2023 Senior Honors Banquet
The 2023 banquet was held May 9 at the Manhattan Conference Center. A total of $240,000 in scholarships were presented to the senior students as listed below. Plus several special awards were presented to faculty, house officers and staff.
Abbott Animal Health - Veterinary Emergency Critical Care Society Award
Awarded to a student who has demonstrated extraordinary commitment and exceptional proficiency in caring for emergency and critical care patients (regardless of species). A special consideration is given to students who have been active and productive members of the local chapter of the Student Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society.
Awarded To:
Alexis Kehs
ACVIM Clinical Excellence Award
Presented to two students who have a sincere interest in small animal internal medicine and outstanding didactic and clinical expertise in internal medicine that emulates the mission of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
Awarded To:
Demi Wang
Ariel Carruth
ACVIM Clinical Excellence Award
Presented to a student who has demonstrated a sincere interest in large animal internal medicine and outstanding didactic and clinical expertise in internal medicine that emulates the mission of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
Awarded To:
Julia Smith
American College of Veterinary Radiology Award
Is given to a student with enthusiasm for and understanding of diagnostic and therapeutic radiology
Awarded To:
Ashton O’Brien
American Association of Feline Practitioners Award
Given to an outstanding student in feline medicine/surgery.
Awarded To:
Mackenzie Gray
American Academy of Veterinary Dermatology
For a student who has demonstrated excellence in clinical dermatology
Awarded To:
Sarah Bonavia
Excellence in Anesthesia Award
Presented to a student with exemplary clinical performance in anesthesia.
Awarded To:
Clay Carlson
American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists Award
Given to a student who has demonstrated proficiency in ophthalmology
Awarded To:
Cheyenne Brown
American College of Veterinary Surgeons Large Animal Award
Is for academic and clinical proficiency in large animal surgery & aptitude and interest in surgery
Awarded To:
Rachel Miner
American College of Veterinary Surgeons Small Animal Award
Is for academic and clinical proficiency in small animal surgery & aptitude and interest in surgery
Awarded To:
Shanice Harris
Society for Theriogenology - Proficiency in Theriogenology Award
Is awarded to a student for illustrated proficiency in clinical theriogenology
Awarded To:
Taylor Duff
Dr. Harry D. and Alberta F. Anthony Award
Is presented to a student interested in feedlot medicine. This student has either published or had an article accepted for publication in relation to bovine or swine medicine. Dr. Anthony was a former Director of the Diagnostic Laboratory at Kansas State University.
Awarded To:
Jayden McCall
Dr. A.D. and Nadine Apley Veterinary Scholarship
Is presented to a student with a desire to practice mixed animal medicine in a rural Kansas community
Awarded To:
Joel Nelson
Dr. Joseph A. Bogue Memorial Award
Is presented to a student who has demonstrated exceptional achievement in nutrition as applied in companion animal therapeutics
Awarded To:
Sloane Miller
Melba Cornwell Budge Memorial Award
Is awarded to a student who is cited for special proficiency and concern in providing health care to cats
Awarded To:
Ariel Carruth
Dr. Wayne and Druecillia Burch Memorial Award
Is awarded to 10 students with a professional goal of entering some phase of veterinary medicine dealing with Food Animal Production Medicine. All of these students are in the top 50% of their class.
Awarded To:
Clay Carlson
Lane Forge
Jackson McCoole
Kami Miller
Shiloh Murray
Tyler Pauly
Ashton O’Brien
Cierra Roubicek
John Sharpe
Lauren Herd
Dr. James W., Terry D. & Michael J. Carpenter Family Excellence Award
Given to a student who exhibits academic excellence, clinical proficiency, and a passion for zoological medicine.
Awarded To:
Korbin Ritter-Shapero
The Paul and Phyllis Curd Memorial Awards
This award is presented to 10 students with an emphasis in small animal medicine
Awarded To:
Jenna Baker
Alyssa Becker
Caroline Bogle
Hayley Duncan-Wehrfritz
Shanice Harris
Colleen Joyce
Molly Roach
Johnathan Rutledge
Javier Funes
Ariel Carruth
Kansas City Veterinary Medical Association
Is given to an exemplary student practicing in the Kansas City area.
Awarded To:
Jenna Baker
Dechra Excellence in Small Animal Internal Medicine
Is given to a 4th-year student who has exhibited an interest and proficiency in internal medicine including small animal endocrinology.
