College Presents 2026 Alumni Awards

Rich Bednarski, DVM ’77, MS ’81, DACVA, dedicated his career to advancing veterinary anesthesia, analgesia and clinical education through decades of service, leadership and scholarship at The Ohio State University. A proud Buckeye, Bednarski completed all of his academic and specialty training at Ohio State, earning his bachelor’s degree, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, master’s degree and anesthesiology residency before joining the faculty and building a distinguished career at the college.

As a faculty member, section head, hospital director and chair of the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Bednarski helped shape the growth and excellence of Ohio State’s veterinary programs while supporting generations of students, residents, faculty and staff. His scholarly contributions include more than 60 publications, more than 10  book chapters and leadership in developing nationally recognized anesthesia guidelines and reference texts including the third, fourth and fifth editions of the Handbook of Veterinary Anesthesia.

A dedicated educator and mentor, Bednarski trained countless veterinary students and anesthesia residents, many of whom have gone on to leadership and faculty positions across the profession. His service extended nationally through leadership roles, including presidencies, with the American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia and the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association. Recognized with multiple teaching and professional honors, Bednarski’s career reflects an enduring commitment to veterinary medicine, education and the advancement of the profession.

Eric Blomme, DVM, PhD ’98, DACVP, is a distinguished veterinary pathologist and biopharmaceutical leader whose work has advanced the development of life-changing therapies for patients around the world. As vice president of Development Biological Sciences at AbbVie, he oversees preclinical safety, comparative medicine, animal welfare, ADME sciences, translational sciences and eye care discovery research, helping bridge scientific discovery and human clinical application.

Throughout his career, Blomme has played a pivotal role in the development of therapies spanning immunology, oncology, neuroscience, woman health and eye care. He has contributed to more than 15 successful new drug and biologics approvals, including breakthrough treatments for chronic inflammatory diseases that have improved the lives of millions of patients globally.

Beyond his scientific achievements, Blomme has demonstrated a deep commitment to mentorship, scholarship and service. He has recruited seven Ohio State alumni into impactful scientific leadership roles within the pharmaceutical industry and has mentored numerous current and former trainees, creating opportunities for the next generation of veterinary scientists. Through these efforts, he has elevated the reputation of Ohio State’s College of Veterinary Medicine within the global biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences community.

A recognized scientific leader, Blomme has authored more than 80 peer-reviewed publications and 10 textbook chapters and has served in leadership roles with major scientific journals and national advisory boards. His career reflects the profound impact veterinary scientists can have on medicine, public health and society.

John D. Gibbins, DVM ’92, MPH, DACVPM, has devoted more than three decades to advancing public health, veterinary preventive medicine and One Health through distinguished service in federal, military and civilian leadership roles.

As a senior public health veterinarian and epidemiologist, he has held key leadership roles with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, and U.S. Air Force. His work has consistently bridged veterinary medicine, human health and environmental health, long before the term One Health became widely recognized.

Gibbins has led national efforts to protect workers in agriculture and food production while addressing emerging zoonotic disease threats and public health emergencies. Throughout his career, Gibbins has remained deeply committed to Ohio State’s Veterinary Public Health program. For more than 15 years, he has contributed to student training, taught in the curriculum, mentored residents and MPH students, and created opportunities for future public health leaders. Many of the trainees he has guided have gone on to influential positions at CDC and other state and federal agencies, extending Ohio State’s impact on public health nationwide.

Gibbins is a board-certified specialist in veterinary preventive medicine, an honorary diplomate of the American Veterinary One Health Society, and an active member of numerous professional organizations. He has delivered more than 100 professional presentations and helped shape national approaches to occupational health, zoonotic disease prevention and veterinary public health. Through his leadership, public service and dedication to mentorship, Gibbins has advanced the veterinary profession while extending Ohio State’s impact on public health and One Health initiatives around the world.
 

Bruce A. McPheron, PhD, has dedicated his career to advancing higher education, agricultural sciences and the land-grant mission through distinguished leadership, research and public service. As executive vice president and provost of The Ohio State University and dean of the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, McPheron championed academic excellence, research innovation and student success while strengthening the impact of public universities on society.

