in the animal health field, including866 international attendees from 29 countries,attended the meeting.Newly boardcertified:Veterinary Clinical Medicine facultymembersDr. Stuart Clark-Price, AmericanCollege of Veterinary AnesthesiaDr. Mauria O’Brien, AmericanCollege of Veterinary Emergencyand Critical CareDr. Jacki Wypij, American Collegeof Veterinary Internal Medicine(Oncology)Doctors trained at IllinoisAmerican College of VeterinaryInternal Medicine: Dr. CristobalNavas de Solis (Equine), Dr. ChenGilor, Dr. Melissa RienscheAmerican College of VeterinaryPathologists: Dr. Kapil Vashisht,Dr. Luke Borst, Dr. Gaurav Tyagi,Dr. Lily Cheng, and Dr. WilliamMeier (all Anatomic Pathology);Dr. Ashlee Urbasic (ClinicalPathology); Dr. Rebecca Kagan(Zoological Pathology)Veterinary Report • Fall/Winter 2008s

KudosMary Kelm, academic and student affairs,gave the keynote address for Faculty DevelopmentDay at Clayton State University inMorrow, Ga.Dr. Kenneth Keppel, dermatology resident,took the top research award at the NorthAmerican Veterinary Dermatology Forum forhis work on the quantitation of T-regulatorycells and serum IL-10 concentrations in atopicdermatitis patients receiving immunotherapy.Dr. Sandra Manfra Marretta, veterinaryclinical medicine, was named Fellow of theYear by the Academy of Veterinary Dentistryat its annual conference in September.This honor recognizes contributions thatfurther the field of veterinary dentistry.Dr. Milton McAllister, pathobiology, spokein Argentina in July at the Bovine Pathologyfor the Practitioner conference.Dr. Maureen McMichael, veterinary clinicalmedicine, spoke on oxidative stress and pediatricemergencies at the International VeterinaryEmergency and Critical Care Society Symposiumin Arizona in September.Dr. Allan Paul and Mandy Barth, in theOffice of Public Engagement, were recognizedby the University of Illinois Extensionfor their role in delivering Petstravaganza, aninnovative program featuring interactive learningabout animals.Dr. Art Siegel, veterinary clinical medicine,and Kathy Ellis, health informationcoordinator, participated in a teleconferencewith the College of American Pathologistsand the National Primate Research Centerson the application of SNOMED CT. Theywill be providing training and discussion ofSNOMED CT for the primate center’s comparativepathology initiative.Dr. Ted Valli, former dean, was invited topresent at the Theilen Tribute Symposium,a cancer symposium honoring Dr. GordonTheilen, a forefather of veterinary oncologyand held in Davis, Calif., at the end of May.Dr. David Williams, head of veterinaryclinical medicine, received an honorarydoctorate in the field of veterinaryscience from the University of Helsinkion May 23. He was hailed for havingdeveloped tests used worldwide in thediagnosis of diseases of the canine andfeline digestive tracts and for his manycontributions to and collaborationswith Finnish veterinary researchers andeducators. The conferment celebrations,which last for three days, constitutethe most prestigious festivity in theacademic world. Dr. Williams wasawarded the right to wear the insigniaof this academic degree, the doctoral hatand the doctoral sword unique to theUniversity of Helsinki Faculty of VeterinaryMedicine.Dr. Matt Wallig, pathobiology, received thePresidential Award at the annual meeting ofthe American College of Veterinary Pathologistsin November.Earlier this year he gave four foundationlectures, covering a broad range of cellular andmolecular responses to toxicologic injury, atthe “Road to Toxicologic Pathology” meetingin Pune, India.Dr. Dick Wallace, veterinary clinical medicine,is currently serving as the president of theAmerican Association of Bovine Practitioners.Dr. Brent Walling, graduate student inpathobiology, received a Student Travel Awardfrom the 2008 Society of Toxicologic Pathologyto present an abstract at its June meetingin San Francisco.Dr. Howard Whitmore, professor emerituswho served as chief of the hospital’s FoodAnimal Medicine section from 1980 until1991, received the 2008 Bartlett Award fromthe Society for Theriogenology for his outstandingservice to the reproductive veterinarycommunity. Dr. Whitmore has served as presidentand secretary of the American Collegeof Theriogenology as well as on its diplomateexamination committee.Dr. Humphrey Hung-Chang Yao, veterinarybiosciences, received the 2008 NewInvestigator Award at the annual meeting forthe Society for the Study of Reproduction inMay. He also spoke on cell fate determinationin fetal testes at the meeting.The research focus of Dr. Yao’s laboratoryis to understand the fundamental process forthe formation of sex organs in mammals, withthe goal of better understanding the origins ofreproductive problems such as reproductivebirth defects and infertility in humans.Dr. Yao also taught a course with his graduatestudent, Denise Archambeault at Frontiersin Reproduction at Woods Hole, Mass.,in May and spoke at the Gordon ResearchConference in Reproductive Tract Biologyat Proctor Academy in Andover, N.H., inAugust.Author’s CornerBooks published in 2008 from faculty inthe Department of Veterinary ClinicalMedicine.Handbook of Veterinary EmergencyProtocols: Dog and Cat, Teton New-Media, by Dr. Maureen McMichael.Manual of Exotic Pet Practice,Elsevier, co-edited by Dr. MarkMitchell and Dr. Thomas N. TullyJr.The Rhino with Glue-On Shoes,Delacorte Press, edited by Drs. LucyH. Spelman and Ted Y. Mashima.Dr. Jennifer Langan contributed achapter about a hernia repair in a1,200-pound geriatric polar bear atthe Brookfield Zoo.dCollege of Veterinary Medicine • University of Illinois