Awarded To:
Cassandra Gioffre
Dechra Excellence in Equine Sports Medicine
Is given to a student who has exhibited above-average proficiency in the diagnosis and management of Equine Sports Medicine, rehabilitation, and lameness disorders.
Awarded To:
Kylee Nelson
Dechra Excellence in Dermatology
Is given to a student who has exhibited interest and enthusiasm for veterinary dermatology, and who has exhibited above-average proficiency in the diagnosis and management of dermatological conditions.
Awarded To:
Demi Wang
Dr. R.R. and Karen Domer Award
Is given to a student pursuing a career in Large Animal practice.
Awarded To:
John Sharpe
Dennis A. Evans Memorial Award
Is presented to a student who has demonstrated compassion in the treatment and handling of clinical patients
Awarded To:
Lance Berry
Chris Gruber Memorial Scholarship in Veterinary Medicine
Is presented to a student interested in practicing mixed animal medicine in a rural area. Chris Gruber was the Senior Director of Development for the College of Veterinary Medicine from 2006 – 2013. He tragically died in a plane crash in April 2013.
Awarded To:
Joel Nelson
Veterinary Medicine Class of 1977 Scholarship
Is given to a student who has financial need emulating hard work and diligence in pursuing their veterinary degree.
Awarded To:
Rebecca Ullom-Minnick
Dr. Kenneth Harkin Scholarship
Is given by an alumnus in honor of Dr. Harkin for his continued mentorship of current and former students, and for always answering the call for continued scholarship and excellence in Veterinary Medicine. This award is given to a student who excels in their demonstration of skills and client relations.
Awarded To:
Christina Lavery
Douglas Hoppas Memorial Award
Is given to a student for demonstrated professionalism and leadership. The recipient of this award is a Kansas Resident
Awarded To:
Amanda Hoffman
Dr. William F. and Helen R. Irwin Memorial Award
Is given to a student based on academic attainment in Small Animal surgery and Surgical Anatomy, and demonstrated proficiency in small animal surgery during their clinical years.
Dr. William F. Irwin graduated from KSU in 1933 while Dr. Helen Irwin was the first female graduate of our college in 1932.
Awarded To:
Meagan O’Brien
Dr. L. Derald and Mary Ellen Jernigan Award
Is given to a student with enthusiasm, determination to achieve, and sensitivity to the needs of others.
Awarded To:
Cheyenne Brown
Dr. Jody Johnson Veterinary Medical Leadership Award
Is presented to a student for demonstrated leadership while a student. Dr. Johnson hopes that the recipient will continue to give of their time and talents as they demonstrate leadership in organized veterinary medicine and in the community in which they serve.
Awarded To:
Payton Wise
Dr. Kenneth R. Kimbell Memorial Scholarship
Plans to practice in companion animal private practice after graduation must be a Kansas resident and have at least a 3.0 GPA
Awarded To:
Monica Anderson
Dr. John S. Koen Memorial Award
Is given to a student for demonstrated proficiency in swine medicine and surgery
Awarded To:
Zachary Fawver
Koers-Davis Livestock Nutrition, Health Management, and Research Veterinary Scholarship
Given to a student with interest in large animal veterinary medicine
Awarded To:
Amelia Schoenecke
Francis Lucille Koss Memorial Award
Is given to a student for demonstrated proficiency in both large and small animal medicine and surgery
Awarded To:
Jaylin Reick
Dr. Kathryn Morton Krista Equine Veterinary Award
Is given to a student interested in pursuing a career in equine medicine
Awarded To:
Morgan Hull
Dr. James T. Marsh Memorial Award
Is awarded to a student for demonstrated proficiency in equine theriogenology
Awarded To:
Clay Carlson
Dr. and Mrs. Nelson S. Mayo Memorial Equine Award
Is awarded to a student for demonstrated proficiency in equine medicine and surgery
Awarded To:
Katie Clarkson
Dr. and Mrs. Nelson S. Mayo Memorial Food Animal Award
Is presented to a student for demonstrated proficiency in food animal medicine and surgery
Awarded To:
Amelia Schoenecke
Dr. and Mrs. Nelson S. Mayo Memorial Exotic Animal Award
Is awarded to a student for demonstrated proficiency in zoo and exotic animal medicine and surgery
Awarded To:
Kamyrn Ritter-Shapero
Mellenthin-Chapman Award
Is awarded to three students for their demonstrated interest in the area of shelter medicine
Awarded To:
Meagan O’Brien
Jennifer Schneider-Frederick
Ariel Carruth
Dr. Hugh and Beulah Meredith Veterinary Medicine Scholarship
Is given to a student from Lincoln or Montgomery County in KS with an interest in working in or establishing a large or mixed veterinary practice.
