Lifelines Online
Monthly Newsletter
September 2025 - Vol. 20, No. 9
< August 2025 | October 2025 >
Latest Headlines
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Veterinary Health Center launches expanded, renovated small animal surgery center
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Three K-State veterinary students earn national Merck Animal Health scholarships
Three students have received the 2024 Merck Animal Health Scholarship, which was announced this summer. This scholarship awards $5,000 to second- and third-year students. Over the past few years, Merck and the American Veterinary Medical Association, or AVMF, have awarded close to 500 scholarships to veterinary students. |
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Dr. Cody Dressler goes the extra mile to care for animals and lead students in the shelter medicine program
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K-State veterinarians save at risk dog, now up for adoption By KSNT
A hurt dog is getting a second chance at life thanks to K-State veterinarians and the Riley County Humane Society. When Korah first arrived at Veterinary Health Center, she was dangerously thin, her fur was matted, and she had a deadly number of fleas. |
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Veterinary Medical Library offers internship program for students
The Veterinary Medical Library has established an internship program open to Kansas State University and Emporia State University students who are interested in research, veterinary literary research and medical librarianship. The program, first launched in 2024, was a long-time vision of the library’s director, Andi Warren. |
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A critical shortage of veterinarians could threaten America’s food supply
To combat the crisis, federal and state governments are stepping in with solutions aimed at easing the financial burden. The federal Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program offers up to $25,000 in student loan reimbursement for vets who qualify. The program is highly competitive, with fewer than half of applicants receiving the award each year. |
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Kansas State University researchers and collaborators are creating a buzz in the world of mosquito-borne virus research with a new study on Japanese encephalitis virus, or JEV, which can infect humans and animals and cause a range of illnesses, including reproductive abnormalities in swine.
In recognition of World Rabies Day 2025, the Kansas Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (KVDL), in partnership with the Kansas Department of Health and the Environment (KDHE), the One Health Commission Bat Rabies Education Team (BRET), and Bavarian Nordic – are proud to announce its 2nd World Rabies Day Poster Competition for Kansas school kids.
This month, Insight Into Academia magazine, the largest and oldest publication dedicated to best practices in higher education, announced 29 recipients of the 2025 Health Professions Higher Education Excellence and Distinction Award. K-State is one of only three veterinary programs in the United States to be recognized with this award.
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
New Alumni Biography - Dr. Veryl Wolstrom, DVM 1946
After the death of Dr. John Bruce, young Doc Walstrom and his wife Jean arrived in Verdigre, Nebraska, driving a Model A Ford purchased from Dr. Mueller, a veterinarian in Ogallala, in May 1946.
The Walstroms made a brief visit there, then went on down to Weeping Water, and were in the process of setting up office when a delegation sent by Jim Chalupnik arrived from Verdigre, including Gordon McElhose, Adolph Kotrous, Joe Jacot Sr., Tony Scheinost, and William Eichenberger. They walked in, loaded up Doc’s medicine and said “Follow us.” Read Dr. Walstrom's full bio here.
John 'Hoot' Gibson, DVM 1959
Dr. John “Hoot” Gibson, K-State class of 1959, left his mark both on and off the court. As a member of the 1950–51 Wildcat basketball team that advanced to the NCAA Championship game against Kentucky, he witnessed firsthand the grit of teammates like Ernie Barrett, who played through injury in pursuit of a national title.
Following service as a first lieutenant in the Army during the Korean War, Dr. Gibson returned to K-State to pursue veterinary medicine. While studying, he and his wife, Mary, who served as house mother in Van Zile Hall, helped build campus community, with Dr. Gibson even coaching women’s volleyball. He went on to earn a Ph.D. in pathology and built a distinguished 30-year career with Merrill Dow Pharmaceutical Co. in Cincinnati, where he served as head of pathology and toxicology and senior director of drug safety.
K-State honored Dr. Gibson as Alumni Fellow in Veterinary Medicine in 1997. Beyond his professional achievements, he remained a fierce competitor, earning gold medals and national championships in basketball and volleyball through the Senior Olympics from 1996–2010. Known for his quick hands and sharp athleticism, Dr. Gibson’s legacy is one of leadership, service and lifelong passion for competition. Read more about Dr. Gibson here.
Dr. Dave Sjeklocha, DVM 1994 named AABP President
AABP President Dr. Dave Sjeklocha (on the left) and AABP Immediate Past President Dr. Michael Capel at the 2025 AABP 58th Annual Conference in Omaha, Nebraska.
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 AAEP Reception
Denver, Colorado
6-8 pm, Monday, Dec. 8
Bar AC
750 15th St
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. Dallas Nelson, DVM 1953
Aug. 4, 2025
Dr. John Jarrett, DVM 1971
Aug. 8, 2025
Dr. Eddie Daniels, DVM 1972
Aug. 27, 2025
Dr. James Schwisow, 1978
July 30, 2025
Dr. Kathleen Meenan, DVM 2000
Aug. 12, 2025
CVM Alumni and Events Staff
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Anna Harris
News Ticker
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More news from the college 2025 Kansas State Fair Birthing Center
The 2025 Kansas State Fair Birthing Center was another successful event this year in Hutchinson from Sept. 4-14. A few less babies and a lot more rain, but still a great time was had by all! A special thank you to Drs. Leslie and Bryan Weaver and Kate Drew and Ellie Wieneke for their efforts in organizing the event and to the two fourth-year ambassadors, Ally Nelson and Charles Wassberg. Prior to the fair, Dr. Leslie Weaver appeared on Fox 43 TV in Topeka to talk about the activities that take place. Top photos from left: Equine professor Dr. Adam Bassett, fourth-year students Amber Eggenberger, Maddie Martin, Levi Gauby and Sydney Henry, clinical assistant professor Dr. Philip Lancaster and fourth-year veterinary students Danielle Gibbs, Ivy Elkins and Marit Wang, and fourth-year student Charles Wassberg with one of the new calves. Bottom photos from left: Large animal veterinary assistant Shayla Lowry, fourth-year students Chance Kopsa, Kaden Strom, Maura Porter and Danny Rosen, fourth-year student Mario Schneider, alumni volunteer Dr. Davy Harkins '71, fourth-year students Serena Schotanus, Luis Lujan, Camila Amrein Almira and associate professor Dr. Jordan Gebhardt '19, '20. Dr. Nate Kapaldo was a co-author on the publication, “In-line Miniature 3D-printed Pressure-cycled Ventilator,” published in the Anesthesiology journal. Dr. Pierre Picavet and his student mentee, Abi Huber, Class of 2027, had their work, “Canine craniodorsal hip luxation: Management and treatment”, featured in dvm360! Dr. Kate KuKanich and the VRSP students attended the National Veterinary Scholars Symposium in Spokane, Washington, on Aug. 7-9. The event hosted around 600 students from around the world to present their original research they completed with mentors over the summer.
Communications outreach at Third Thursday event
Joe Montgomery gave a presentation at the First Presbyterian Church in Manhattan Thursday, Sept. 19 to explain how the College of Veterinary Medicine serves a mission of educating DVM students, providing exceptional animal care through the Veterinary Health Center, and service and outreach through the Kansas Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. He also talked about the Wildcat Veterinarian magazine, Lifelines newsletter, CVM's social media channels and other ways the marketing and communications team helps tell the CVM story to the public. The audience several great questions! |
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.