2024 Senior Honors Banquet
The 2024 banquet was held May 7 at the K-State Student Union Grand Ballroom. A total of $282,000 in scholarships were presented to the senior students as listed below. Several special awards were presented to faculty, house officers and staff.
1. American Association of Feline Practitioners Award
Given to an outstanding student in feline medicine/surgery
Brooke Croel
2. American Academy of Veterinary Dermatology
For a student who has demonstrated excellence in clinical dermatology
Amiah Gray
3. 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.
Eva Borgman and Gabrielle Lammons
4. 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.
Bailey Fritz
5. American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists Award
Given to a student who has demonstrated proficiency in ophthalmology
Katie Jackson
6. American College of Veterinary Radiology Award
Is given to a student with enthusiasm for and understanding of diagnostic and therapeutic radiology
Nathan Jackson
7. American College of Veterinary Surgeons Large Animal Award
Is for academic and clinical proficiency in large animal surgery & aptitude and interest in surgery
Anne Brien
8. American College of Veterinary Surgeons Small Animal Award
Is for academic and clinical proficiency in small animal surgery & aptitude and interest in surgery
Cristina Marquez
9. Excellence in Anesthesia Award
Presented to a student with exemplary clinical performance in anesthesia
Bailey Fritz
10. Dr. Harry D. and Alberta F. Anthony Award
Is presented to a student interested in feedlot medicine, specifically in bovine or swine medicine. Dr. Anthony was a former Director of the Diagnostic Laboratory at Kansas State University.
Paige Schmidt
11. 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
Allison Wieler
12. Doug Armstrong Memorial Award from the American Academy of Veterinary Consultants
AVC is an association of veterinarians involved in beef cattle medicine, herd health programs, and consultation. Their mission is to provide continuing education, member support, and leadership among various entities of the beef cattle industry. The Armstrong Award is awarded annually for excellence in beef cattle clinical research.
Paige Schmidt
13. Dr. Joseph A. Bogue Memorial Award
Is presented to a student who has demonstrated exceptional achievement in nutrition as applied in companion animal therapeutics
Sarah Holloman
14. Melba Cornwell Budge Memorial Award
Is awarded to a student who is cited for special proficiency and concern in providing health care to cats
Hadley Watson (unable to attend)
15. 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. Once you have come to the stage and received your award– please stay for a picture by the photo back drop.
Samantha Leach, Halle Kloefkorn, Conrad Schelkopf, Katelyn Fox, Hanna Westermier, Allison Weiler, Dawson Black, Lilli Heinen, Grant Pimple and Katherine Stenger
16. 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
Sarah Timmerman
17. Dr. Ruthanne Chun Oncology Scholarship
Is awarded to a student with an interest in oncology
Eva Borgman
18. The Paul and Phyllis Curd Memorial Awards
This award is presented to 10 students with an emphasis in small animal medicine
Angela Gaggiano, Taylor Lile, Nicole Robben, Nicole Cassale, Meghan O’Toole, Eliza Turnage, Zara Martinez, Katie Jackson, Eva Borgman and Katie Condon
19. Dr. R.R. and Karen Domer Award
Is given to a student pursuing a career in Large Animal practice
Jessica Deyoe
20. Dennis A. Evans Memorial Award
Is presented to a student who has demonstrated compassion in the treatment and handling of clinical patients
Hannah Barber
21. Dr. O.M. Franklin Memorial Theriogenology Award
Is presented to a student who has demonstrated proficiency in theriogenology
Loretta Lacy
22. Dr. O.M. Franklin Memorial Epidemiology and Public Health Award
Is given to a student who has demonstrated proficiency in epidemiology and public health
MaRyka Smith
23. Dr. O.M. Franklin Memorial Toxicology Award
Is given to a student who has demonstrated proficiency in toxicology
Bailey Fritz
24. 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.
Valerie Haskett
25. Richard and Irene Hain Scholarship in Veterinary Medicine
Given to two outstanding students who plan to practice small animal medicine
Hadley Watson (unable to attend)
Courtney Denbow
26. Dr. James W., Terry D. & Michael J. Carpenter Family Excellence Award
Is given to a student who exhibits academic excellence, clinical proficiency, and a passion for zoological medicine
Laura Walsh
27. 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.
Joseph Kempin
28. Douglas Hoppas Memorial Award
Is given to a student for demonstrated professionalism and leadership. The recipient of this award is a Kansas Resident
Halle Kloefkorn
29. 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.
Jamie Gray
30. 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, and an interest in large animal medicine
Michaela Musselman
31. 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.
Melissa Hill
32. Kansas City Veterinary Medical Association
Is given to an exemplary student practicing in the Kansas City area. We are honored to have Dr. Jay Dyke, President of the Kansas City Veterinary Medical Association with us this evening. Please come to the side of the stage to be recognized and have your picture taken with your award winner.