Awarded To:
Kaylen Capps
The Rodney K. Morgan Memorial Award
Awarded to a student demonstrating proficiency in clinical pathology
Awarded To:
Adam Houghton
Marie Mohr Memorial Award
Is given to a student who has demonstrated proficiency in providing clinical care while a student, based on knowledge of medicine, demonstrated skills, and compassionate care for patients
Awarded To:
Zachary Fawver
Dr. Jake and Betty Mosier Award
Is presented to a student for their demonstrated interest in geriatrics and pediatrics
Awarded To:
Ariel Carruth
Dr. F.P. and Jane Moynagh Award
Is awarded to a student who has demonstrated interest in practice management
Awarded To:
Kami Miller
Dr. Jay Richard Olson Memorial Award
Is given to a student who has an interest in bovine mastitis. Dr. Olson graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine at K-State in 1945 and passed away in 1977.
Awarded To:
Anthony Hemman
Dr. James and Terry Carpenter Scholarship in Excellence in Zoo, Wildlife, and/or Exotics
Is given to a student who excels in zoo, wildlife, and/or exotic animal medicine:
Awarded To:
Bairon Madrigal
Dr. O.M. Franklin Memorial Epidemiology and Public Health Award
Is given to a student who has demonstrated proficiency in epidemiology and public health
Awarded To:
Valerie Mombello
Dr. O.M. Franklin Memorial Theriogenology Award
Is presented to a student who has demonstrated proficiency in theriogenology
Awarded To:
Brooke Falk
Dr. O.M. Franklin Memorial Toxicology Award
Is given to a student who has demonstrated proficiency in toxicology
Awarded To:
Korbin Ritter-Shapero
Dr. Bishan Das and Ram Bai Minocha Memorial Award
Is awarded to a student in good academic standing and has maintained an interest in virology. Dr. Bishan Das Minocha was in the Army for 35 years, serving as a Sgt. Major while his duties were many, he served during the time of WW II.
Awarded To:
Jayden McCall
Irene and Marsh Plumlee Award
Is presented to a student interested in equine or Large Animal medicine.
Awarded To:J
oel Nelson
Dr. J. Sidney Michum Memorial Award
Is presented for demonstrated proficiency in food animal practice.
Awarded To:
Zachary Fawver
Chester Peterson Jr. Small Animal Research Scholarship
This student will be attending post-graduate training to obtain either a master's or Ph.D. with the goal of conducting small animal research.
Awarded To:
Adam Houghton
Dr. Jerry Rains Memorial Award
Is presented to two students who have demonstrated a sincere interest in either beef cattle production medicine or equine reproductive physiology.
Awarded To:
Lance Berry, Food Animal
Lorna Bryce, Equine
Dr. John and Mary Jo Cortelyou Rust Award
Is given to a student for demonstrated proficiency in pharmachology and physicology.
Awarded To:
Mackenzie Gray
Dr. Glenn Ray Teagarden Memorial Award
Is presented to a student who is outstanding in equine medicine.
Awarded To:
Kaylen Capps
Veterinary Cancer Society Student Award - Bob Rosenthal Senior Student Award
Is presented to a student for outstanding aptitude for, and competence in, the diagnosis, treatment and general care of companion animals affected by malignant disease.
Awarded To:
Zachary Fawver
Donald and Marilyn Trotter Award
Is given to a student who has an interest in graduate study in anatomy or morphological pathology and plans to teach.
Awarded To:
Jayden McCall
Dr. Don Spangler Memorial Award
Goes to a student who has demonstrated the principles of veterinary ethics, advanced the image of KSU and the College of Veterinary Medicine and is active in the Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Awarded To:
Lance Berry
Wempe - Luckeroth Family Award
Is given to a student who has demonstrated proficiency in mixed animal practice.
Awarded To:
Kaitlin Marley
Dr. Albert Francis and Clara I. Wempe Memorial Award
Is presented to a student interested in a career as an equine practitioner.
Awarded To:
Jasmine Ridl
Dr. Ruthanne Chun Oncology Scholarship
Is awarded to a student with an interest in oncology.
Awarded To:
Zachary Fawver
Stephen White Scholarship
Is presented to a Kansas student who has an interest in practicing small animal medicine and shows integrity, compassion, and professionalism towards clients, patients, and colleagues.
