Veterinary Medical Alumni Association at Iowa State University

10/14/2026

VMAA 2026 Outstanding Service Award
Marion Anders, DVM ’60, PhD The VMAA Outstanding Service Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service in support of the alumni of the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine through dedication to the profession, support of the college and its leadership, service to the VMAA, and engagement with faculty and practitioners.

The 2026 VMAA Outstanding Service Award is presented to Marion Anders, DVM ’60, PhD, in recognition of his extraordinary and sustained commitment to his classmates, alumni engagement, and scholarship support. For decades, Dr. Anders has served as the driving force behind the Iowa State CVM Class of 1960's alumni communications. Alongside his wife, he has acted as a central communication hub for classmates and their spouses, ensuring that connections remain strong across generations.

In 2025, the Class of 1960 celebrated the publication of the 65th edition of its annual class newsletter, an extraordinary milestone. Reflecting on this accomplishment, Dr. Anders noted, “Classmates and spouses have done a fantastic job of keeping the news flowing. We have published an annual newsletter every year since graduation.”

Dr. Anders has also been a tireless advocate for the Class of 1960 Scholarship Fund, helping promote its growth and impact. With a reported 2024 balance of $79,419.21, the fund continues to support future veterinarians, including scholarship recipient Madeline Sommers, Class of 2027.His nomination reflects a lifetime of dedication to Iowa State CVM alumni through:
• Publishing and coordinating the annual Class of 1960 newsletter for more than six decades.
• Serving as a trusted communication hub for classmates and spouses.
• Promoting awareness and support of the Class of 1960 Scholarship Fund.
• Encouraging alumni engagement and assisting with outreach through VMAA communication channels, including social media.
Through his unwavering commitment to fostering connections, celebrating classmates, and supporting future generations of veterinarians, Dr. Marion Anders exemplifies the spirit of service and alumni leadership that defines the VMAA Outstanding Service Award.

"The Class of 1960 was a great class. We have remained in touch annually since we graduated in 1960. Laura is in my photo as both the Newsletter and scholarship fund were the product of a partnership between us. Over the years, Laurie played a major role in assembling and editing the Newsletter and in advancing the founding of the scholarship fund. (The promotion of the scholarship fund was the result of the efforts of several classmates.) partnership between us. Over the years, Laurie played a major role in assembling and editing the Newsletter and in advancing the founding of the scholarship fund. (The promotion of the scholarship fund was the result of the efforts of several classmates.) " Dr. Anders

10/14/2026

VMAA Clinic Spotlight
Veterinary Village • Lomira, Wisconsin
Celebrating the VMAA Connection The VMAA is proud to spotlight the Veterinary Village in Lomira, Wisconsin, for sponsoring three years of VMAA dues for Dr. Marty Greer ’81 and Dr. Daniel Griffith ’81. Thank you to Veterinary Village for supporting our alumni and the continued connection between Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine students, graduates and the veterinary profession! A Legacy of Veterinary Excellence In 1982, Veterinary Village was founded by Dr. Marty Greer ’81 and Dr. Dan Griffith ’81 as Brownsville Small Animal Clinic in Brownsville, Wisconsin. The practice moved to Main Street in 1988 and, in 2008, relocated to its current state-of-the-art facility on Highway 41 just outside of Brownsville. Today, Veterinary Village remains family-owned and operated, with Dr. Curtis Zella, Dr. Michelle Ahmann, and Dr. Dave Hutsebaut joining Drs. Greer and Griffith as owners. Over the years, the practice has developed a reputation for providing high-quality veterinary care, along with specialized canine breeding and reproductive services.
Specialty Spotlight A unique specialty within Veterinary Village's reproductive expertise is the International Canine Semen Bank – WI/IL/IN. Their doctors and staff are dedicated to advancing reproductive care while enhancing the quality of life for both animals and the people who love them. Thank You, Veterinary Village! We appreciate Veterinary Village for investing in the VMAA, our alumni, and the future of veterinary medicine. Learn more about Veterinary Village and its services:
Meet the founders: Veterinary Village — a legacy of veterinary excellence, innovation, and dedication to animals and their families.
Dr. Marty Greer'81 Fun Fact- In 2019, I became a certified Fear Free professional. Understanding the importance of reducing stress and anxiety in pets during veterinary visits, we incorporate Fear Free techniques such as offering treats like peanut butter and chicken baby food to make exams and testing less stressful for pets, their owners, and our staff.
Dr. Dan Griffiths'81 What has been your most rewarding moment as a veterinarian? I have several rewarding moments in my career being able to deliver newborns is especially gratifying when having to manipulate a calf or rubbing a puppy at C-section. The satisfaction of treating a cow with Milk Fever that is almost comatose and after 10 minutes of treatment with Calcium IV and getting up to walk away still amazes me.

10/13/2026

VMAA Outstanding Service Award Nominees wanted for 2027.

