Veterinary Report Vol. 25 No. 3: Alumni

Alumni Listings
What’s new?
Keep your College and fellow alumni informed of pertinent events in your life by sending your news to Vet Report, U of I College of Veterinary Medicine, 2938 VMBSB, 2001 South Lincoln Avenue, Urbana, IL 61802; fax:217/244-2988; email: editor@cvm.uiuc.edu.

ALUMNI LISTINGS
Dr. LeRoy Biehl ('58), former coordinator of the Continuing Education-Public Service unit at the College, recently sent email greetings from China, where he is making his sixth visit as part of an animal health delegation from the University. He had seen the Terra Cotta soldiers and reported eating a lot of good food:
"For lunch and dinner—goose feet (I like them better fried than pickled, especially if there is a bursitis present), shrimp heads (I don't know who gets the tail), tendon, eel, frog, jellyfish, and I haven't the slightest idea. Last night, the best donkey I ever ate. Donkey is sweet; [Head of the Department of Animal Sciences Dr. Robert] Easter said there must be a lot of glycogen in the muscle."

Dr. Sheldon Rubin ('68) was chosen by the University of Illinois Alumni Association as one of five 2001 Illini Comeback Award Guests in recognition of his accomplishments. Dr. Rubin will participate in the social activities of Homecoming week and will be honored during half-time of the October 20 football game. He will also interact with veterinary students and students across campus that week. Dr. Rubin is the third College of Veterinary Medicine graduate to receive this honor. The late Dr. Richard Fink ('52) and Dr. David McConnell ('56) were also Comeback Guests.

Dr. Walter Bruno ('69) operates a water ski camp during the summer months and writes "It's a great vacation for veterinarians and their families." Interested parties can check out his Web site: h2ovetski.com.

Dr. Joseph Bielitzki ('76) recently became a biological science program manager in the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the central research and development organization for the Department of Defense. His research program is seeking a technological basis for controlling metabolic demands in cells, tissues, and organisms. Its application could result in greater salvage of human life and limb through the availability of cell-based therapy for hemorrhage, shock, and critical wounds. "We're trying to advance science by 15 or 20 years in the next 4 years by getting adequate resources to the best scientists we can find," says Dr. Bielitzki.

Rosemary LoGiudice ('81) started a new position as assistant director of membership and field services with the American Veterinary Medical Association in June. She will work in the areas of career development and professional issues, provide staff support for AVMA committees on veterinary services and mentorship, and serve as liaison to the Student AVMA. Dr. LoGiudice sold Country Care Animal Hospital, the equine and small animal practice she started in 1997 after 16 years as an equine and large animal veterinarian in Joliet, to her associate, Dr. Laura Smajo ('95).

Dr. Stephen Hooser ('82, PhD '89) was promoted to associate professor of veterinary pathobiology at Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine. He is also chief of toxicology services and assistant director of the Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory there.

Dr. Robert Hott ('84) has been named director of student outreach for the Christian Veterinary Mission. He will travel to veterinary schools to support CVM Fellowships and encourage Christian veterinary students.

Dr. Robin Downing ('86), owner and director of Windsor Veterinary Clinic, PC, has been named to the board of trustees of Morris Animal Foundation. Dr. Downing specializes in veterinary practice management, the human-animal bond, and pets with cancer. She has been a Morris Animal Foundation ambassador since 1996.

Dr. Jon Patterson (PhD IL '87), associate professor of veterinary pathology at Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine, in April received the Norden Distinguished Teacher Award in recognition of outstanding teaching ability and high moral character. He was also one of four individuals to be recognized by the MSU Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association with an Excellence in Teaching Award.

Dr. Lydia Miller ('94) has been appointed executive director of the Hooved Animal Humane Society based in Woodstock, Ill., after a national search to fill the position. Dr. Miller most recently worked as director of owner education for the Association American of Equine Practitioners and was earlier instrumental in starting the Small Animal Executive Veterinary Program at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. Annie Hernandez ('98), who practices at Santa Monica Pet Medical Center in Southern California, is one of three veterinarians currently featured in 15-second commercials for new Science Diet formulas. She says, "A client of mine found out about an open casting call for real veterinarians to audition for the spot, and she encouraged me to try out for it. I was quite surprised when I found out I was selected and just a little nervous! So far, I've made it onto all the major networks and several cable channels (even the Weather Channel!)."

Dr. Amy Morgan ('89) opened Oak Grove (Minn.) Animal Hospital in April 2001. She has been in small animal practice in the Minneapolis area since graduation and now is a practice owner.

Dr. Yong-hoon Lyon Lee, who completed a residency in anesthesiology at the College last year, is now an assistant professor in the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences at Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine in Blacksburg.

Correction: Dr. Donald Ernat ('85), who was mentioned in the spring issue of Veterinary Report for the birth of his third child, is currently an associate at Arlington Park Veterinary Hospital in Rolling Meadows, Ill.