BLACKSBURG, Va., March 1, 2005 – The Virginia Veterinary Medical Association (VVMA) recently honored three professors from the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine (VMRCVM) during its annual meeting at the Hotel Roanoke.
Dr. Philip Sponenberg, of Blacksburg, professor, in the Department of Biomedical Science and Pathobiology, received the 2005 Veterinary Service Award. The award was given in recognition of outstanding service to the veterinary profession and the VVMA. Sponenberg has contributed a great deal of time and effort to the students, student organizations and alumni over the years. He has been a faculty member at the VMRCVM since 1981. Sponenberg is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association, and he is the Technical Programs Director of The American Livestock Breeds Conservatory. Sponenberg has research interests in genetics of domesticated animals, coat color genetics, conservation of rare breeds of livestock, diagnostic pathology, and reproductive pathology.
Dr. Nathaniel White, and the Jean Ellen Shehan Professor and Director of the Marion DuPont Scott Equine Medial Center in Leesburg, was awarded the 2005 VVMA Distinguished Virginia Veterinarian Award for his achievements and contributions to the veterinarian profession. White is internationally recognized for his expertise in equine colic and musculoskeletal disorders. He joined the Equine Medical Center as assistant director in 1985. White was appointed the Theodora Ayer Randolph Professor of Equine Surgery in 1987. White became the director of the center in June 2004, and was later named the Jean Ellen DuPont Shehan Professor and Director in November 2004. White serves as director of the ACVS Veterinary Symposium, an international veterinary continuing education event. White has served on the Board of Directors of the American Association of Equine Practitioners. White also holds an additional faculty appointment at the University of Maryland at College Park.
Dr. Peter Eyre, of Blacksburg, professor, Department of Biomedical Science and Pathobiology, was presented a formal commending resolution of appreciation by the VVMA. Eyre served as dean of the VMRCVM from 1985-2003. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association, the Maryland Veterinary Medical Association, the American Academy of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, and was president of the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges from 2003-2004.
