2025 Senior Honors Banquet

The 2025 banquet was held May 13 at the K-State Student Union Grand Ballroom. A total of $179,680 in scholarships were presented to the senior students as listed below. Several special awards were presented to faculty, house officers and staff.

 

ACVIM Clinical Excellence Award

Is for 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:
Shalimar Hulme

American College of Veterinary Surgeons Small Animal Award

Is presented to a student for academic and clinical proficiency in small animal surgery and aptitude and interest in surgery.

Awarded to:
Kortnee Van Nest

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:
Carlie Dill and Deanna Gennett

Excellence in Small Animal Internal Medicine

Is given to a fourth-year student who has exhibited an interest and proficiency in internal medicine including small animal endocrinology.

Awarded to:
Aubrie Rich

American Academy of Veterinary Dermatology

Is for a student who has demonstrated excellence in clinical dermatology.

Awarded to:
Ian Hall

Dr. James T. Marsh Memorial Award

Is awarded to a student for demonstrated proficiency in equine theriogenology.

Awarded to:
Lauren Greiner

American College of Veterinary Surgeons Large Animal Award

Is for academic and clinical proficiency in large animal surgery and aptitude and interest in surgery.

Awarded to:
Garrett Borth

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.

Awarded to:
Katherine Santiago-Melendez

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. His wife, Kai Gruber, and their son, Ethan, were in attendance.

Awarded to:
Logan Drueker (unable to attend)

Dr. and Mrs. Nelson S. Mayo Memorial Equine Award

Is awarded to a student for demonstrated proficiency in equine medicine and surgery.

Awarded to:
Elaine LaRoche

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:
Matthew Hertlein

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:
Reese Bailey

American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists Award

Given to a student who has demonstrated proficiency in ophthalmology.

Awarded to:
Christopher Killilea

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:
Kortnee Van Nest

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:
Daniella Duran

Dr. F.P. and Jane Moynagh Award

Is awarded to a student who has demonstrated interest in practice management.

Awarded to:
Rahyne Keegan

Francis Lucille Koss Memorial Award

Is given to an outstanding student in the graduating class.

Awarded to:
Elise Hesseltine

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.

Awarded to:
Rachel Champagne

Dr. Jody Johnson Veterinary Medical Leadership Award

Is presented to a student who has demonstrated leadership in the graduating class. 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. Dr. Jody Johnson was in attendance.

Awarded to:
Kortnee Van Nest

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:
Ashley Meisel

American College of Veterinary Radiology Award

Is given to a student with enthusiasm for and understanding of diagnostic and therapeutic radiology.

Awarded to:
Olivia Uribe

Dr. Jerry Rains Memorial Award

Is presented to a student who has demonstrated a sincere interest in either beef cattle production medicine or equine reproductive physiology.

Awarded to:
Sierra Shelit

Dr. Michael and Catherine Whitehair Senior Award for Excellence in Achievement of Dual Degrees of DVM and MPH

Is presented to a fourth-year student obtaining dual Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Master of Public Health degrees in the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Awarded to:
Kortnee Van Nest

Richard and Irene Hain Scholarship in Veterinary Medicine

Given to two outstanding students who plan to practice small animal medicine.

Awarded to:
Mason Loy
Traniesh Byrd (unable to attend)

Dr. Les and Amy Pelfrey Senior Award

This award is presented to fourth-year students enrolled in the College of Veterinary Medicine who plan to practice in a community in Kansas with a population of less than 10,000.

Awarded to:
Jayden Simpson
Kaitlyn Megee

Dr. Kathryn Morton Krista Equine Veterinary Award

Is given to a student interested in pursuing a career in equine medicine.

Awarded to:
Elaine LaRoche

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:
Christopher Killilea

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.

Awarded to:
Marissa Mezzadri

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:
Megan Hamilton

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.

Dr. Tom and Diane Jernigan were in attendance.– Tom is the son of Dr. L. Derald and Mary Ellen Jernigan.

Awarded to:
Kimberly Glotzbach

Dr. Glenn Ray Teagarden Memorial Award

Is presented to a student who is outstanding in equine medicine.

Awarded to:
Madison Hallmark

Dr. Wayne and Druecillia Burch Memorial Award

Is awarded to five 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:
Eden Johannes
Emily Rodier
Jayden Simpson
Kaitlyn Peterson
Sierra Shelit

Dr. John and Mary Jo Cortelyou Rust Award

Is given to two students for demonstrated proficiency in pharmacology and physiology.

Awarded to:
Lauryn Clifton
Olivia Uribe

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:
Kortnee Van Nest

Dr. O.M. Franklin Memorial Toxicology Award

Is given to a student who has demonstrated proficiency in toxicology.

Awarded to:
Ashley Meisel

Dr. O.M. Franklin Memorial Theriogenology Award

Is presented to a student who has demonstrated proficiency in theriogenology.

Awarded to:
Chelsey Bieberle

ACVP Excellence in Clinical Pathology

Is presented to a student who has demonstrated proficiency in Clinical pathology.

Awarded to:
Deanna Gennett

Dr. R.R. and Karen Domer Award

Is given to a student pursuing a career in large animal practice.

