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.

FFAR names seventh cohort of veterinary fellows; includes second-year student at K-State

The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) and American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges have selected this year's FFAR Veterinary Student Research Fellows. Second-year student Lauren Robinson is one of 15 students chosen nationwide. She is working on a summer research project (VRSP) with Dr. Philip Lancaster.

Shelter Medicine program celebrates its 10th anniversary

A group of shelter medicine partners joined students, staff and faculty from the Shelter Medicine program to celebrate 10 years of service and success. In addition to great memories, the programs thanked benefactor Cheryl Mellenthin and then surprised a pair of students with a scholarship presentation. See pictures in the News Ticker.

Honors Banquet awards class of 2025 with scholarships and veterinary certificates

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.

• VHC veterinarians perform eye exams for service animals

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 16^th year to participate in the national event, which provides complimentary eye exams for service and working animals each May.

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.

Dr. Susan Nelson shares tips for fourth of July
By Rylee Coy

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.

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 Center

The 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 goodby 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

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.

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.

The evening was capped off by a surprise scholarship presentation to two students who actively particpate 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.

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!