An internationally recognized entomologist, McPheron is known for his pioneering research on insect evolution, invasive species and agricultural biosecurity. His work advanced the development of molecular diagnostic tools used to understand and manage invasive fruit fly species of global significance. A fellow of both the Entomological Society of America and the American Association for the Advancement of Science, he has authored numerous scientific publications, mentored graduate students and postdoctoral scholars, and conducted research and fieldwork around the world.

Throughout his leadership career, McPheron has been a strong advocate for research, innovation and collaboration across disciplines. His service in national higher education and agricultural organizations helped advance the mission of land-grant institutions and the role of science in addressing society’s most pressing challenges. He has also been a dedicated advocate for food security, agricultural advancement and public engagement.

The College of Veterinary Medicine is proud to recognize McPheron as an Honorary Distinguished Alumnus for his longstanding support of the college and its mission. His leadership was instrumental in securing critical state funding, providing resources to recruit research-intensive faculty, expanding support for philanthropic research initiatives, helping guide the university through the COVID-19 pandemic and advancing innovative tuition policies that enhanced educational opportunities for veterinary students. Through his vision, advocacy and partnership, McPheron has had a lasting impact on the college, the university and the veterinary profession.
 

Lynelle R. Johnson, DVM ’87, PhD, DACVIM, is an internationally recognized clinician-scientist and pulmonary expert whose career has transformed the understanding, diagnosis and treatment of respiratory disease in dogs and cats. As a professor at the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, she has combined clinical expertise, groundbreaking research and exceptional mentorship to advance companion animal health and veterinary education worldwide.

Throughout her career in academic medicine, she focused on respiratory disease in her clinical practice, teaching, research and publications.  A leading authority in companion animal pulmonology, Johnson has built a body of work that includes more than 100 peer-reviewed publications, influential veterinary textbook chapters and her seminal reference text Canine and Feline Respiratory Medicine. She has delivered more than 140 professional presentations at regional, national and international conferences. Her research has shaped contemporary approaches to respiratory disease management, including pioneering work on respiratory-associated pulmonary hypertension in dogs.

Johnson’s impact extends far beyond her scholarly contributions. Dr. Johnson is known as a dedicated and talented educator.  She has trained more than 50 veterinary internal medicine residents, mentored thousands of veterinary students and delivered more than 150 presentations across North America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, South America and Australasia. Through her leadership, teaching and scientific contributions, Johnson has elevated standards of care and influenced generations of veterinarians around the globe.
 

Jeffrey Eubank, DVM ’83, MS ‘79, has dedicated more than 35 years to advancing rural veterinary medicine through compassionate clinical care, community service and unwavering commitment to his clients and patients. A proud Ohio State graduate, Eubank built a respected mixed-animal practice in Arizona, becoming a trusted resource for animal owners across a largely underserved rural region.

As owner and operator of his practice, Eubank expanded access to high-quality veterinary care by developing one of the few private rural facilities in the area capable of providing advanced services such as equine surgery and canine fracture repair. He invested in modern diagnostic and surgical capabilities, including digital radiography, ultrasound and in-house laboratory services, ensuring that local clients could receive advanced veterinary care close to home. Throughout his career, he remained committed to keeping care affordable and accessible, believing that financial hardship should never be the sole barrier to treatment.

Eubank’s leadership extended beyond private practice. He served as a captain in the United States Army Veterinary Corps, with assignments throughout the United States and Germany. He also contributed extensively to animal welfare and public service through low-cost sterilization programs, support of local fairs and livestock events, care for law enforcement K-9 units and assistance during emergency situations, including wildfire response and the COVID-19 pandemic.

A dedicated mentor and advocate for future generations, Eubank has supported 4-H and FFA youth programs for decades and inspired numerous aspiring veterinarians through formal and informal mentorship. His influence has extended from the exam room to the community, shaping future professionals while strengthening the bond between veterinary medicine and public service. Through his lifelong dedication to animal health, rural communities and the veterinary profession, Eubank exemplifies the values of service, leadership and excellence.

James S. Gaynor, DVM ’88, MS ’92, DACVAA, Diplomate AIPM, has dedicated his career to advancing veterinary anesthesia and pain management through clinical innovation, leadership, education and scholarship. A proud Ohio State graduate, Gaynor earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, completed an anesthesiology residency and master’s degree, and served as a clinical instructor before embarking on a distinguished career that helped establish pain management as a recognized discipline within veterinary medicine.

