“Dr. Guard has elevated his profession with his dedication to training thousands of veterinary students and dozens of residents and interns in the practical aspects of cattle work,” said Justin Welsh, D.V.M., executive director, livestock technical services for Merck Animal Health. “His genuine affection for advancing students’ knowledge in the standard of care for animals has had a tremendous impact on the lives of students and the animals in their care. He is fondly referred to as a role model and outstanding educator."

Dr. Guard’s family farming upbringing and original training as an engineer provided him with the ability to evolve with changes in the dairy industry. “As dairies consolidated into larger and more efficient production units, under his instruction, students leaned on his exceptional vision of the future,” said Jessica McArt, D.V.M., Ph.D., associate professor, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. “A unique ability to relate to students served him and his students well in advancing animal care.”

Dr. Guard has been a large animal veterinarian for the last 34 years with 28 of those working in the Ambulatory and Production Medicine Clinic at Cornell University. His research efforts revolved around cattle lameness, evaluation of management procedures for routine activities and interventions for common diseases.

“He has had a profound influence on the lives of many veterinary students, clinicians and faculty members,” said Ken Leslie, D.V.M., MSc., professor emeritus at the University of Guelph. “He impressed upon his students the importance of problem solving and using quantitative skills to solve the simplest to the most complex problems.”

Demonstrating his dedication to the profession, he helped create Cornell’s Summer Dairy Institute, an eight-week program for prospective dairy practitioners. He has been an invited speaker in more than 25 countries and has been to almost every veterinary meeting in North America.

“Dr. Guard is recalled by students and colleagues for his ability to guide others toward their aspirations,” said Fred Gingrich II, D.V.M., executive director of AABP. “By taking the time to make sure his students are grounded with practical knowledge, many feel like they belong to his family – a family that spans the globe. He is a most deserving candidate to join the long list of other Mentor of the Year recipients.”

Dr. Guard is an active member of numerous veterinary organizations, including AABP, and is the 13th recipient of the Mentor of the Year Award, which was established in 2007.