Lifelines Online
Monthly Newsletter
June 2025 - Vol. 20, No. 6
< May 2025 | July 2025 >
Latest Headlines
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Fourth-year students receive scholarships from Aurora Pharmaceutical
Aurora Pharmaceutical announced the recipients of its 2025 DVM Student Scholarship Program, awarding a total of $90,000 in scholarships to 28 exceptional veterinary students from across the country, including Morgan Dutton and Danielle Gibbs who are both now in the fourth year of studies. |
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FFAR names seventh cohort of veterinary fellows; includes second-year student at K-State
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Honors Banquet awards class of 2025 with scholarships and veterinary certificates
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The ophthalmology team at the Veterinary Health Center saw a variety of service patients during the ACVO National Service Animal Volunteer Eye Screening Event in May. This was the service’s 16th year to participate in the national event, which provides complimentary eye exams for service and working animals each May. |
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U.S.-China Joint DVM Program hosts 11th annual homecoming event 
A group of new graduates and current students in Kansas State University’s US-China Joint DVM Program recently convened to provide updates on their respective academic progress toward the completion of a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. |
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While fireworks and festivities are staples of Independence Day, the holiday often brings anxiety and risk for pets. Loud noises, bright flashes, unfamiliar guests and tempting table scraps can all pose threats to health and safety. Dr. Susan Nelson tells pet owners to start preparing early, especially if their pet has shown fear around fireworks in the past. |
The 
The 2025 senior honors 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. Several special awards were presented to faculty, house officers and staff, and the seniors were presented with their veterinary certificates too.
Regular features
Alumni Events, Development and Continuing Education
The Veterinary Medical Alumni Association organizes alumni receptions at several of the national annual conferences plus continuing education events and more.
More Alumni Updates
Alumni awards presented at 87th Annual Conference for Veterinarians
Distinguished Alumnus Award: Dr. Steve Swaim - DVM 1965
Dr. Steven Swaim, Geuda Springs, Kansas, was named the recipient of a 2025 Distinguished Alumnus Award. This award is based on outstanding achievements, humanitarian service and contributions to the veterinary profession. While we wanted to present this award in person, Dr. Swaim was unable to make it to campus for the 87th Annual Conference for Veterinarians held June 1. You can see his complete bio here.
Distinguished Alumnus Award: Dr. Ralph Richarson - DVM 1970
Hodes Family Dean Dr. Bonnie Rush, far right, presents the Distinguished Alumnus Award to Dr. Ralph Richardson, joined by his wife, Bev.
View Dr. Richardson's bio here.
ER Frank Award: Drs. Laurie and Warren Beard, longtime faculty
Hodes Family Dean Dr. Bonnie Rush presents Dr. Laurie Beard with the ER Frank Award for her and her late husband, Dr. Warren Beard, who passed away in 2023.
View their complete bio here.
Outstanding Young Alumnus: Dr. Trenton Shrader - DVM 2015
Hodes Family Dean Dr. Bonnie Rush presents the Outstanding Young Alumnus Award to Dr. Trenton Shrader during the Alumni Awards Luncheon.
View his complete bio here.
Keep in touch with the K-State CVM and your classmates through the VMAA
As part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen the bonds within our alumni community, we're excited to announce a new initiative to keep you more connected than ever before.
Update Your Biography: Your journey since graduation is an essential part of our shared history. We invite you to update your biography in our alumni database. Whether you've recently embarked on a new career path, achieved a personal milestone or relocated, we want to hear about it! By keeping your bio current, you help us celebrate your successes and ensure our records accurately reflect the vibrant lives of our alumni.
Join Alumni Groups and Associations: We're also encouraging you to add yourself to alumni groups or professional associations you are a part of within Wild Apricot. These groups are designed to bring together alumni with shared interests, professions or geographic locations. By joining, you'll receive tailored communications about events, networking opportunities and news relevant to your group. It's a fantastic way to stay involved, meet fellow alumni and expand your professional and personal networks.
How to Get Started:
- Log in to Wild Apricot
- Click your name in the upper right-hand corner of your screen.
- Click edit profile.
- Make any necessary updates
- Browse the available groups and associations and join those that resonate with you. Also, if you are a part of those not listed, please email vmaa@vet.k-state.edu
- Update your biography in our Alumni Database to reflect your latest achievements and life changes.
By keeping your information up-to-date and joining relevant groups, you'll not only stay informed but also contribute to the strength and unity of our alumni community.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to contact us at vmaa@vet.k-state.edu. We're here to help!
Upcoming receptions at national conferences
2025 AVMA Alumni Reception
Washington D.C.
