Student Awards


DVM Student Awards

  • American Academy of Veterinary Dermatology Award AAVD: Kristina Naef (2017)

  • American Animal Hospital Association Award is presented to a fourth year DVM student and AAHA member in recognition of their outstanding clinical proficiency in small animal medicine and surgery: Katie Becker (2017), Alicia Burkett (2011), Leah Ferguson (2010), Nolan Zeide (2009)

  • American Association of Feline Practitioners Award is presented to a fourth year DVM student in recognition of special interest and proficiency in feline medicine and surgery: Sohaila Arizmendi (2017), Danae deVries (2016), Samantha Schipull (2015), Maggie Placer (2014), Amanda Bloomberg (2013), Elizabeth Feighner (2011), Jennifer Pierro-Ames (2010), Devin Forden (2009)

  • American College of Veterinary Pathologists Award for Excellence in Veterinary Pathology: Amy Flis (2017)

  • American College of Veterinary Radiology (ACVR): Chelsea Gyure (2017)

  • American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS): SA - Nareiby Llanes; LA - Christina Marino (2017)

  • American College of Theriogenologists presents an award for clinical proficiency. Recent awardees include: Cody Anspach (2016), Courtney Brumbaugh (2015), Kyle Yarde (2014)

  • American College of Veterinary Anesthesiologists Award is presented to a fourth year DVM student who excels in anesthesiology: Natalie Alberg (2016), Ava Nowak (2015), Philip DeShield (2014), Alicia Burkett (2011), Nicole Witt (2010), Heidi Greger (2009)

  • American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Awards are presented to fourth year DVM students with interest and proficiency in small animal: Maureen Thieme, Alexis Mechem, Ashleigh Cournoyer (2017), Barbara Kieszkowski, Tessa Meland (2016), Amy Stark,  (2015), Meghan Komorek (2014), Rachel Muur (2014), Lisa Riggs, Katie Simpson, Amy Nooyen (2013), Katie Delph, Jaylyn Durham, Mike Mallard (2012), Vibha Rajagopalan, Peter Noel (2011), Marian Benitez (2010); cardiology: Heather Fetzner (2010); and large animal: Melissa Sim (2016), Megan Schnur (2015), Mallorie Theurer (2014), Maria Cooper (2011), Carrie Van Tassel (2010)

  • American College of Veterinary Radiology Award is presented to a fourth year DVM student who excels in clinical radiology: Chelsea Gyure (2017), Tessa Meland (2016), Bret Moore (2015), Jeremy Cartagena (2014), Thomas Hitzeman (2013), Elizabeth Berndt (2012), Erica Hughes (2011), Carrie Van Tassel (2010), Andrew Manoloff (2009)

  • American College of Veterinary Surgeons Awards and Ethicon Proficiency in Surgery Awards are presented to fourth year DVM students in recognition of their outstanding academic and clinical proficiency in small animal and large animal surgery. Excellence in small animal surgery: Excellence in small animal surgery - Nareiby Llanes, Excellence in large animal surgery - Christina Marino (2017), Brittany Bertsch (2016), Cody Kalmon (2015), Jeremy Cartagena (2014), Nicole Van De Leest, Aarie Hoseknecht (2013), Lindsay Flesch, Rose Paddock (2012), Alicia Burkett (2011), Marian Benitez (2010), Cassie Lux (2009); Excellence in large animal surgery: Anna Hood (2016), Kathleen Lennon (2015), Abigail Velting (2014), Nicole Dalesandro (2011), Carrie Van Tassel (2010), Martha Ullman (2009)

  • American Society of Laboratory Animal Practitioners Award is presented to a student who exemplifies interest and potential in laboratory animal medicine. Recent Awardees include: Kimberly Jen (2014), Lisa Rodin (2012), Ruth Marchant-Forde (2011), Kristin Hamann (2010)

  • Amstutz Bovine Award is presented to a fourth year DVM student in recognition of high interest and proficiency in bovine medicine and surgery: Cody Anspach (2016), Kayla Clark (2015), Kyle Yarde (2014), Amy Nooyen (2013), Haley Resler (2012), Craig Bowen (2011), Rebecca Olinger (2010), Carie Telgen (2009)

  • Amstutz International Veterinary Medicine Award is presented to a DVM student for proficiency in international medicine: Kat Sowa (2013), Rayne Johnson (2012), Kelly Castano, Lyndsy Castano (2011), Matt Cantrell (2010)

