Jan Knewtson

Jan Knewtson, the incoming president of the Auxiliary to the AVMA, kicked off her term July 15 in Nashville with a speech at the Auxiliary's annual luncheon emphasizing the need for the organization to engage members and help students.

With the selection of "Scaling Heights through New Beginnings, Progress, and Success" as the theme for her tenure as president, Knewtson drew on her experience as a piano teacher to explain the needs of the organization.

Knewtson, the wife of Dr. Richard Knewtson of Iola, Kan., said the Auxiliary must set new goals and adapt to the current needs of veterinary students and professionals.

"We can be content with the beginning goals our Auxiliary started in 1917, or we can progress with education, promotion, and networking that will continue to assist the veterinary profession," Knewtson said.

Knewtson also noted that the organization's declining membership has begun to stabilize and urged past members and newcomers to help build the Auxiliary's ranks.

She acknowledged the contributions of past and current officers and said that National Pet Week 2002-2003 will go forward.