Dear friends,
As the New Year opens, we find ourselves continuing to navigate significant challenges. Our practices remain busy, with the often chaotic pace being complicated by staffing shortages. No less busy, our colleagues in academia, industry, and research continue to work toward important advancements that benefit public health.
The Ohio State University 2021-22 academic year has seen a return to campus for our students, along with the return of in-person Buckeye football! During Homecoming weekend, the College of Veterinary Medicine Alumni Society bestowed Recognition Awards on four very deserving veterinary alumni: Harold Hubbard, DVM ’55; Susan Reed, DVM ’90; John Weale, DVM ’87; and David Wilson, DVM ’82. These accomplished alumni have made significant contributions in the areas of public health, research, and academia. Do you know a fellow alumnus of the college who you feel has contributed to the enhancement of the veterinary profession and/or provided support for the college or for their communities? Consider nominating that individual for a Recognition Award! Nominations must be submitted by July 1, 2022.
After a considerable break, the Alumni Society’s annual golf outing returned in 2021! In September, we joined with the Ohio Animal Health Foundation for a combined outing at Bent Tree Golf Club in Sunbury, Ohio. We enjoyed a beautiful autumn day with colleagues while raising money for the Veterinary Alumni Scholarship Fund and collecting more than 119 pounds of food for donation to the Buckeye Food Alliance.
In August, I was delighted to receive an email from Dr. Leyi Wang, who earned his PhD at The Ohio State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 2009. Dr. Wang had just received news that he was the recipient of a Presidential Medallion awarded by the President of the University of Illinois. As Virology Section Head in U of I’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Dr. Wang was honored for his contributions to the COVID-19 response. I was thrilled that Dr. Wang reached out to tell us of his award. His message reminded me that we really are a family.
Serving as President of the Alumni Society I have come to appreciate a deep sense of community. I had the pleasure of hearing from a good number of alumni over the past year, and I hope to hear from more of you soon! Opportunities abound for you to stay connected. Review applicant files or conduct interviews with prospective students. If you happen to live locally, come observe students as they navigate their Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs). Visit vet.osu.edu/alumni/get-involved to learn more. And if you haven’t had the opportunity to do so yet, check out the college’s new Alumni Career Transitions Series where alumni share how they transitioned to a new job or even to an entirely different career path!
As we all hope for a more manageable year, I encourage you to find ways to care for yourselves and for each other. Keep a buckeye in your pocket as a reminder that your alumni family is always close at hand!
How firm thy friendship,
Sarah Hayslip, DVM
President, Veterinary Medicine Alumni Society
sarah@lighthousevet.com
