The American Veterinary Epidemiology Society (AVES) honored members of the College of Veterinary Medicine community during the annual meeting of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) in Denver July 16. Among the honorees was Lorin Warnick, D.V.M., Ph.D. ’94, the Austin O. Hooey Dean of Veterinary Medicine, who received an AVES honorary diploma.

AVES aims to advance the field of veterinary epidemiology and public health in the spirit of One Health through educational symposia and the recognition of leaders and students. The honorary diploma is awarded to no more than 10 individuals annually at the AVMA meeting. It recognizes their significant contributions to veterinary epidemiology, public health and One Health. Each AVES award is sponsored by the Harz Mountain Corporation. Alumna Georgette Wilson, D.V.M. ’93 and Dr. Peter Timoney also received an AVES honorary diploma. Timoney served as associate professor and senior virologist at the college for several years in the 1980s.

Additionally, Myron Schultz, D.V.M. ’58 posthumously won the K. F. Meyer/James H. Steele Gold-Headed Cane Award, which recognizes significant career contributions to the field. Schultz was the founder and director of parasitic diseases in the division of epidemiology at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in which role he helped identify the AIDS epidemic in August 1981.

The honorees enjoyed a celebratory dinner the night before receiving their awards at the AVES Awards Breakfast, held in conjunction with the full program of events during the AVMA meeting.

By Melanie Greaver Cordova