Increasing education, training to be Auxiliary theme
"Supporting the profession through education and training" is the theme for Kimberly Topper, new president of the Auxiliary to the AVMA.
On July 24 Topper told the Auxiliary House of Delegates she has three goals. First, she plans to take care of current members. "You are the backbone of our great organization. We need to provide support and service to our current members so that we can keep our membership base stable," she said.
Her second goal is to develop a written long-range strategic plan to serve as a guide for the Auxiliary into the new millennium. "We must plan on how we are going to take care of our future members and what direction we are headed."
Her third initiative is grassroots. "I want to get back to the Auxiliary's basic objectives: to support the AVMA in promoting veterinary medicine by education of the general public and strengthening communications among those associated with the veterinary profession."
Topper feels that returning to these objectives will allow the Auxiliary to focus its energy on why the Auxiliary was formed.
The 2000-2001 officers were installed. They are Kimberly Topper, Gaithersburg, Md, president; Cheryl Knape, Alvin, Tex, president-elect; Pat Willard, Chicago Heights, Ill, vice president of membership; JoAnn Ostwald, Fort Morgan, Colo, vice president of public relations; Gregory Mooney, Mount Gilead, Ohio, vice president of publications; Judy Gilpin, Martinsburg, WVa, vice president of student auxiliaries; Diana Turner, Owensboro, Ky, secretary; Jan Knewtson, Iola, Kan, treasurer; Pat Anderson, Columbus, Neb, immediate past president; and Charles Finkelstein, Spartanburg, SC, parliamentarian.
After their HOD meeting, new officers mingled with convention attendees at the Auxiliary luncheon, co-sponsored by Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc. Attendees were entertained by a harp and dulcimer as they dined. After lunch, a dance troupe performed a musical review. Helen Esplin, Salt Lake City, was the chairwoman of the luncheon.
Maxine Caley, Manhattan, Kan, received the Distinguished Service Award. Caley was executive secretary of the Auxiliary for many years. As wife of a practitioner, much of Caley's life has revolved around veterinary medicine. Alicia McEniry, Ashton, Ill, received the Auxiliary President's Award. McEniry has been highly active in the Auxiliary, serving in various capacities, including president of the Illinois chapter.