October 30, 2024
The College of Veterinary Medicine will recognize five graduates with its alumni awards during Homecoming at a ceremony held Friday, Nov. 1.
The award recipients will be honored at a Friday luncheon and then a campus-wide ceremony in the afternoon in Stephens Auditorium.
The award recipients include:
Stange Award for Meritorious Service - the college's highest honor presented for outstanding professional achievement in veterinary medicine.
- Dr. Larry Carpenter ('82) has had a strong career of service to country, society, and the veterinary profession. During his 25-year Army career, where he retired with the rank of Colonel, he earned over 20 medals and commendations including the Legion of Merit, Order of Military Medical Merit, Joint Service Commendation Medal, and the Humanitarian Service Medal.
- A scientist and research veterinarian, Dr. Shawn Johnson ('96) is committed to advancing the understanding of ocean and marine animal health around the world. With more than two decades of experience with marine mammal and seabird medicine, research, rescue, and rehabilitation, he has focused on seal, sea lion, and dolphin health. He is the co-founder and director of innovative medicine at Sea Change Health. There, he leads teams of specialists in providing advanced medical care and anesthesia while developing new techniques for marine mammals in managed care or wildlife field operations.
William P. Switzer Award in Veterinary Medicine - this award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the society and/or to the College of Veterinary Medicine.
- Dr. Cherri Trusheim ('99) is the founder of Urban Animal in Seattle which provides affordable, option-based, high-quality veterinary care. Her innovative approach promotes the human-animal bond and pet ownership for all, without income as a qualifier. From humble beginnings with two employees, Urban Animal has expanded to three locations across Seattle, with more than 100 employees and over 50,000 clients.
Lorraine J. Hoffman Graduate Alumni Award - this award is given to an individual who received a master's and/or PhD from the College of Veterinary Medicine and honors those who have demonstrated outstanding achievement or leadership in making significant, influential or innovative contributions to society.
- Dr. David Suarez (PhD '95 veterinary microbiology) is an internationally recognized expert in avian viral diseases. He has worked at the US Department of Agriculture’s Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory since 1995, and currently serves as the Research Leader for the Exotic and Emerging Avian Viral Disease Research Unit. He is widely known for his scientific advances in avian influenza virus, Newcastle disease viruses, and most recently SARS coronavirus.
Outstanding Young Alumni Award - this award recognizes alumni who have excelled in the veterinary profession and/or provided service to their community 10 years or less after their DVM graduation.
- Dr. Marisa Rotolo ('14, PhD '17 veterinary microbiology) is the director of swine health of the National Pork Board, where she provides oversight of the board’s Swine Disease Research Taskforce, and leads efforts in biosecurity, traceability, and surveillance on behalf of 60,000 US pork producers. Since graduating with her DVM degree, Dr. Rotolo’s work has had a positive impact on animal agriculture.