  • Association for Women Veterinarians Foundation Award: Kimberly Jen (2012), Briah Tannler (2011), Vanessa Hale (2010)

  • Auxiliary to the American Veterinary Medical Association Award is presented to a fourth year DVM student who has been outstanding in the prestigious advancement of veterinary medicine at this university campus. Student must be member of the Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association: Carrie Spencer (2009)

  • Bastien Award is presented to a fourth year DVM student exhibiting empathy and practicing exceptional canine care to a small animal patient in the veterinary clinics: Kristina Naef (2017), Erin Kelsey (2016), Cory Dehnart (2015), Maggie Placer (2014), Katie Barrowclough (2013), Andrea Bolden (2012), Anita Lovely (2011), Lindsey Roth (2010), Jessica Montgomery (2009)

  • Bayer Excellence in Communications Award is for fourth-year students selected by review of client communications submitted through video. Recent awardees include: Christopher Robinette (2016), David Zimmer (2015), Tiffany Premo (2014)

  • Central Indiana Veterinary Medical Association (CIVMA) Award is presented to a fourth year DVM student exhibiting outstanding communication skills: Ashleigh Cournoyer (2017), Barbara Kieszkowski (2016), Erin Martin (2015), Ashley Clemens (2014), Allison Volpe (2013), Justin Heinz (2012), Lindsey Hedges (2011), Christopher Fulkerson (2010), Erin Wendt (2009)

  • Comparative Ophthalmology Award is presented to a fourth year DVM student who has shown outstanding performance in comparative ophthalmology: Christina Korb (2016), Bret Moore (2015), Breanna Brash (2012), Latisha Taylor (2011), David Rowland (2010), Sean Collins (2009)

  • Crystal Thompson Dermatology Award is presented to a fourth year DVM student who has shown exceptional interest in veterinary dermatology. Alicia Dudley (2010), Andrea Thormahlen (2009)

  • G. Edward Cummins Compassionate Care Award is presented to a fourth year DVM student who best exemplifies clinical training and compassion for animals and clients: Barbara Angelino (2017), Ken Yoshida (2016), David Zimmer (2015), Sarah Lance (2014), Joshua Taylor (2013), Rayne Johnson (2012), Alicia Burkett (2011), Matt Cantrell (2010), Tara Gunn (2009)

  • Ethicon Proficiency in Surgery Award: SA - Nareiby Llanes; LA - Christina Marino (2017)

  • DVM Class of 1983 Award is presented to the fourth year DVM student who has overcome obstacles or persevered despite difficult circumstances in pursuit of the DVM degree: Jacqueline Pacheco (2017), Lauren Adduci (2016), Shannon Arnold (2015), Philip DeShield (2014), Alyssa Roberts (2013), Catherine Lewis (2011), David Murakowski (2010)

  • Dr. Ann L. Johnson and Dr. Walter E. Hoffman Resident Teaching Award is given to outstanding residents based on excellent teaching abilities. Recent awardees include: Benjamin Bergstrom (2017), Dr. Tim Hui (2015), Dr. Chris Fulkerson (2014)

  • Allan Hart/IDEXX Award is presented to a fourth year DVM student who has consistently demonstrated a strong understanding of clinical pathology and its practical application to clinical cases. During clinical rotations, the student must have demonstrated the ability to combine clinical laboratory testing with history, physical examination, and ancillary tests to diagnose disease and monitor patient progress: Jessica Hanlon (2017), Alyssa Brooker (2016), Bret Moore (2015), Stephen Zgrabik (2014), Calvin Pohl (2013), Elizabeth Berndt (2012), Lauren Meltzer (2011), Matt Cantrell (2010), William Siska (2009)

  • Hill’s Pet Nutrition “Buddy” Award is presented to a fourth year DVM student who has demonstrated excellent problem solving ability in small animal medicine and surgery and has shown high interest and proficiency in the application of nutrition in clinical practice: Meghan Komorek (2014), Erin Wendt (2009)

  • Holly Watts Memorial Award is presented to any student in the professional veterinary degree program who has exhibited exceptional interest and proficiency in disease prevention, treatment and care of non-domesticated animals: Molly Maynard (2017), Kim McMunn (2016), Abra Foster (2015), Mariann Lempert (2014), Heather Holzhauer (2013), Karen Schachterle (2012), Vanessa Hale (2011), Janet Behm (2010), Christopher Fulkerson (2009)