Dr. Gay Miller, pathobiology, spent 12 monthsin 2006 and 2007 in Washington, D.C., as part ofthe American Association for the Advancement ofScience (AAAS) Science and Technology PolicyFellowships.The goal of the fellowship program is to “establishand nurture critical links between federal decisionmakersand scientific professionals in order tosupport public policy that benefits the well-being ofthe nation and the planet.”As a USDA Energy, Environment and NaturalResources Fellow, Dr. Miller worked at the NationalCenter for Animal Health Emergency Medicine. Atthe time of her fellowship she was the only veterinarianon staff inside the National Veterinary Stockpile.Working on issues related to foreign animaldisease response, Dr. Miller dealt with such questionsas what drugs, vaccines, and other criticalveterinary supplies to get, how to get a lot cheaply,and how to get them where they are needed as fast aspossible.“I could see the impact my involvement washaving,” she says. “Anybody working in foreign animaldisease modeling is going to make a difference inwhat gets done.”Dr. Miller lived in Takoma Park, Md., during theyear and biked to her D.C. office most days. She alsomade trips to Colorado, Georgia, Texas, and severalanimal production facilities. Her husband, Universityof Illinois mathematics professor Dr. JosephRosenblatt, also arranged a position in Washington.“Every day was like drinking from a fire hose,” shesays. “The pace in D.C. is phenomenal.“There is a huge demand for veterinarians inthe AAAS program,” reports Dr. Miller. “Everyfaculty member could benefit from such an experience.The year provided me with groundwork forthe next decade of my research on economics andepidemiology.”Recognizing ExcellenceFaculty, staff, and graduate students at the College were honored forservice excellence and length of service during a reception held September25. Eleven people received awards for excellence in various categories.The awards and winners were:Dr. Gordon and Mrs. Helen Kruger All-Around Excellence AwardDr. Anne Barger, pathobiologyDr. Gordon and Mrs. Helen Kruger Research Excellence AwardDr. Jodi Anne Flaws, veterinary biosciencesDr. Gordon and Mrs. Helen Kruger Service Excellence AwardDr. Richard L Fredrickson, Veterinary Diagnostic LaboratoryDr. Gordon and Mrs. Helen Kruger Teaching Excellence AwardDr. Thomas Graves, veterinary clinical medicinePfizer Animal Health Award for Research ExcellenceDr. Lois Hoyer, pathobiologyDr. Joseph O. Alberts AwardMary Laws, veterinary biosciences doctoral studentDr. Walter E. Hoffmann and Dr. Ann L. Johnson Resident TeachingAwardDr. Ashlee Urbasic, pathobiologyDr. Ted and Mrs. Carroll Valli AwardDr. Jeff Chen-Che Huang, veterinary biosciencesTerry and Judy Rathgeber Academic Professional ExcellenceAwardShilana Rairden, academic and student affairsShirley A. Seets Excellence AwardAmanda Matson, Veterinary Diagnostic LaboratoryDr. Robert and Lucy Graham Staff Excellence AwardDebbie Cassout, Veterinary Diagnostic LaboratoryRetirees honored at the celebration and their years of servicewere:Dr. Tom Goetz, veterinary clinical medicine, 24.9 yearsDr. Ann Johnson, veterinary clinical medicine, 27.1 yearsDr. Uriel Kitron, pathobiology, 21.8 yearsMike Miller, computing services, 13.5 yearsDr. Ted Valli, pathobiology, 18.6 yearsFlanked by Illinois Senators Dick Durbin and Barak Obama(before his election to the presidency) are Hiram and JeanPaley, of Urbana, Dr. Joe Rosenblatt, and Dr. Gay Miller.Veterinary Report • Fall/Winter 2008f

KudosStudentsThe Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges awarded a $500 grantto the Illinois chapter of Veterinary Students as One in Culture and Ethnicity(VOICE) to fund an external mentoring program.Elizabeth Clark, Class of 2011, was selected to participate in the SummerInternship Program in Biomedical Research for Veterinary Medical Students atthe National Institutes of Health. She researched gliomas, a type a brain tumorthat affects both humans and dogs, for the neuro-oncology branch of the NationalCancer Institute.Jeannie Harris, Class of 2010, won the Hill’s Second Chance Contest grand prizefor an essay she wrote about her dog Rose. As a result, the Champaign CountyHumane Society received $10,000.Lauren Markovic, Class of 2009, was one of 15 veterinary students nationallyawarded a $1,000 stipend for an externship that broadens education through experiencesin public practice, corporate veterinary medicine, or food supply veterinarypractice. The award was made by the American Veterinary Medical AssociationMember Services Committee.Students Show They CareLast holiday season, the Indianapolis branch of the USO was grateful to receivealmost $400 worth of prepaid phone cards, thanks to the generosity of Illinois veterinarystudents. All four classes contributed, with most of the donations coming frommembers of the Class of 2009, according to Tony Mutchler, Class of 2009.In February, Teresa Lehnhardt and RachelShaff, Class of 2008, presented 18 “Joshdog” kits to the pediatric oncology clinic andpatient ward at Carle Foundation Hospital,Urbana. The stuffed toys and related storybook were designed by a veterinarian to helphospitalized children overcome their fears byhaving a comforting dog friend. The kits werepurchased through funds raised by Illinoisveterinary students over a two-year period.“It’s just someone to talk to, to comfortthem, and I think it really shows a lot moreof the emotional connection that people andchildren have to animals,” Shaff explained to alocal television news reporter.A vaccination clinic exclusively for the pets of veterinary students, interns, and residentsraised more than $700 for the Wildlife Medical Clinic. Merial donated all ofthe necessary vaccines, forms, syringes, and so forth and also provided snacks, drinks,and giveaways for the students.The clinic took place in October at A&E Animal Hospital in Urbana. Clinicowners Dr. Gary Brummet and Dr. Donna Juhl (both DVM IL ’81), their associateDr. Amy McGuffin, and three technicians on staff at A&E donated their time.AlumniGreetings from theUniversity of IllinoisVeterinary MedicalAlumni Association!Over the past year, your alumni association hascontinued to focus on serving both its future and itspresent members.We serve our future colleagues by supplyingveterinary students with a stress pack during fall andspring finals. These packs are filled with goodies tohelp our future veterinarians survive the rigors ofthe last week of the semester. For the graduatingclass, the Alumni Association provides a monetaryscholarship to a worthy candidate and a gift to eachgraduating class member.For alumni, the association has hosted and sponsorednumerous receptions at the major veterinaryconferences. These receptions are key to providingwhat is sometimes the only contact between the Universityand alumni. The alumni association was alsoa major player in Fall Conference activities, includingorganizing and hosting the now-annual golf outing,class reunions, and alumni awards.As you can see, your alumni association is a busy,active organization.With all this activity and change, now is the timeto consider becoming involved. Involvement can beas little or as much as you wish:Make a donation to continue the efforts of thealumni association.Come to the annual meeting on January 26 inUrbana.Visit the campus.Nominate a deserving member of the veterinarycommunity to receive an award. For nominationforms, see vetmed.illinois.edu/advancement/alumni.Volunteer to participate in the interview processfor the Class of 2013.You will certainly be welcomed with open arms.Dr. Karen BlakeleyPresident, Veterinary Medical AlumniAssociationClass of 1997vetmed.illinois.edugCollege of Veterinary Medicine • University of Illinois