Awarded to:
Carly Cole

Dr. Tom and Shirley Knappenberger Scholarship in Veterinary Medicine

Is given to a student from one of the following Kansas counties: Johnson, Miami or Reno. Dr. Todd Knappenberger was in attendance. He is the son of Dr. Tom and Shirley Knappenberger.

Awarded to:
Rahyne Keegan

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:
Samantha Wylie

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:
Shalimar Hulme

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. Dr. Harish and Ved Minosha were in attendance.

Awarded to:
Kortnee Van Nest

The Paul and Phyllis Curd Memorial Awards

This award is presented to six students with an emphasis in small animal medicine.

Awarded to:
Aubrie Rich
Carlie Dill
Cierra Lohr
Kiera Williams
Marissa Mezzadri
Shalimar Hulme

Dr. Ruthanne Chun Oncology Scholarship

Is awarded to a student with an interest in oncology.

Awarded to:
Sonia Moreno

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:
Reese Bailey

Excellence in Anesthesia Award

Presented to a student with exemplary clinical performance in anesthesia.

Awarded to:
Traniesh Byrd (unable to attend)

The Rodney K. Morgan Memorial Award

Is awarded to a student demonstrating proficiency in clinical pathology

Awarded to:
Deanna Gennett

FelineVMA Outstanding Senior Award

Is awarded to a graduating senior recognized by the College of Veterinary Medicine as a leader in the study of feline health. This Includes a recent grad membership to the Feline VMA.

Awarded to:
Eden Johannes

JTC Veterinary Award

Is awarded to a student for demonstrating concern for animal welfare.

Awarded to:
Hannah Rhoads

S. Nelson, M. Hafen, A. Drake Excellence in Client Communication and Compassion Award

This award is being given to a fourth-year veterinary student who demonstrated excellent communication skills when helping to guide a client through the difficult euthanasia decision-making process over the course of several days. This student also extended great compassion towards both the client and her dog at the time of euthanasia. These acts of kindness were tremendously appreciated by the client during that challenging time for them.

Awarded to:
Samantha Jansen

Society for Theriogenology - Proficiency in Theriogenology Award

Is awarded to a student for illustrated proficiency in clinical theriogenology.

Awarded to:
Emma McClure

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:
Bryant Karlin

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:
Kayla Majors

Kansas City Veterinary Medical Association Award

Is given to an exemplary student practicing in the Kansas City area. 2025 KCVMA Board Member Dr. Christi Belew was in attendance.

Awarded to:
Erin Flahive

ACVP Excellence in Anatomic Pathology

Is presented to a student who has demonstrated proficiency in anatomic pathology.

Awarded to:
Jiashi Feng (unable to attend)

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:
Marissa Mezzadri

Mellenthin-Chapman Award

Is awarded to a student for their demonstrated interest in the area of shelter medicine.

Awarded to:
Traniesh Byrd (unable to attend)

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.

Individuals selected for this award are positive role models for students throughout the college. They epitomize not only professional competence and effectiveness, but they also possess and demonstrate excellence in compassion, sensitivity and empathy in their care of patients and their communication with pet guardians.

Pet Tribute Faculty Award recipients are known for their communication skills and sensitivity with humans and animals alike, especially when terminal illnesses or euthanasia are involved.

Awarded to:
Dr. Kenneth Harkin

Pet Tribute House Officer Awards

The 2025 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. Jamie Sebastian and Dr. Tarah Peterson

 

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.

Exotic Animal / Zoological Medicine Veterinary Certificate

Presented to students who have completed the elective requirements for the Exotic Animal/Zoological Medicine Veterinary Certificate:

Abigail McKenna White
Ashley Lynn Meisel
Audrey Zhen-Hui Kastner
Danielle Liesenfeld
Erin Mackenzie Flahive
Katherine V. Meléndez Santiago
Kelly Viola Cameron-Harp
Megan Lindsay Hamilton
Megan Rose Mueller
Nicole Marie Temple
Reese Angela Bailey
Skylar Elizabeth Gray

Equine Veterinary Practice Certificate

Presented to students who have completed the elective requirements for the Equine Veterinary Practice Certificate.

Elaine Michelle LaRoche

Food Animal Veterinary Certificate

Presented to students who have completed the elective requirements for the Food Animal Certificate.

Avery Wagner
Bryant Karlin
Cecelia Biggs
Chelsey Bieberle
Cody Minyard
Emma McClure
Garrett Borth
Harrell Phillips
Jayden Simpson
Kaitlyn Megee
Kaitlyn Peterson
Kimberly Glotzbach
Makenna Jensen
Mikayla Lacher
Rachel Champagne
Sierra Shelit
Caitlynn Stevenson-Salazar (unable to attend)

Shelter Medicine Veterinary Certificate

Presented to students who have completed the elective requirements for the Shelter Medicine Certificate.

Allison Burnett
Cayley Conrad
Emily Johnson
Hanna Rhoads
Heather Moulding
Kathleen Wardman
Lauryn Clifton
Mason Loy
Rebekah Arnold
Samantha Jansen
Taylor Snow
Traniesh Byrd
Yi Wen (unable to attend)

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:
Samantha Rushly
Courtney Cullum
Cody Minyard

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. David Upchurch, associate professor small animal soft tissue surgery