AVMA Award goes to McEniry

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Dr. William J. McEniry has received the 2007 AVMA Award, which recognizes distinguished contributions to the advancement of veterinary medical organizations.

The Association's highest honor was presented to Dr. McEniry on July 14 during the Opening Session of the AVMA Annual Convention in Washington, D.C. Conferring it was Dr. Roger K. Mahr, 2006-2007 president.

Drs. McEniry and Mahr


Dr. McEniry owns a mixed animal practice in Ashton, Ill., and has served as a trustee for the AVMA PLIT since 1999.

"Receiving the AVMA Award is an extremely humbling experience," Dr. McEniry said as he accepted the honor.

From 1993-1999, Dr. McEniry served as treasurer of the AVMA. His achievements in this leadership position included initiating the process that provides for Executive Board members and AVMA division directors to participate in the budget development process.

Dr. McEniry has had a strong interest in organized veterinary medicine for more than 40 years. Active on the local, state, regional, and national levels, he began this involvement with his term as president of the Student AVMA while a veterinary student at Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine. He received his DVM degree in 1960.

Since then, Dr. McEniry has served in the AVMA House of Delegates and on its House Advisory Committee. He represented the Illinois State VMA as alternate delegate in the AVMA HOD from 1982-1987 and as its delegate from 1987-1993. During that time, he served as a member and chair of HAC.

In the Illinois State VMA, Dr. McEniry served as president and spent two terms on the board of directors and as chair of the board. He is also an active member of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners and the Iowa VMA.

In addition, he has served on the board of directors and as president of the Northern Illinois Iowa State Alumni Association, and as a board member and president of the Northern Illinois VMA.

Dr. McEniry's community of Ashton also benefits from his involvement in local and civic affairs. He has served terms on the Rochelle Community Hospital executive board and as a member and president of the Ashton School Board.