During more than a decade at Colorado State University, Gaynor rose through the faculty ranks to become section head of anesthesiology. Recognizing the emerging need for specialized pain management services, he helped develop one of the first dedicated veterinary pain management programs in academia. His contributions to the field include co-editing the Handbook of Veterinary Pain Management, a widely used reference text published in three editions, and Cannabis Therapy in Veterinary Medicine, helping advance understanding of evolving approaches to animal pain management.

A pioneer in specialty practice, Gaynor was among the first board-certified veterinary anesthesiologists to build a successful career outside of academia. As medical director of Peak Performance Veterinary Group and later Colorado Animal Specialty and Emergency, he expanded access to advanced anesthesia and pain management services while developing innovative training programs for veterinary professionals. His work helped demonstrate that specialist-level care could be delivered effectively within private practice settings, benefiting animals and veterinary teams across the region and beyond.

A dedicated educator and mentor, Gaynor has lectured extensively at local, regional, national and international veterinary meetings and has provided advanced training for veterinary technicians for more than a decade. His service has also included leadership roles with the National Veterinary Response Team, supporting disaster preparedness and emergency response efforts nationwide. Through his clinical leadership, scholarship and commitment to education, Gaynor has transformed veterinary pain management and improved the quality of care for countless animals.

Gary Thrasher, DVM ’71, has dedicated more than five decades to advancing large animal medicine, animal health and the cattle industry through clinical excellence, entrepreneurial leadership and public service. Following graduation from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine and completion of his military service, Thrasher established a solo veterinary practice in southeastern Arizona and built a reputation as a trusted veterinarian, livestock advisor and advocate for ranching communities.

As a practitioner, Thrasher became known for his innovative work in cattle production medicine, including embryo transfer, heifer spaying, backgrounding and the diagnosis of infectious and toxicologic diseases. His expertise in disease surveillance and prevention helped protect livestock health throughout the region. He played an important role in brucellosis, tuberculosis and screwworm eradication programs and helped develop protocols for the safe import and export of cattle across the U.S.-Mexico border. His knowledge of animal health and border issues led to testimony before both the U.S. Congress and the Arizona Legislature, and he continues to serve as a responder for the Arizona Livestock Incident Response Team.

Beyond veterinary medicine, Thrasher demonstrated exceptional leadership within the cattle industry as a ranch manager, feedlot operator, and trusted consultant in Arizona, Nevada, Texas and Sonora, Mexico. He assisted ranching families in navigating land-use agreements and conservation easements, helping preserve family operations for future generations. His contributions have been recognized with numerous honors, including the Arizona Cattle Growers Association’s Lifetime Service and Top Wrangler Awards, induction into the Willcox, Arizona Cowboy Hall of Fame and induction into the Arizona Farm and Ranch Museum Hall of Fame.

A dedicated mentor and lifelong learner, Thrasher has opened his practice to countless pre-veterinary and veterinary students, helping inspire the next generation of large animal veterinarians. Through his leadership, service and commitment to animal agriculture, Thrasher has strengthened the veterinary profession and the communities it serves.
 

Dirk Yelinek, DVM ’84, CVA, CVMST, has dedicated his career to advancing companion animal medicine, integrative veterinary care and professional leadership through decades of clinical practice, service and continuing education. An Ohio State graduate, Yelinek built a distinguished veterinary career in Southern California, combining excellence in patient care with a commitment to lifelong learning and innovation.

After beginning his career in small animal general and emergency practice, Yelinek earned certifications in veterinary acupuncture and chiropractic care, becoming a leader in integrative veterinary medicine. Following 15 years as a locum veterinarian serving more than 100 practices, he founded Redondo Shores Veterinary Center in 2004 and currently serves as chief of staff and medical director.

A dedicated advocate for the profession, Yelinek has held leadership roles at the local, state and national levels, including president of the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture, the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, the Southern California Veterinary Medical Association and the California Veterinary Medical Association. He also represented the holistic veterinary community in the American Veterinary Medical Association House of Delegates and has been a frequent speaker at continuing education programs throughout the country.

Beyond clinical practice and professional leadership, Yelinek has made significant contributions to disaster preparedness and emergency response. As a leader with the National Veterinary Response Team, he has supported responses to disease outbreaks, hurricane recovery efforts and other national emergency operations. Through his leadership, volunteer service and commitment to advancing veterinary medicine, Yelinek has strengthened the profession while improving animal health and community resilience.