College, Alumni Association Bestow AwardsBy Chris KeblusekThe College and its alumni association presented three Dr. Erwin SmallDistinguished Alumni Awards and a Special Service Award on September11 during the annual Fall Conference for Veterinarians.Dr. Joseph Connor (DVM IL ’76), president of Carthage VeterinaryService and Professional Swine Management, received the Dr. ErwinSmall DistinguishedAlumni Award, presentedto a graduate who has madesignificant contributions tothe veterinary profession orto the College of VeterinaryMedicine.After completing hisveterinary degree, Dr.Connor established theCarthage VeterinaryService in Carthage, Ill.Today this internationallyknown practice employsnine veterinarians, and itssubsidiary, ProfessionalSwine Management,employs 360 and manages60,000 sows throughout allstages of pork production.Dr. Connor has also Whiteley.served as vice president ofHealth Services for the global swine company PIC and done consultingwork in Argentina, Brazil, and Siberia.In accepting the award, Dr. Connor said that when he graduatedwith his veterinary degree, he did not envision what his practice wouldlater become; from the start, his goal was simply “to be the best vet Icould be.” He advised current veterinary students that “there’s alwayssomeone along the way to help you.”Dr. John Van Vleet (PhD IL ’67), professor of veterinary pathologyand associate dean for academic affairs at the Purdue University Schoolof Veterinary Medicine, received the Dr. Erwin Small DistinguishedAlumni Award for his considerable contribution to the veterinaryprofession.Dr. Van Vleet joined the veterinary faculty at Purdue Universityafter earning his PhD from the University of Illinois in 1967. He earnedhis DVM from Cornell University in 1962.He is internationally renowned for his research in toxicologic pathologyand cardiovascular disease and has more than 140 publications. Hiscurrent research examines many diseases of the cardiovascular system,as well as the effect of selenium and vitamin E deficiency in the diet ofanimals.Dr. Van Vleet said he was especially thrilled that the award wasnamed for Dr. Small, who had been helpful in finding canine patientsfor Dr. Van Vleet’s graduate project on liver problems in dogs.Dr. Stephen Sundlof (DVM IL ’80), director of the Center for FoodSafety and Applied Nutrition of the Food and Drug Administration,also received the Dr. ErwinSmall DistinguishedAlumni Award.After leaving theUniversity of Illinois witha master’s and PhD, Dr.Sundlof spent time teachingveterinary pharmacologyand toxicology at theUniversity of Florida. Heserved as director of theFDA’s Center for VeterinaryMedicine from 1994to 2008.His nomination creditshis work in that role withensuring the quality ofveterinary products andanimal feed and implementingpolicy to ensurethe safety and effectivenessof animal drugs and feedadditives. He also played a key role in introducing extensive programsto ensure that Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy would not endangerthe U.S. animal feed system.Dr. Sundlof noted that his experiences have shown him that “veterinariansoccupy very high levels in many agencies” in the United Statesand overseas and that this phenomenon is “a true testimonial to thebroad knowledge this profession offers to its graduates.”Front, from left, Award recipients Peter Weber and Drs. Joseph Connor, John VanVleet, andStephen Sundlof; behind, past alumni association president Dr. Roger Dupuis and dean HerbPeter Weber, executive director of the Illinois State VeterinaryMedical Association, received a Special Service Award. He was honoredfor the strides that the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association hastaken under his leadership since 2003.During his tenure as executive director, the association has seen asignificant increase in membership, budget, and veterinary conventionturnout. Their newsletter and headquarters have both been substantiallyimproved.Weber has also made an effort to reach out to Illinois students whoare interested in pursuing careers in veterinary medicine by establishinga college scholarship fund and an internship program to educate highschool students.Nick MannVeterinary Report • Fall/Winter 2008h

AlumniThe Vet at the Mane EventBy Ashley Mitek, Class of 2011The last time Madison Park had this much pressure on him, he was gallopingdown the stretch with a furlong to go.Today, the thoroughbred gelding is still concerned with speed, butthe track is much tougher: Four miles and 33 jumps in 11 minutes.Each year, the finest riders and equine athletes from across NorthAmerica meet at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington for the Rolex3-Day Event. Themost prestigioussuch competition inthe United States,it is known as thetriathlon of horses.But it’s worth theeffort. After threegrueling days of dressage,cross country,and jumping, thewinner will receive$200,000, theacclaim of winninga world championshiplevel event, andperhaps the chanceto compete in thesummer Olympics.Responsible forthe well being ofthe 45 athletes notwearing a helmetis Dr. Lisa Crump(DVM IL ’86).event, schedule permitting, for 30 years.As the associateveterinarian for thecompetition, shesays, “My primaryresponsibility is to be an advocate for the horse.” If she is concernedabout a horse’s fitness to compete, she will advise the ground jury, andthey can prevent the rider from continuing.Keeping a watchful eye over the cross country part of the event, Dr.Crump sits in the control center observing video monitors as all 45horses complete each jump. It is her job to create and implement anemergency action plan. If a horse is injured, she calls the veterinariansand staff on the ground to dispatch them to the scene.“We have eleven veterinarians at key points on the course, as wellas one person who can cover the entire area, so response time is quiteshort,” notes Dr. Crump.There are also a number of eager veterinary students, many fromthe University of Illinois, working under the supervision of a team ofveterinarians to assess the health of horses as they finish. Should ananimal not recover well, or be injured or nonambulatory, Dr. Crumpcan radio for one of two equine ambulances or two transport trailers onsite to take the horseback to the barn orveterinary hospital.“That might seemlike a lot of people,but at this level it isthe norm,” says Dr.Crump, who hasbeen a veterinarianat Rolex since 1988,the past five years asthe associate veterinarian.After graduationshe worked on aracetrack in Boston,and then took a jobat the prestigiousRood & Riddle fullserviceequine hospitalin Lexington.She currentlylives, and rides, inSwitzerland with herhusband. She officiatesat competitionssanctioned by theFederation EquestrianInternationale,the governing bodythat oversees all international equestrian events, in different locationsaround the country. She is the owner of an equine sports medicinepractice.As for Madison Park, it looks as though racehorses make prettygood eventers. He was one of only 27 horses to finish Rolex and came ineighteenth.Sixteen Illinois veterinary students put their stethoscopes to use to take TPRs on the equine athletes thathad just finished the 3.9-mile cross-country course at the 2008 Rolex Kentucky 3-Day-Event event.Dr. Lisa Crump (center) served as associate veterinarian at the event held in April. Associate dean andprofessor of clinical medicine, Dr. Jonathan Foreman (far left, with his daughter Sarah), has worked at theStudents pictured: Kristin Burdorf, Andrea Compton, Ericka Dailing, Kirsten Fantom, Elizabeth Fesser,Kyle Flessner, Jessica Haydel, Ryan Heaton, Ashley Houtsma, Laura Kleinschmidt, Ashley Maul, NataliePadgurskis, Tiffany Patterson, Kimberly Stevens, Megan Stout, and Rachel Witt.Errol MauljCollege of Veterinary Medicine • University of Illinois

