Dr. Melissa Girard-Lemons - DVM 1999
Nebraska Veterinary Medical Association 2014
Dr. Melissa “Dr. Missy” Girard-Lemons, Grand Island, Neb., was the recipient of the 2014 Alumni Recognition Award presented Jan. 24, 2014 at the winter meeting of the Nebraska Veterinary Medical Association being held in Lincoln, Neb. The award is in recognition of the time and effort devoted to advancing veterinary medicine and for being an exemplary role model for future alumni in a professional and community setting.
Dr. Girard-Lemons was born and raised on a poultry, swine (farrow to finish) and cash-crop farm in Osceola, Neb. Her parents are Ron and Deb Girard of Osceola, and she has a younger sister, Kara, and younger brother, Tim. She attended undergraduate school at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where she held several offices in campus organizations: Pre-Vet Club, Mortar Board, College of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources, Student Government and Alpha Chi Omega sorority. Dr. Girard-Lemons earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at Kansas State University in 1999. She has practiced more than 14 years in Grand Island with the Animal Medical Clinic. In 2005, she purchased the practice and built a new building in 2007. The Animal Medical Clinic is a three-doctor, progressive, small animal veterinary clinic where an emphasis is placed on education, communication and passionate caring. She enjoys getting to know each and every client so she can better meet their medical needs.
“Being a veterinarian and loving what I do makes life rewarding,” Dr. Girard-Lemons said. “I have always felt strongly about giving back to those I have received from. I am humbled to be receiving this recognition!”
“We are very pleased to recognize one of our younger alumni, who has shown great dedication in serving her community,” said Dr. Ralph C. Richardson, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine. “Dr. Girard-Lemons has also distinguished herself as a leader in the profession as she has already been the president of the Nebraska Veterinary Medical Association. She sets a great example of professionalism and achievement for others to follow.”
Dr. Girard-Lemons is currently the past-president of the NVMA and continues to serve on the continuing education, scholarship and legislative committees. She is also a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association. In addition, she is an active member of the Nebraska Veterinary Medical Foundation and has helped developed the new fundraising programs, “Pottery of Promise” and “NVMA Talent Showcase Auction” with friends and family of the NVMA. Dr. Girard-Lemons helps organize volunteer veterinarians for the Nebraska State Birthing Pavilion, and helped enhance the poultry display by incubating and hatching baby chicks. She is involved with the Prairie Pioneer Quilt guild and has served on its board of directors for seven years. She has been a member of the Alpha Sigma philanthropic sorority for 14 years and currently serves on the animal advisory board for the city of Grand Island. Dr. Girard-Lemons is also a supporter the Central Nebraska Human Society.
Dr. Girard-Lemons and her husband, Tim, were married in June 2008 and now claim six four-legged children of various shapes and sizes.