7-9 pm, Friday July 18
Lucha Rosa Rooftop Bar, 1011 K. Street NW
2025 Fetch DVM 360 Reception
Kansas City, Missouri
7-9 pm, Saturday Aug. 23
Besos y Brazos
1323 Walnut Street
Please RSVP through the links at our receptions web page.
Submit nominations for Alumni Recognition Awards online
See our new online nomination form to nominate a fellow alumnus for one of our many annual recognition awards, presented at the national conferences: VMX, WVC, AVMA and the Annual Conference for Veterinarians. See full details at the link below.
https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_08LT9Mrrwr4PQjA
In Memoriam - Recently Departed Alumni
*Click names (when underlined) to see obituaries
Dr. Thomas Frederich Burton, DVM 1957
Nov. 17, 2024
Dr. Tom David, DVM 1965
April 21, 2025
Dr. William Bruce Grene, DVM 1951
Feb. 26, 2025
Dr. Robert H. Pierson, DVM 1958
May 4, 2025
Dr. Sherwood Lionel Svarvari, DVM 1968
May 6, 2025
CVM Alumni and Events Staff
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Anna Harris
News Ticker
Quick Pics from Alumni Reunions and Annual Conference  The alumni reunion weekend began with a welcome session in the BI Auditorium and Atrium. Classes that returned this year included the DVM classes of 1955, 1960, 1965, 1970, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015 and 2020.  Ambassador Megan McGraw, class of 2025, gives a tour of the Veterinary Medical Library on the fourth floor of Trotter Hall. A group of alumni, faculty and friends gathered for the Awards Luncheon. See the list of awards recipients in the alumni news section above. The 87th Annual Conference for Veterinarians marked a return to the veterinary college for each of the CE sessions this year. Thanks to all who attended!Saying farewell to house officers in the Veterinary Health CenterThe Veterinary Health Center held its annual House Officer Recognition Ceremony June 3. Below are some images from the ceremony. Dr. Daniela Hernandez, center poses with her veterinary diagnostic interns, Dr. Ryan Davila, Michaela Long, Reed Haley and Nicole Clemon. Dr. Rose McMurphy presents a plaque and a "dictionary" as a parting gift for Dr. Sara Michell Gonzalez Blancas, who was her resident in anesthesia and analgesia. Drs. Cody Dressler, left, and Ron Orchard, have a little fun saying goodbye to their Shelter Medicine intern, Dr. Sara Miner. Dr. Savannah Dunn, left, was chosen for the Outstanding Intern Seminar award. Dr. Katherine Oakes presents Dr. Susan Nelson with the award for excellence in intern mentoring. Far right, Dr. Darby Toth is the recipient of the Outstanding Resident Seminar award. Pictures from the 10th Anniversary Celebration for the Shelter Medicine program
Top right: Dr. Brad Crauer share memories from the road with the Mobile Surgery Unit during his years as the director. Bottom left: Hodes Family Dean Dr. Bonnie Rush presents a special gift to Cheryl Mellenthin, who has been a tremendous supporter of the Shelter Medicine program at K-State. Bottom right: Guests join the celebration from the Street Cats Club and Osage Friends For Felines TNR.
Scholarships support livestock medicine studies for DVM students
This scholarship supports second or third-year veterinary students who are pursuing careers in large animal/food animal medicine, reflecting Merck’s strong commitment to the future of animal health and agricultural communities. Merck Animal Health has been a long-time valued partner of Kansas State University, supporting innovation in veterinary medicine and veterinary student success. Since 2017, they have awarded scholarships to nine veterinary students with a passion for large animal care. Serena and Avery were officially awarded their scholarship this spring. Congrats! |
Veterinary Medicine Student Ambassadors Kylie Bitcon, with Cork (KSDS service puppy in training), Brenn Becker, Brooke Paisley and Megan McGee provide nametags at the welcome table in the Museum of Art and Light.
Top left (in picture below): A panel discussion explores the impact of K-State's Shelter Medicine program in different local communities. The invited speakers are (from left) Sharon Blankenship with the Jefferson County Pet Project; Tim Yeaglin, former director of Operation Prairie Paws Animal Shelter; and Vanessa Cowie, CEO of Prairie Paws Animal Shelter. 
The evening was capped off by a surprise scholarship presentation to two students who actively participate in shelter medicine activities. From left: Dr. Elizabeth Davis, third-year student Elizabeth Scarbrough, Dr. Cody Dressler, Dr. Ron Orchard, third-year student Ashley Kragelund, Dr. Crauer and Dr. Rush.
Congratulations to third-year student Serena Schotanus and second-year student Avery Dull on being chosen as recipients for this year’s
New Arrivals/Recent Departures
CVM News Feed is published each month by the Marketing and Communications Office at the College of Veterinary Medicine. The editors are Rylee Coy, ryleec@vet.k-state.edu and Joe Montgomery, jmontgom@vet.k-state.edu.