Class NotesAlumni who have made donations in fiscal year2007–2008 are listed in Illini Orange.Dr. John Merrick (DVM IL ’54) was recognizedin October with a 50-year award fromthe Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association.He practiced small animal medicine inKenosha and Oshkosh, Wis., and was amember of the state veterinary associationfor 50 years. Dr. Merrick currently resides inPeachtree City, Ga.Dr. Sheldon Rubin (DVM IL ’68), whopracticed for four decades at the Blum AnimalHospital in Chicago and now is directoremeritus, received the 2008 Chicago Illiniof the Year Award. This honor, bestowed bythe University of Illinois Alumni Association(UIAA) and the Chicago Illini Club,recognizes graduates of the Urbana campusfor their overall career achievement, positiveimpact on the Chicago community, and commitmentto the University of Illinois.In accepting the award, Dr. Rubinremarked: “Here I am before you todaybecause of my U of I professors, my mentors,who instilled the excitement of the professionin me which has lasted for all of these 40years.”Dr. Sheldon Rubin, right, is congratulated at theceremony by his friend, pet journalist Steve Dale.Dr. Ruben opened Chicago’s first emergencyclinic for pets 30 years ago. The authorof six books about pet care, he is frequentlyinvited to appear on national and Chicagobroadcast media. In Chicago he has served onthe Lincoln Park Zoo advisory board and theboard of directors of Anti-Cruelty Society formany years.A strong advocate of organized veterinarymedicine and the University of Illinois, Dr.Rubin is the current president of the IllinoisState Veterinary Medical Association,current president of the American HeartwormSociety, and a past president of both theChicago Veterinary Medical Association andthe University’s Veterinary Medical AlumniAssociation.His many awards and honors include beingnamed Practitioner of the Year by the AmericanAnimal Hospital Association in 2003 aswell as top honors from the ISVMA, CVMA,and College and campus alumni groups.A UIAA lifetime member, he was an IlliniComeback guest at Homecoming in 2001.He is a member of the University of IllinoisPresidents Council.Dr. Rubin is also proud of his most recentachievement: Blum Animal Hospital wasvoted “best vet” in the 2008 “Readers’ ChoiceAwards” published by Chicagoland Tailsmagazine.Dr. Kurt Schrader (DVMIL ’77) was elected to a seatin the U.S. House of Representativefrom Oregon’s 5thCongressional District inNovember. He won handily,garnering 56 percent ofthe votes, compared with 36 percent for hisRepublican opponent. Dr. Schrader owns twoclinics, both named Clackamas County Veterinary,and owns a small family farm.Since 1997, Dr. Schrader has served inboth the House and the Senate in Oregon’sstate legislature. He helped secure statefunding for the diagnostic laboratory andworked to establish a full-time, four-yearveterinary program at Oregon State Universityin Corvallis.Dr. David Watkins (DVM IL ’80), ownerof the Animal Health Center in Sarasota,was recognized with a Gold Star Award bythe Florida Veterinary Medical Associationfor his contributions in advancing veterinarymedicine. Dr. Watkins has served as presidentof the Southwest Florida Veterinary MedicalAssociation and has volunteered at the MoteMarine Laboratory and at his local humanesociety.Courtesy of Kurt Schrader for CongressDr. Watkins with his son Carl and daughter Morgan,who is pursuing a veterinary education.Dr. Jeff Wilcke (DVM IA’78, MS IL ’82) received the2007 American Academy ofVeterinary Pharmacologyand Therapeutics TeachingAward. He is the MetCalfProfessor of VeterinaryInformatics in the Department of BiomedicalSciences and Pathobiology in the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of VeterinaryMedicine at Virginia Tech. Dr. Wilcke hasspoken and written widely and has madeimportant contributions to the integration ofcomputer technology into veterinary educationand information management internationally.Dr. Stephen Hooser(DVM IL ’82, MS IL ’86,PhD IL ’89) has been nameddirector of the IndianaAnimal Disease DiagnosticLaboratory, which is locatedin West Lafayette, Ind., onthe Purdue University campus. Dr. Hooserhad served as head of the laboratory’s toxicologysection. He was also recently promoted tofull professor in comparative pathobiology atPurdue’s School of Veterinary Medicine. Heis currently vice-president of the AmericanBoard of Veterinary Toxicology.Dr. Michelle HenryBarton (DVM IL ’85) hasbeen appointed to a Fuller E.Callaway Professorial Chairat the University of GeorgiaCollege of Veterinary Medicine.Callaway Professors areVeterinary Report • Fall/Winter 2008k

Class Noteschosen primarily for excellence in instructionbut must also have a distinguished record inscholarship and must provide valuable serviceto students and faculty outside their area ofspecialization.Dr. Barton is a Josiah Meigs DistinguishedTeaching Professor in the Department ofLarge Animal Medicine, with an adjunctappointment in the Department of Physiologyand Pharmacology. She joined the college asa clinical resident in 1986, earned a PhD inphysiology in 1990, and joined the faculty in1993. She became a full professor in 2000. Sheis currently president of the Specialty of LargeAnimal Internal Medicine in the AmericanCollege of Veterinary Internal Medicine.Food and Drug Administration, in January.He leads the Center’s development and implementationof programs and policies related tothe composition, quality, safety, and labelingof foods, food and color additives, dietarysupplements, and cosmetics. From 1994 to2008 he served as director of FDA’s Center forVeterinary Medicine. Previously he was on thefaculty at the University of Florida College ofVeterinary Medicine. (See page 15 for moreon Dr. Sundlof.)Dr. Daniel Morton (PhD IL ’90) receivedthe Presidential Award at the annual meetingof the American College of VeterinaryPathologists in November.Dr. Kelley Camacho, Class of 2008, inLincoln Park, Ill.Dr. Jessica Graves, Class of 2005, inDarien, Ill.Dr. Cindy Makofski, Class of 1997, inNorthbrook, Ill.Dr. Aimee Reel-Hemphill, Class of1974, in Ahwatukee, Ariz.Dr. Kara Tadin, Class of 2008, inTorrance, Calif.Dr. Daniel Ness (DVM IL ’87, PhD IL ’94)of Palo Alto, Calif., is currently serving aschair of the Comparative and Veterinary SpecialtySection of the Society of Toxicology.Dr. John Plishka (DVM IL ’93), a smallanimal practitioner at Lakes Animal Clinic inAntioch, Ill., created “Watching You,” a paintingselected for the cover of the November15, 2007, issue of the Journal of the AmericanVeterinary Medical Association. He graciouslydonated the original artwork to the College,and it is on display just outside the dean’soffice.Dr. Donna Mensching (DVM Cornell, MSIL ’08) passed the American Board of VeterinaryToxicology certifying exam in July aftercompleting a master’s degree and residency intoxicology at Illinois. She currently works forthe ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center inUrbana, Ill.Dr. Robert Poppenga (DVM IL ’78, PhDIL ’87) serves on the board of the non-profitorganization Council for Agricultural Scienceand Technology. He represents both theAmerican Board of Veterinary Toxicologyand the American Academy of Veterinary andComparative Toxicology and sits on the Membershipand Marketing standing committeeand the animal sciences working group.Dr. Stephen Sundlof (DVM IL ’80, MS IL’78, PhD IL ’80) was appointed director of theCenter for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition,Dr. Peter Rohloff (PhD IL ’03, MD IL ’07)received the 2008 Illinois International GraduateAchievement Award from the campusInternational Programs and Studies Officefor high-impact, innovative, and sustainedinternational research or service.A native of Vermont, Dr. Rohloff has beenworking in Guatemala since 2002 to promotehealth and explore ethnobotany and ethnomedicine.He is executive director of Wuqu’Kawoq, an NGO providing health care, communityeducation, and capacity building inMayan languages.Dr. Derrick D. Hall (DVM IL ’06) was hiredby the American Veterinary Medical Associationas an assistant director and programcoordinator. In this capacity he also serves asan advisor to the Student American VeterinaryMedical Association.Three former surgery residents at Illinoispassed their small animal surgery boards onthe first attempt: Dr. Abimbola Oshin, ofBrentwood, Tenn., Dr. Elizabeth Rawson,of Pompano Beach, Fla., and Dr. KahrmaWagner, of Alphretta, Ga.A number of Illinois alumni recently joinedpractices owned by Banfield, The Pet Hospital.They are:Dr. Justin Scott Allen, Class of 1999, inSarasota, Fla.Dr. Jeremiah Bieszczak, Class of 2008,in Schererville, Ind.At the College to attend his fiftieth class reunion,Dr. Jörg Hoogeweg presented Dean Herb Whiteleywith a copy of Canine Surgery. A native of Germany,Dr. Hoogeweg was given this text by fellowmembers of the Class of 1958 and College facultymembers on February 13, 1957, to commemoratehis becoming a U.S. citizen. The book is on displayin the Dr. Walter E. Zuschlag/ISVMA VeterinaryHeritage Collection.lCollege of Veterinary Medicine • University of Illinois