Awarded To:
Morgan Hull
Dr. Richard and Pam DeBowes Professional Leadership Award
Given to a student who has demonstrated leadership
Awarded To:
Bairon Madrigal
Kind Touch Award
Is awarded to a student for demonstrated abilities in relating to clients and patients. The recipients of this award are selected by the senior class.
Awarded To:
Ariel Carruth
Merck Veterinary Manual Award
These are presented to students who are on the Honors List because of their high academic achievement
Awarded To:
Shanice Harris
Morgan Hull
Ashton O’Brien
Meagan O’Brien
Jonathan Rutledge
Courtney Shoemaker
Zixuan Wang
Ariel Carruth
Amanda Hoffman
Alvin A. Lidolph Award
Given to the top student in the fourth year of the professional curriculum of the College of Veterinary Medicine.
Awarded To:
Shanice Harris
Pet Tribute Student Awards
Presented to students who have demonstrated compassion and professionalism in support of clients who have suffered the loss of a pet.
Awarded To:
Hayley Duncan-Wehrfritz
Marissa Komp
Bairon Madrigal
Martha Wenger
Payton Wise
Ariel Carruth
Pet Tribute Faculty Award
The Pet Tribute Faculty Award provides graduating seniors an opportunity to honor a faculty member who distinguishes themselves through their exceptional role modeling as a compassionate caregiver and healthcare professional.
Awarded To:
Dr. Neala Boyer
Pet Tribute House Officer Awards
The 2023 Pet Tribute House officer award is presented to two house officers to acknowledge excellence in teaching, clinical service, clinical proficiency and professionalism. The awards are determined by a vote of the senior class.
Awarded To:
Dr. Jessica Zito, Small Animal Emergency
Dr. Anne Lovett, Large Animal Internal Medicine Resident
Pet Tribute Award Veterinary Nurse Award
Is presented to a veterinary nurse or technician demonstrating excellence in compassion, sensitivity and empathy while caring for patients. The award is determined by a vote of the senior class.
Awarded To:
Rachel Gooldy
Cassidy Goering, Anesthesia
Food Animal Veterinary Certificate
Presented to students who have completed the elective requirements for the Food Animal Certificate.
Clay Carlson
Brooke Falk
Kayla Horton
Grace Luebcke
Kami Miller
Rachel Miner
Shiloh Murray
Victoria Roe
Boyd Roenne
Shelter Medicine Veterinary Certificate
Presented to students who have completed the elective requirements for the Shelter Medicine Certificate.
Alyssa Becker
Ariel Carruth
Naomi Hampton
Chadron Koehn
Christina Lavery
Meagan O'Brien
Sherre Pereira
Madeline Riede
Jennifer Schneider-Frederick
Exotic Animal / Zoological Medicine Veterinary Certificate:
Presented to students who have completed the elective requirements for the Exotic Animal/Zoological Medicine Veterinary Certificate:
Marissa Fiume
Bairon Madrigal
Kamryn Ritter-Shapero
Korbin Ritter-Shapero
Jimmy the Cat Award
Established by Mike Luce, who worked for Kansas State University for over 30 years. He was a security guard for the College of Veterinary Medicine when he passed away in 2007. Luce established this award to help graduating students with the end of the year expenses such as moving, fees for licenses, and board examinations.
Awarded To:
Rachel Miller
Jessie Garrison
Abigail Waloch-Tweeten
Amanda Clawson Stafford
Zoetis Distinguished Veterinary Teaching Award
At each of the veterinary colleges throughout the United States each year since 1963, the Zoetis Distinguished Veterinary Teaching Award has been presented to an outstanding teacher who advances the veterinary profession by inspiring students to their highest levels of achievement and professionalism.
Awarded To:
Dr. Ken Harkin, professor/section head, Small Animal Internal Medicine, Steven and Colleen Hodes Professorship in Veterinary Medicine
Dr. William and Deanna Pritchard Veterinary Service and Outreach Award
The Dr. William and Deanna Pritchard Veterinary Service and Outreach Award was established in 2012 to emphasize the importance of service and outreach in the veterinary profession. Dr. Pritchard, a 1946 K-State DVM alumnus (1987 K-State CVM Alumni Fellow), was a professor and dean emeritus of the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of California at Davis.
Awarded to:
Dr. Brad Crauer, clinical associate professor and director of Shelter Medicine