  • Indiana Animal Health Foundation Award is given for academic superiority in the first two years of a professional program. Recent awardees are: Kimberly Karlin (2016), Alyssa Brooker (2015), Rachel Heintz (2014)

  • Indiana Association of Equine Practitioners Awards are presented to fourth year DVM students who display the highest degree of professionalism in equine practice. Students shall have demonstrated a high level of clinical proficiency, and a keen interest in organized veterinary medicine and continuing education: High Proficiency: Jordan Beauchamp (2017), Melissa Sim (2016), Andrew McClain (2015), Jake Jensen (2014), Exceptional Proficiency: Christina Marino, Hugo Almonte (2017), Katie Smith, Jessica Slangal (2016), Kathleen Lennon, Courtney Wasson (2015), Lindsey Pence (2014), Abigail Velting (2014); Ashley Feil, Brady Thompson, Jolee Stegemoller (2013), Leighanne Erickson, Nicole Dalesandro, Bethany Couture (2011), Kate Hepworth, Abigail Reising, Grant Minnemeyer (2010), Amber Boring (2009)

  • Indiana Horse Council Equine Industry Award is presented to a fourth year DVM student providing the greatest exposure of the equine industry to other students: Allison Mustonen (2017), Hugo Almonte (2016), Melissa Sim (2015), Andrew McClain (2014), Jake Jensen (2013), Aarie Houseknecht (2012), Rachel Beetz (2011), Bethany Couture (2010), Carrie Van Tassel (2009)

  • Indiana State Poultry Association Award is presented to a fourth year DVM student for proficiency in avian medicine: Carlie Beach (2017), Chris Daniels (2016), Caty Tylan (2015), Geoffrey Lossie (2014), Joshua Taylor (2013), Dan Wilson (2012), Monica Jean Scherer (2011), Melissa Hardy (2010)

  • IVMA 12th District Award is presented to a third or fourth year DVM student who has shown significant accomplishment in one or more aspects of veterinary preventive medicine. This accomplishment may be demonstrated by achievement in one or more of the following categories: classroom performance in veterinary public health courses; research or original published work in the field of veterinary preventive medicine; public service in veterinary preventive medicine; field experience in the form of an internship, externship, or volunteer work which provides in-depth knowledge of some aspect of veterinary preventive medicine: Valerie Goeman (2017), Amanda Emery (2016), Apryl Pagliaro (2015), Amber Kerk (2014), Catherine Foley (2013), Brandy Cichocki (2012), Rachel Cumberbatch (2011), Rachel Cumberbatch (2010), Jennifer Fife (2009)

  • IVMA/AAVP 15th District Excellence in Bovine Veterinary Medicine Award: Lisa Dauten (2017)

  • IVMA Awards are presented to fourth year DVM students who are proficient in small animal medicine and surgery, large animal medicine and surgery and all species medicine and surgery. Superior proficiency in small animal medicine and surgery: Maureen Thieme (2017), Melanie Arvin (2016), Brittany Beckner (2015), Jeremy Cartagena (2014), Ashley White, Rose Paddock, Emma Fortenberry (2012), Julie Molitoris (2011), Marian Benitez (2010), Jeffrey Little (2009); Superior proficiency in large animal medicine and surgery: Christina Marino (2017), Brooke Wehr (2016), Melissa Gambill (2015), Brandon Miller (2014), Nicole Dalesandro (2011), Jordan Baker (2010), Nathan Ahlemeyer (2009); Superior overall proficiency in all species medicine and surgery: Ashleigh Cournoyer (2017), Kira Tyson (2016), Avan Nowak (2015), Tyler Peat (2014), Jama Souder (2011), Kevin Kirtley (2010), Carrie Spencer (2009)

  • IVMA Auxiliary Awards are presented to rising third year DVM students who have shown academic superiority the first two years of the DVM program: Rosemary Paddock (2011), Lauren Meltzer (2010), Marian Benitez and David Rowland (2009)

  • VCS Award for Exceptional Clinical Proficiency (Previously known as: International Programs Award) is presented to an ECFVG/Ross student who has shown outstanding clinical proficiency, patient care, knowledge of medical principles of disease, and teamwork: Sarah Rood (2017), Rebecca Zaremba (2016), Stephanie Maresca (2015), Nick Silverman (2014) , Sonya Sia (2013), Marcin Rejniak (2012), Kimberly Schreiber (2011), Samantha Emch (2010), Sean Collins (2009)