Shyanne Hogsett
33. Dr. Kenneth R. Kimbell Memorial Scholarship
Is presented to a student who plans to practice in companion animal private practice after graduation must be a Kansas resident and have at least a 3.0 GPA
Carly Williams
34. Dr. John S. Koen Memorial Award
Is given to an outstanding student in the graduating class
Katelyn Fox
35. Francis Lucille Koss Memorial Award
Is given to an outstanding student in the graduating class
Tate Ackerman
36. Dr. James T. Marsh Memorial Award
Is awarded to a student for demonstrated proficiency in equine theriogenology
Sarah Holloman
37. Dr. and Mrs. Nelson S. Mayo Memorial Food Animal Award
Is presented to a student for demonstrated proficiency in food animal medicine and surgery
Madeline Hall
38. 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
Hannah Huber
39. Dr. and Mrs. Nelson S. Mayo Memorial Equine Award
Is awarded to a student for demonstrated proficiency in equine medicine and surgery
Claire Taylor
40. Mellenthin-Chapman Award
Is awarded to a student for their demonstrated interest in the area of shelter medicine
Yuri Lee, Grace Wilson and Gabrielle Lammons
41. Merck Excellence Award – Small Animal
Is awarded to a student who has demonstrated expertise in small animal medicine
Angela Thompson-Butler
42. Merck Excellence Award – Large Animal
Is awarded to a student who has demonstrated expertise in large animal medicine
Allison Skubal
43. Dr. J. Sidney Michum Memorial Award
Is presented to an outstanding graduating senior student.
Riley Cox
44. 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.
Hannah Huber
45. 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
Angela Thompson-Butler
46. The Rodney K. Morgan Memorial Award
is awarded to a student demonstrating proficiency in clinical pathology
Trey Tomlinson
47. Dr. Kathryn Morton Krista Equine Veterinary Award
Is given to a student interested in pursuing a career in equine medicine
Loretta Lacy
48. Dr. Jake and Betty Mosier Award
Is presented to a student for their demonstrated interest in geriatrics and pediatrics
Brooke Croel
49. Dr. F.P. and Jane Moynagh Award
Is awarded to a student who has demonstrated interest in practice management
Zara Martinez
50. Dr. Jay Richard Olson Memorial Award
Is given to a student who has an interest in bovine medicine. Dr. Olson graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine at K-State in 1945 and passed away in 1977.
Courtney Borden
51. 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
Trey Tomlinson
52. Irene and Marsh Plumlee Award
Is presented to a student interested in equine or Large Animal medicine.
Brystal Bluma
53. 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
Kyndall Neal (livestock) and Anne Brien (equine)
54. Dr. John and Mary Jo Cortelyou Rust Award
Is given to two students for demonstrated proficiency in pharmachology and physicology.
Madison Terwilliger and Nathan Jackson
55. 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.
Courtney Borden
56. Dr. Glenn Ray Teagarden Memorial Award
Is presented to a student who is outstanding in equine medicine
Bailey Fritz
57. 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.
Hadley Watson (unable to attend)
58. 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.
Grace Calo
59. 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.
Anne Brien
60. 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.
William Weng
61. 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
Shannon O’Day
62. 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.
Nicole Cassale
63. Society for Theriogenology - Proficiency in Theriogenology Award
Is awarded to a student for illustrated proficiency in clinical theriogenology
Sarah Holloman
64. 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.
Haley Wagner
Dr. Richard and Pam DeBowes Professional Leadership Award
Given to a student who has demonstrated leadership
Awarded To:
Nathan Jackson
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:
Kyndall Neal
Merck Veterinary Manual Award
These are presented to students who are on the Honors List because of their high academic achievement
Awarded To:
Bailey Fritz, Nathan Jackson, Haley Wagner, Eva Borgman, Joseph Kempin, Anne Brien, Madison Terwilliger, Angela Gaggiano, Conrad Schelkopf and Cristina Marquez
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:
Haley Wagner
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:
Bailey Fritz, Eva Borgman, Melissa Hill, Meghan O’Toole, Anne Brien and Angela Gaggiano
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. Jessica Zito
Pet Tribute House Officer Awards
The 2024 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. Emma Pray (unable to attend) and Dr. Katya Spitznagel
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:
Raycelon Kuntz
Veterinary Certificates
The concurrent Certificate programs provide an opportunity for students to receive recognition for their completion of core or elective courses and co-curricular experiences in specific professional areas, and the Certificate identifies their additional training focus to potential employers or graduate supervisors.
Food Animal Veterinary Certificate
Presented to students who have completed the elective requirements for the Food Animal Certificate.
Courtney Borden, Tegan Bowers, Jessica Deyoe, Haley Geiger, Melissa Hill, Cori Hough, Halle Kloefkorn, Samantha Leach, Michaela Musselman, Kyndall Neal, Grant Pimple, Conrad Schelkopf, Paige Schmidt, Katherine Stenger and Holly Wilson
Shelter Medicine Veterinary Certificate
Presented to students who have completed the elective requirements for the Shelter Medicine Certificate
Mariah Aerts, Jamie Gray, Alexandra Jahns, Gabrielle Lammons, Yuri Lee, Alyssa Sorum and Grace Wilson
Exotic Animal / Zoological Medicine Veterinary Certificate:
Presented to students who have completed the elective requirements for the Exotic Animal/Zoological Medicine Veterinary Certificate
Jamison Earleywine, Natalia Hank, Hanah Huber, Rachel Kuehl, Nikita Lakhani, Shannon Lloyd, Sarah Timmerman, Eliza Turnage and Laura Walsh
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:
Jensen Herron, Abigail Larson and Alexis Fenton
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. Emily Klocke, clinical professor of small animal surgery
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. Mac Hafen, clinical professor and director of Counseling Services