In MemoriamDr. Albert “Tom” Amlung, Jr. (DVM IL ’70), ofSwansea, Ill., died October 22, 2007. He operated theBelleville Animal Clinic and later taught biology atSouthwestern Illinois College, where he also worked toestablish a nature preserve.Dr. Ira Aves, Jr. (DVM IL ’57), of Ponte Vedra Beach,Fla., died May 23, 2008. He owned a mixed animalpractice in Belvidere, Ill., for 47 years and served as thecounty animal control administrator.Dr. Joseph Brewer (DVM IL ’61), of Springfield,Ill., died June 8, 2008. He served in the Air Force aftergraduation, and practiced at Capitol Illini VeterinaryClinic and Brewer Animal Hospital. He was active inlocal humane animal organizations.Dr. Frederick Hembrough (DVM IL ’54, PhD IL’66) died on March 31, 2008. He was a professor ofveterinary physiology and pharmacology at Iowa StateUniversity, Ames.Dr. Earl Lutz (DVM ’52) of Bloomington, Ill., diedMarch 23, 2008. He spent his career in the pharmaceuticalindustry in quality control, research, and consultation.A veteran of World War II, he received a PurpleHeart for his service during the Battle of the Bulge. Hewas also a member of the first graduating class of theCollege. Memorials may be made to the Lutz EndowmentFund at the College.Dr. Patricia Martin (DVM IL ’68), of Addison, diedMay 28, 2008. She taught at Parkland College, Champaign,Ill., in the 1970s, then lived for a time in WestVirginia before returning to the Chicago area, whereshe practiced in the west suburbs. In the late 1990s shebegan incorporating acupuncture, Chinese herbs, andother holistic approaches into her practice.Dr. Howard Peterson (DVM IL ’56), of Fayetteville,Ark., died July 31, 2008. Dr. Peterson served in WorldWar II and had a career on the faculty of the Universityof Arkansas, teaching animal and poultry sciences andstudying large animal reproduction.Dr. Curtis Witt (DVM IL ’62), of Madison, Wis.,died August 27, 2007. He owned Witt Animal Clinicin Maple Park, Ill., for 40 years. During his career, Dr.Witt also served as a veterinarian at Illinois racetracksand trained and drove Standard bred harness horses.College Faculty and StaffDr. Bruce Brodie, of Champaign, died December 13,2007. He was on faculty in the Department of VeterinaryClinical Medicine from 1954 to 1994 and was adiplomate of the American College of Theriogenologists.At the College he received the Norden TeachingAward in 1979 and the College’s Special Service Awardin 1994. During his career, Dr. Brodie also taught atthe University of Nairobi in Kenya, the University ofAlexandria in Egypt, and the University of Zimbabwe.Donations in memory of Dr. Brodie may be made to theHoward L. Whitmore and Borje K. Gustafsson InternationalDairy Award.Dr. Lyle Hanson (MSU ’50), of Indianapolis, Ind.,died December 19, 2007. During World War II, Dr.Hanson served in the Army at Walter Reed ArmyMedical Center. He came to Illinois in 1950, eventuallyserving as head of the Department of Veterinary Pathologyand Hygiene from 1967 to 1979 and as associatedean for veterinary research and graduate training from1979 to 1985, when he retired.A diplomate of the American College of VeterinaryMicrobiologists, Dr. Hanson was known for his expertiseon leptospirosis and viral diseases of poultry. Hereceived a Special Service Award from the VeterinaryMedical Alumni Association in 1997. In 1999, he wasthe recipient of a Distinguished Veterinary AlumnusAward from the Michigan State University College ofVeterinary Medicine.Virginia Ivens, retired associate professor of parasitologyat the College, died April 6, 2008, in Champaign.She taught for 37 years before retiring in 1988. Sheestablished a scholarship to help women and minorityveterinary students.Dr. Alvin Safanie, professor emeritus of morphology,died January 10, 2008, in Urbana. Dr. Safanie receiveda veterinary degree from Cornell University, a master’sdegree from Michigan State University, and a PhDat Illinois. He joined the Illinois veterinary faculty in1952 and taught pre-clinical anatomy and embryologycourses until his retirement in 1985. In 1986, hereceived a Special Service Award from the VeterinaryMedical Alumni Association. He was revered by studentsand practitioners as a teacher.Priscilla Smiley, who worked as a part-time assistantlibrarian in the Veterinary Medicine Library for 20 yearsbefore retiring in 2004, died May 18, 2008.Veterinary Report • Fall/Winter 2008;