  • Gerald P. Murphy Prize for Excellence in Comparative Oncology Award is presented to a fourth year DVM student who has shown outstanding interest and dedication to the comparative aspects of veterinary oncology. In particular, this award recognizes students for their future potential to make important contributions to the field of comparative oncology: Kirsten Young (2016), Anna Goad (2015), Mario Sola (2014), Ben Olson (2013), Nick Helfrich (2012), Kimberly Schreiber (2011), Jennifer Pierro-Ames (2010), Jeffrey Little and Sara Rudwell (2009)

  • Maddie's Shelter Medicine Program Award is presented to the fourth year DVM student who exemplifies compassion for shelter pets, excellent interaction with shelter clients and proficiency in shelter medicine: Amy Jamieson (2017), Jessica Goodman (2016), Lara Silveri, Courtney Zander (2015), Emily Rudman (2014), Liz Heltzel (2013), Rebecca Rider (2012), Julie Molitoris (2011)

  • Katie McCallister Award is an award for an intern or resident who demonstrates extraordinary compassion and empathy toward both patients and their families. Recent awardees include: Dr. Mark Byrum (2017), Dr. Talisha Moore (2016), Dr. Rebecca Lee (2015), Dr. Sarah Cooper (2014)

  • Merck Awards are presented to fourth year DVM students with 3.50 or higher GPA: Julie Troyer, Jessica Lisak, Jesse Page (2013), Mark Robarge, Rose Paddock, Elizabeth Berndt (2012), Leighanne Erickson, Lauren Meltzer, Kimberly Mordasky (2011), Marian Benitez, David Rowland and Lindsey Roth (2010)

  • Omicron Chapter, Society of Phi Zeta Award is presented to a first year DVM student for academic superiority: Kaitlyn Mullen (2016), Kimberly Karlin (2015), Alyssa Brooker (2014), Rachel Heintz (2013), Ana Guimaraes (2012), Jesse Page (2011), Rose Paddock (2010)

  • Open House Recognition thanks the Co-Chairs of Open House: Elexa Baron, Sarah Dengler (2017), Gabby Pilla, Kristie Fujita (2016), Whitney Wolfgang, Whitney Johnson (2015), Ashley Bernacchi, Katie Bennett (2014), Anna Jansons, Melissa Dunn (2013), Jesse Page, Natalie Houser, Amanda Hernandez (2012), Claire Walther, Tal Bartlett (2011), Erica Hughes, Michael Mann, Abby Strong (2010)

  • Osborne Award for Clinical Investigation presented at the Omicron Chapter, Society of Phi Zeta: Sarah Colledge (2012)

  • President of the Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association: Kimberly Lutz (2017), Clayton Carr (2016), Tessa Meland (2015), Daniel Thomasey (2014), Christina Blatcher (2013), Ben Olson (2012), Justin Heinz (2011), Lindsey Hedges (2010)

  • Purdue Veterinary Alumni Senior Leadership Award is presented to an outstanding senior identified by classmates on the basis of academic performance, activities, and leadership: Clayton Carr (2017), Jessica Goodman (2016), Daniel Thomasey (2015), Christina Blatcher (2014), Briah Tannler (2013), Justin Heinz (2012), Lindsey Hedges (2011), Christopher Hall (2010), Carrie Spencer (2009)

  • Simmons & Associates Business Aptitude Award is presented to DVM students who have demonstrated entrepreneurial interest and an aptitude for business matters of a veterinary practice: Elise Mauer (2017), Shea Rolf (2016), Erin Kelsey (2015), David Zimmer (2014), Rachel Muur (2013), Katie Barrowclaugh (2012), Mike Mallard (2011), Jennifer Rogan (2010), Christopher Hall and Heidi Choy (2009)

  • Veterinary Cancer Society Student Award for Proficiency in Clinical Oncology is presented to a fourth year DVM student who demonstrates proficiency in the care of veterinary oncology patients and aptitude in the subject of clinical oncology: Ashleigh Cournoyer (2017), Kirsten Young (2016), Stephanie Maresca, (2015), Sarah Lance (2014), Stephanie Landrum (2013), Lisa Rodin (2012), Ruth Marchante-Forde (2011)

  • Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society is awarded in partnership with Zoetis to a fourth year DVM student who has consistently demonstrated the most outstanding interest and proficiency in small animal emergency medicine and critical care: Justin Knoll (2017), Natalie Phauk (2015), Katie McClain (2014), Sherry Wynn (2013), Kara Mitchell-Flynn (2011)