Nominations for the Outstanding Service award can come from any VMAA or SAC member. The criteria to be considered for selection for the Outstanding Service Award are as follows: The Outstanding Service Award is given each year to an individual who has provided exceptional service while supporting the best interests of the alumni of the ISU College of Veterinary Medicine and the members of the Veterinary Medical Alumni Association at Iowa State. Previous recipients generally fall into one of the four following categories: general service to Iowa veterinarians, CVM Deans, service to the VMAA, and faculty support to practitioners.

Did I get your attention with the broomsticks? Now fly in with those nominees please.

10/13/2026

Emma Vazquez
CVM Candidate, Class of 2028

At the beginning of October, I had the opportunity to volunteer with the Arrival Exam Team at the Retired Racehorse Project’s 2026 Thoroughbred Makeover in Lexington, KY. After Dr. Shannon Reed, DACVS-LA, competed with her own OTTBs at the event, she helped implement the arrival exams to further promote the health and wellness of this breed.

I joined a group of 30 veterinary students from across the country in examining over 300 horses over 2 days. For the exams, we were split into small groups led by practicing veterinarians. Each exam consisted of taking vital signs, assessing body condition, and a soundness check at the walk.

Outside of the Makeover, we visited Keeneland, where we were given a tour by Dr. Stuart Brown, who is Keeneland's Vice President of Equine Safety. During this tour, we had the opportunity to see the most recent Kentucky Derby winner, Golden Tempo! We then visited Park Equine Hospital and Altano, where we toured the hospital and participated in a case study with their associates.

10/12/2026

Much of my time at Lander Veterinary Clinic consisted of dairy herd health checks, working on improving my re**al palpation skills, confirming cows and heifers as pregnant or open. I also was exposed to the caudal fold tuberculin (CFT) test, which aids in detecting bovine tuberculosis (Mycobacterium bovis). I learned about ultrasound lung scoring in dairy calves and its utilization as a tool to evaluate lung lesions and pneumonia overtime as they are raised. I was able to draw blood for serum total solids to check for failure of passive transfer (FPT) on a few calves, sat in on a dairy farm's overall management meeting, assisted with a uterine prolapse, helped with breeding soundness exams on Angus breeding bulls, and contributed to a sick cow experiencing diarrhea, dehydration, anorexia, and ketosis. During my time in California outside of the clinic, I hiked at Yosemite National Park, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia National Parks. I also really enjoyed trying the local cuisine, from the grilled cheese sandwiches at Hilmar Dairy, along with their ice cream and cheese, to the many tacos and burritos consumed at food trucks.
Molly Niewoehner
Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine
Class of 2027 DVM Candidate

VMAA $75 Travel Reimbursement Award

10/12/2026

Thank you so much for this gift card! I absolutely love coffee so I will definitely be putting this to good use to fuel my studying and get me through exams! I am currently a VM3 student at ISU interested in specializing in small animal neurology. After graduation, I hope to get a rotating internship and then apply for residency afterwards! My goal is to also open my own practice one day. I am apart of SAVMA, Surgery Club, and am the Neurology Liaison and Wet lab coordinator for the Internal Medicine club at ISU. When I am not studying, I love trying out new coffee shops, exploring Iowa, working out, and spending time with my friends!
I am so grateful for your constant support of students and for thinking of us while we get through our busy year.

Sincerely,
Amanda DeLaura
Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine
DVM Candidate | Class of 2028

10/12/2026

Hello, My name is Andrew Christensen and this past month I had the opportunity to go to BluePearl in Arden Hills Minnesota for shadowing opportunities with the surgery and dental teams! I was able to be present in a variety of procedures including oral mass removal/ biopsies, dental extractions, a lung lobectomy, and others!

I'm very grateful for the Student Alumni Connection (SAC) for encouraging us students to get experience and learn in the field and VMAA offering the $75 travel reimbursement award!

Thank you,

Andrew Christensen

Iowa State University

DVM Candidate

Class of 2027

10/08/2026

VMAA Outstanding Mentor Award
Call for Nominations

The VMAA Outstanding Mentor Award recognizes a veterinarian or faculty member who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to guiding, inspiring, and supporting others in their professional, academic, or personal growth.

This award celebrates mentors who go above and beyond to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others—creating opportunities, offering encouragement, advocating for their mentees, and fostering a positive and inclusive environment where individuals can learn, grow, and succeed.

We are seeking nominations for individuals who exemplify:
Commitment to Mentorship – Provides ongoing guidance, encouragement, and support.
Positive Influence – Inspires and encourages personal and professional growth.
Advocacy & Support – Champions the success, development, and overall well-being of mentees.
Learning & Collaboration – Helps foster a culture of learning, inclusion, teamwork, and collaboration.
Lasting Impact – Has made a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives and careers of students, colleagues, or other members of the veterinary community.

Do you know a veterinarian or faculty member who has made a difference in your life or the lives of others?

Take a moment to recognize their dedication and nominate them for the VMAA Outstanding Mentor Award.

Your nomination is an opportunity to celebrate someone who has invested their time, knowledge, compassion, and encouragement in helping others become their best—both personally and professionally.

Help us recognize and celebrate the outstanding mentors who make our veterinary community stronger.

Submit a nomination today!
[email protected]

10/06/2026