AlumniPhotos by Nick MannBack on campus: On October 23 and 24, alumni celebrating their 50th, 45th,and 40th class reunions shared a meal at the Alice Campbell Alumni Center,brunched at Dean Herb Whiteley’s home, toured the College, and heard fromfaculty members Drs. Mark Mitchell, Laura Garrett, and Jackie Wypij. Shown atleft: Dr. Lawrence Fox ’68, Dr. John Kalchbrenner ’68, Dr. Joseph Helfand ’68,Dr. Jerrold Michaels ’58, Dr. Norman Cornelius ’58, Dr. Jorg Hoogeweg ’58, Dr.George Buchal ’58, Dr. Frank Riley ’58, Dr. Wesley Bieritz ’63, Dr. LeRoy Biehl ’58,Dr. Wesley Osthus ’63, Dr. Lyle Brumley ’68, Dr. Herb Whiteley, dean.FallConferenceReunionKick-off,September 12Class of 1983:Row 1: Drs. GaryVan Winkle, DaleOttosen, Cindy Sellin,Larry Thompson, Gerry Herrmann, and Pete Sakas; row 2: Drs. CeciliaBurke, Mike Biehl, Becky Armstrong, Mindy March, Sue Watkins, John Earhart, Jeff Clinebell,and Jane Milan; row 3: Drs. Ken Fiedler, Karla Dietrich, Bruce Burch, Heidi Hoogeweg-Mirusky,David DiMeo, CraigZabel, and LarryBeeman; row 4:Drs. Pam Ogden,Al Whitman, KatePeterson, Tim Sullivan,Pat York, and MikeThompson.Class of 1988: Row 1: Drs. Donna Novak, Sandi Yi, Joan Burkhart,Melanie Laasch, Susan Leonard, Pam Zaber, and KatherineBellamy Chiao; row 2: Drs. Lori Blackwell, Lori Civello, SamQuiaoit, Kim Skibbe, Lois Nelson, and Susan Anway; row 3:Drs. Susan Sallee, Larry Ritzhaupt, Stanley Newman, SteveZimmerman, Louis Sloan, and Mark Stetter; row 4: Drs. Jim Parker,Joseph Koch, Ed Cohen, Bill Armbruster, Jim Bader, Mike Henson,John Ochsenreiter, and Andy Pierson.Class of 1998: Row 1: Drs. Linda Dolder, JulieKeen, Nicole Stahl, Annie Hernandez, MargaretLobitz, Carmen Staszkow, Dee Ann Kuster, andChris Kuster; row 2: Drs. Simon Fick, Holly ShieldsHayna, Justin Hayna, Terry O’Brien, Graham Merkin,Gwen Carlson, and Jason Bollenbeck; row 3: Drs.Keith Sierbinski, Joyce Eisold, Amy Flynn, JenniferGrimm, Karen Ollila, Brett Hoerr, Carrie Trotsky,Frank Wuest, and Lisa Nielsen.Class of 1973: Row 1: Drs. Bill Van Alstine, JimZieren, and Dennis Bardelmeier; row 2: Drs.Terry Grandt, Ray Whitman. Attended but notshown: Drs. Steve Schulte, Gary Claeys, andGary Ernst.Class of 1978: Row 1: Drs. JennieannHeischmidt, Diana Wilson, Deb Schelkopf;row 2: Drs. Brad Cooper, Jim Fleming, ScottHoyer, and Jack Herrmann; row 3: Drs. BrockWagner, Don St. Ledger, Neil Schaffer, GaryKoehler, and Bohdan Rudawski.2)College of Veterinary Medicine • University of Illinois

Your support makes a difference!Yes, I want to support the College of Veterinary Medicine with my gift of: $500 $250 $100 Other: $ ______________Please direct my gift to Veterinary Medicine Achievement Fund (334415) Area of greatest needOther (please specify) ___________________________________________________________Please contact me to discuss planned giving options or naming opportunities at the College.My check for $ _______ made payable to “University of Illinois Foundation” is enclosed.Please bill my: American Express Discover MasterCard VisaCard no.: ______________/______________/______________/_____________Exp. Date: ________/_________Signature: ________________________________________________________________________________________My company, _______________________________________________, has a matching giftprogram that will double or triple the impact of my gift. I am enclosing my employer’s matching gift form.Name _ _____________________________________________________________________________________________Address ___________________________________________________________________________________________To use our secure onlinegiving services, please visitwww.vetmed.illinois.edu/advancement/giving.html.Mail this form in the envelopeprovided or use one of thesemethods to reach us:University of IllinoisCollege of Veterinary Medicine3505 VMBSB2001 S. Lincoln Ave.Urbana IL 61802phone: 217/333-2762fax: 217/333-4628email: advancement@vetmed.illinois.eduCity ___________________________________________________ State _______ ZIP ______________________Phone ________________________________Email ___________________________________________________5M9HTWe want to hear from you!Your fellow alumni, as well as the College of Veterinary Medicine, want to find outwhat has been happening in your life. Send your news to be included in VeterinaryReport, which is mailed three times a year and is also available online at www.vetmed.illinois.edu/vetreport/. Email your updates to editor@vetmed.illinois.edu or mail orfax this handy form.News about you (attach other sheets if necessary):....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Name: __________________________________________________________________________________..........................................................................................................................................................................Year(s) of graduation and degree(s) earned: _ ______________________________________..........................................................................................................................................................................Address: ______________________________________________________________________________..........................................................................................................................................................................________________________________________________________________________________________..........................................................................................................................................................................City ___________________________________ State _______ ZIP _ ________________________Telephone: ( ___________ ) ______________________________________________________________E-mail: _________________________________________________________________________________(We will send you our monthly electronic newsletter, Illinois VetNews. If you prefernot to receive it, check here: )..........................................................................................................................................................................Mail or fax this form to: University of Illinois Collegeof Veterinary Medicine Advancement Office, 3505VMBSB, 2001 S. Lincoln Ave., Urbana, IL 61802; fax:217/333-4628.Veterinary Report • Fall/Winter 20082!

Veterinary Couple’s Gift WillBenefit Students and PetsBy Chris KeblusekCommemorating their 40th wedding anniversary—andtheir 40-year class reunion—Drs. Sam and Nancy Lernerhave generously endowed a scholarship for Illinois veterinarystudents.After graduating with the Class of 1968, the Lerners Drs. Nancy and Sam Lernersettled in the San Francisco area and eventually establishedthree practices there. Both have been active in their community and both served as president of thePeninsula Veterinary Medical Association.“We came out [of veterinary school] with high skills and the basic scientific knowledge to go as far aswe wished,” says Nancy.In gratitude for their education, the Lerners established the Drs. Sam and Nancy Lerner Award,which will go to students exhibiting good character and academic achievement and who have submitteda proposal for research to benefit domestic dogs or cats.Their desire to encourage students to pursue an interest in research arose from Nancy’s participationon the Stanford University Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee.“I have come to appreciate how valuable and interesting it is for a veterinarian to become involvedin animal research. I’m thrilled to see the cutting edge of life-saving research unfold before me as I visitlabs, review protocols, and help enforce rules for proper and humane animal care,” says Nancy.The Lerners feel that students might sometimes overlook the importance of research in veterinarymedicine.“The private practice field is overcrowded, but the area for research is wide open and urgent,” sheadds. “We hope our award will allow a bright student to discover new possibilities.”“We feel very good knowing that we’ll have made some small difference back at the University ofIllinois and that our names will be attached to it,” says Nancy.In addition to giving back to the College and promoting veterinary research, the Lerners also weremotivated by the desire to create a legacy that would help society as a whole.2$College of Veterinary Medicine • University of Illinois