  • Veterinary Learning Award- Veterinary Software Associates/IDEXX Laboratories is presented to a second year DVM student in the 1/3 of the class academically that overtly represents the Veterinary professional code. He/she should be a proven classroom leader that is also active in campus activities geared toward community betterment: Elexa Baron (2016), Chelsea Gyure (2015), Chris Brahos (2014), Daniel Thomasey (2013), Briah Tannler (2011), S. Rayne Johnson (2010), Lindsey Hedges (2009)

  • William W. Carlton Award for Aptitude in Veterinary Pathology is presented to a third year DVM student who has shown interest and aptitude in the student of pathology by virtue of superior academic performance in pathology classes and/or participation in special projects or leaning opportunities outside the normal curricular requirements: Melissa Swan (2017), Jessica Hanlon (2016), Allie Keresman (2015), Bret Moore (2014), Tyler Peat (2013), Calvin Pohl (2012), Elizabeth Berndt (2011), Maria Cooper (2010), Erica Twitchell (2009)

  • World Animal Care Foundation is presented to a fourth year student who has demonstrated an understanding and appreciation for the Human-Animal Relationship through their involvement in human-animal bond activities: Maureen Thieme (2017), Michael Sanders (2016), Jessica Spake (2015), Emily Rudman (2014), Joy Trendelman (2013), Janine Delia (2012), Peter Noel (2011), Jessica Mongomery (2009)


Veterinary Nursing and Veterinary Technology Student Awards

  • Eber H. Allen Leadership Award/Northeast Indiana Veterinary Medical Auxillary is based on outstanding leadership and professionalism which results in advancing a positive image of the Veterinary Technology program. Recent awardees include: Hannah Chalmers, Beth Hinshaw (2017), Devan Barger, Sarah Sloan (2016), Jennie Edmanson, Patty Umbarger (2015), Hannah Byers (2014), Emily Kennedy (2014), Abbey Taylor (2014), Kristen Jeffrey (2011), Elisa Midle (2011), Kaitlin Roscoe (2011), Catharine Ambriole (2010), Natalia Browning (2010), Cristin Sheldon (2010); Tami Kearns (2009), Sadie DiFrancia (2009), Megan Morton (2009)

  • Harry & Freida Latshaw Highest Academic Achievement Award is awarded to the graduating second year veterinary technology student with the highest grade point average. Recent awardees include: Brenna Hiday (2017), Sarah Sloan (2016), Christa Crain (2015), Lauren Rainier (2014), Tiffany Feagles (2011), Megan Murdock (2010), Tiffany Weisheit (2010), Kimmy Brennan (2009)

  • Harry & Freida Latshaw Veterinary Technologist Achievement Award is awarded to a graduating senior Veterinary Technology student for achievement with emphasis on problem solving, writing, speaking, organizational skills, and workplace leadership. Recent awardees include: Andi Doll (2014), Megan Murdock (2011), Samantha Snider (2010), Katie Beard (2009)

  • IVMA Auxillary Award for Academic Achievement & Clinical Proficiency is presented to a veterinary technology student who has shown academic achievement and clinical proficiency. 2009 awardee: Kimberly Brennan

  • IVTA/WCIVMA Award is awarded to the second year veterinary technology student showing the most outstanding qualities of initiative, effort, and leadership in the Veterinary Technology Program. Recent awardees include: Beth Hinshaw (2017), Devan Barger (2016), Patty Umbarger (2015), Julia Jones (2011), Cristin Sheldon (2010), Tami Kearns (2009)

  • Outstanding Veterinary Technologist Award is awarded to a fourth-year veterinary technology student who exhibits excellent academics and very strong clinical skills. Recent awardees include: Katherine Tate (2017), Christa Crain (2016), Lauren Rainer (2015), Maggie De Witte (2014)

  • Veterinary Imaging Consultants Highest Technical Proficiency Award is awarded to a second year veterinary technology student who has demonstrated the highest technical proficiency in his/her rotation sites. Recent awardees include: Julia Jones (2011), Kaila Zink (2010), Diana Reyes (2009)

  • Veterinary Technology Highest Technical Proficiency Award
    Hailey Parr (2017), Sarah Sloan (2016), Tiffany Fridenmaker (2015), Andi Doll (2014)

  • PVSTA President: Molly Roberts (2017), Devan Barger (2016), Patty Umbarger (2015), Hannah Byers (2014), Alisha Kish (2011)