Class of 1988 Gives Back in a BigWay Through Endowment FundBy Chris KeblusekIn planning for their upcoming reunion, many members of the Classof 1988 began to look back and ask how they might demonstratetheir appreciation for the opportunities they had at the College ofVeterinary Medicine.After talking with Dean Herb Whiteley, class members determinedthat the College would most benefit from scholarship funds.A gift committee of 10 class members was formed to raise funds tosupport a scholarship for a veterinary student based on merit andneed. The committee contacted each member of the Class of 1988to ask for support and, in a wonderful demonstration of generosity,they raised nearly $70,000. The amount was nearly twice the previoushigh donation for a class gift.“The education we received opened a lot of doors for us,” saysDr. Larry Ritzhaupt, who works in drug development for Pfizer.“Helping with the class gift committee was a great way to providesomething back to the College. I know that my career path wouldhave been far different if I had not had the opportunity to attend theCollege of Veterinary Medicine at Illinois.”“The class really considered how they could contribute to theCollege,” says Dr. Susan Anway, another member of the committeewho also works at Pfizer. “We wanted to give something back toreflect our own very positive and rewarding experience.”The closeness of the Class of 1988 was another significant factorin their interest to contribute to a class gift. The bonds that wereformed during their years as students have remained strong to thisday, with nearly two-thirds of the classmates attending the 20-yearreunion in Urbana last September.“We got a tremendous response, to say the least,” says Dr. Anway.Dr. Ritzhaupt says the class was very pleased to provide fundsthat will help offset the escalating cost of veterinary education forstudents.He offers this advice to current students: “Jump in and give iteverything you’ve got. Experience and learn as much as you can andyou will have wonderful opportunities.”Dr. Larry Ritzhauptpresented the giftfrom the Class of1988 to Dean HerbWhiteley and BrendaBetts, assistant deanfor advancement,at the class reunionkick-off event onSeptember 12.Veterinary Report • Fall/Winter 20082%

Passion for AnimalsMotivates GiftsBy Chris KeblusekA lifelong love of both wild and domestic animals motivatedDr. Robert and Mrs. Alice Henry of Macomb, Ill., to create anendowment in support of the Wildlife Medical Clinic and theHumane Connection fund at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital.“Animals are very, very important to us and to people ingeneral,” explains Mrs. Henry. “We would like to see animalshave access to veterinary care at the University of Illinois, regardlessof their owners’ ability to pay.”The Humane Connection allows clinicians and studentsat the hospital to “go the extra mile” to provide treatments forpatients whose owners have limited means.As for their choice to support the Wildlife Medical Clinic,Mrs. Henry says, “There are not many options for wildlife, butthey’re just as entitled to health care as domestic animals.”Dr. Henry is a retired faculty member at Western IllinoisUniversity, and Mrs. Henry had a career as a dietitian.Although the Henrys had no previous connection to theCollege, they decided that establishing an endowment was agreat opportunity to support a worthy cause and an institutionthey trust. They chose the University of Illinois because it has agreat reputation and because they wanted to keep their contributionwithin the state, to maximize the benefit for local animalsand pet owners.The Henrys would like their gift to inspire others who sharetheir passion for animals so that more animals might benefit.“We do hope that other people think about contributing,”Mrs. Henry says. “These funds certainly help out a lot.”Daniel Goscha

ER Doctor Grateful forOutstanding CareBy Chris KeblusekIt was a Sunday in December of 2004. It was a normal weekendafternoon for Dr. Keith Butvilas, of Galesburg, Ill., huntingpheasant with his black lab, Gunner. And then the unthinkablehappened.“Gunner was chasing a pheasant for about fifty yards. Hedidn’t see the wirefencing, and ran fullblast into it,” says Dr.Butvilas.He heard a painfulyelp and immediatelyknew that the damagewould be significant.As an emergencymedical doctor,Butvilas was able tosee that Gunner’sradius was completelybroken, the skin badly torn, and many muscles were sticking out.“My local vet said it could not be saved, that the only thing todo was amputate the leg,” says Dr. Butvilas. “That was not a veryagreeable treatment option.”He went home and searched the Internet for options, withGunner sitting in the garage, still critically injured. Dr. Butvilasquickly discovered the University of Illinois Veterinary TeachingHospital, and made the decision to travel to Urbana.“I got there at 11 p.m., and they did a full exam right away, ona Sunday,” says Dr. Butvilas, still clearly impressed after four years.“They sedated him and kept him comfortable. I was just tickledpink about it, because he was in extreme pain.”After treatment and a 12-day stay in the hospital, Gunner’s leggot back to 99% normal, Dr. Butvilas estimates.“Four years later the dog hunts, runs, is playful, and is justas good as before,” he says. “My dogs are my family, and I treatthem exactly the same way I would a child. I wouldn’t settle foramputation.”Dr. Butvilas feels fortunate that he found his way to the VeterinaryTeaching Hospital.“I am forever indebted to the doctors there. My whole experiencewas just phenomenal,” he says.Dr. Butvilas is now a member of the Dean’s Club, and makesan annual contribution, half of which goes to orthopedics whilehalf is used at the college’s discretion.“I don’t want to see the College ever be short of funds. I wantthem to be there to help dogs.”

Pascoe Memorial Fundto Help Cats in NeedBy Chris KeblusekIn memory of their beloved cat, Pascoe, Harris and Lynn Hatcherof Springfield, Ill., have created a fund to assist patients who don’thave the means to pay for emergency veterinary care.The Hatcher’s experience with Pascoe, and with the Universityof Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital, inspired them to helppet owners in need.“I just lookedover at my wife onemorning and said,‘Something’s wrongwith Pascoe.’ He wasasymptomatic, but wesomehow knew therewas a problem,” saysMr. Hatcher.The Hatcherssoon realized that their intuition was correct. Pascoe quicklydeveloped a host of symptoms.“Local vets were unable to treat him, so we took him to the Uof I. They found an undetected tumor.”Six-year old Pascoe was diagnosed with advanced stage cancerinvolving multiple organs. The Hatchers opted for an experimentalsurgery, the only course of action that could have saved their cat.“The vets worked very, very hard to try and save him, but wereunable to do so,” says Mr. Hatcher. “My wife and I were verythankful for the 110 percent effort given by the staff. We werelucky to have the resources to make that call. Many aren’t.”The Pascoe Memorial Fund will ensure that other cat ownerswith financial need will be able to take advantage of the full rangeof available treatment options. The fund will eventually grow tomore than $50,000.“We hope to help some cats and their owners,” says Mr.Hatcher.

Oskee Three Goes to the DogsThe third annual Oskee Bow Wow fundraiserwas the first to welcome four-leggedguests. In September about 100 people andmore than a dozen pets—including oneguinea pig—came out in support of theCollege’s Companion Animal MemorialFund, which promotes animal health andveterinary education.Webster, a cherished member of thefamily of University of Illinois PresidentJoe White and his wife Mary, again servedas the official host and greeter.Dr. Tom Graves, veterinary clinicalmedicine, served as emcee, reading thehonor role of pets in attendance. Otherfaculty members who are making discoveriesin companion animal health with thehelp of Companion Animal MemorialFund grants were on hand to discuss theirstudies.Live music and gourmet hors d’oeuvresand wine donated by English Hedgerow,jim gould, Mezza Luna, Pasha Mediterranean,and Piccadilly Beverage Shop addedto the festivities.An original watercolor painting, depicting real-life pets in themanner of Renoir’s Luncheon of the Boating Party, was createdby Melissa Lynch for the invitation and donated for auction atthe event.Additional sponsorship was received from theCousin’s Dog Biscuit Company, Herriott’s Party Rental,Laura Trovillion Photography, Papa George Restaurant,Premier Print Group, and Melissa Lynch and the CreativeServices office at the University of Illinois.The Companion Animal Memorial Fund was createdin 1984 to allow veterinarians and animal ownersto honor the memory of special animal patients andfriends. Since then more than $1.25 million has beenraised to promote companion animal health by fundingnoninvasive studies and advancing care and education atthe College.Photo: Laura Trovillion PhotographyMary White and Webster greet a guest.Veterinary Report

Event SponsorsWith deep appreciation, the College recognizesthe participants in the Event SponsorshipProgram. These generous donors makepossible many student- and alumni-focusedactivities of the College, including the studentapplicant recruitment program, the veterinarystudent orientation and blue coat ceremony,graduation celebrations, several alumni receptionsat national conferences, and the annualVeterinary Medicine Open House.Platinum SponsorsCollege of Veterinary MedicineFort Dodge Animal HealthHill’s Pet NutritionHill’s Student Feeding CommitteeIllinois State Veterinary Medical AssociationNestlé Purina PetCareVCA Animal HospitalsGold SponsorsPfizer Animal HealthMerial LimitedSilver SponsorsBanfield, The Pet HospitalHawthorne Animal HospitalNovartis Animal HealthSchering Plough Animal HealthVetgate USA, a ProBrandsCompanyBronze SponsorsEastern Illinois VeterinaryMedical AssociationMississippi Valley VeterinaryMedical AssociationUniversity of Illinois VeterinaryMedical Alumni AssociationUSBones.comOpen House 2008

CalendarJanuary9 Canine Dentistry Laboratory, Chicago, Ill. See vetmed.illinois.edu/ope/dentistry/.10–11 Fish Medicine Lecture and Laboratory, Chicago, Ill. See vetmed.illinois.edu/ope/fish/18 Alumni Reception at the North American Veterinary Conference, Orlando. Fla. Contact theAdvancement Office, 217/333-2761 or advancement@vetmed.illinois.edu.February7 Horseman’s Clinic, Urbana, Ill. See vetmed.illinois.edu/ope/horseclinic/16 Alumni Reception at the Western Veterinary Conference, Las Vegas, Nev. Contact theAdvancement Office, 217/333-2761 or advancement@vetmed.illinois.edu.March7 Doodle for Wildlife, Champaign, Ill. Contact the Advancement Office, 217/333-2761 oradvancement@vetmed.illinois.edu.20–22 College of Veterinary Medicine exhibit at the Chicagoland Family Pet Expo, ArlingtonHeights, Ill.20–22 American Pre-Veterinary Medicine Association Symposium, Urbana, Ill.26–27 Intensive Toxicology Short Course: Common Small Animal Toxicoses, Urbana, Ill.April4 Veterinary Medicine Open House, Urbana, Ill. See vetmed.illinois.edu/openhouse/.May2 Awards and Scholarships Ceremony, Urbana, Ill. Contact the Advancement Office, 217/333-2761or advancement@vetmed.illinois.edu.17 Commencement, Urbana, Ill. Contact Student Affairs, 217/265-0380 or admissions@vetmed.illinois.edu.June29–July 1 4-H Veterinary Medicine Academy, Urbana, Ill.July20–22 Toxicology and Pathology in Drug Discovery and Development Short Course, Urbana, Ill.22–24 Target Organ Toxicologic Pathology Part 1, Urbana, Ill.September10–11 Annual Fall Conference for Veterinarians, Urbana, Ill.Please contact the Office of Public Engagement at 217/333-2907 or on the Web atvetmed.illinois.edu/ope for additional information, unless otherwise noted.For more Collegeevents listings, visitvetmed.illinois.eduPublished by the University of IllinoisCollege of Veterinary Medicine for itsstudents, faculty, alumni, and friends.Send address changes or informationfor Veterinary Report to:Veterinary ReportUniversity of IllinoisCollege of Veterinary Medicine3225 VMBSB, 2001 South Lincoln Ave.Urbana, IL 61802phone: 217/333-2762fax: 217/333-4628email: editor@vetmed.illinois.eduweb site: www.vetmed.illinois.eduVet Report submission deadline forSpring 2009 issue: April 1, 2009DeanHerbert E. WhiteleyHead of PathobiologyDaniel L. RockHead of Veterinary BiosciencesDuncan C. FergusonHead of Veterinary Clinical MedicineDavid A. WilliamsInterim Director of the VeterinaryDiagnostic LaboratoryWalter E. HoffmannAssociate Dean for Academic andStudent AffairsJonathan H. ForemanAssociate Dean for PublicEngagementAllan J. PaulAssociate Dean for Research andAdvanced StudiesEdwin C. HahnAssistant Dean for AdvancementBrenda K. BettsAssociate Director of AdvancementHeather Nelson-ZornAssociate Director of DevelopmentHeather F. VazquezDirector of CommunicationsChris BeuoyWritersChris KeblusekAshley MitekGraphic DesignStudio 2DPhotographersNick Mann, Tom SchaefgesPrinted with soy ink.Veterinary Report • Fall/Winter 20083&

Auction Supports Wildlife ClinicSave the date for the nextDoodle for WildlifeAuthor Margaret Atwood, baseball legendYogi Berra, and humorist Dave Barry did it.So did Star Wars stars Mark Hamill andJames Earl Jones, Robin Williams and VanessaWilliams, Steve Martin and Martin Sheen.Celebrity twosome Sarah Jessica Parkerand Matthew Broderick did it together.All these notables “doodled” in support ofthe College’s Wildlife Medical Clinic. Theirdrawings were auctioned at the seventh annual“Doodle for Wildlife” event in April. Othernotable auction items included art prints andgetaways to the Caribbean, on Sanibel Island,Fla., in Snowmass, Colo., and other vacationdestinations.Long-time supporter Karen Koenig waspresented with the second annual Wildlife forLife Award for her commitment to the preservationof the wildlife community. Koenigis also a valued volunteer in the VeterinaryTeaching Hospital.The Doodle for Wildlife event accountsfor nearly half of the annual budget of theWildlife Medical Clinic, a non-profit volunteerorganization that provides care for nearly2,000 ill or injured wild animal patients everyyear, enhances the education of veterinary students,and educates the public about Illinoiswildlife.March 7, 2009To donate auction items,call 217/333-2761Photos by Nick MannOdin, a red-tailed hawkthat is a resident of theWildlife Medical Clinic,attended the Doodlefor Wildlife, along with200 human guests.Dr. Julia Whittington, medical director of theWildlife Medical Clinic, presents Karen Koenig witha framed doodle and photo from Tippy Hedren,star of Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds.College of Veterinary Medicine2001 South Lincoln AvenueUrbana, IL 61802Non-profit Org.U.S. PostagePAIDPermit No. 75Champaign, ILRETURN SERVICE REQUESTED