Accolades
Government
A federal veterinarian has been recognized for leading a research unit that developed disease control methods and diagnostic tests as well as created partnerships to combat diseases that threatened livestock in and beyond the U.S.
Dr. Donald P. Knowles (IL ’82) was added Dec. 5, 2012, to the Science Hall of Fame of the Agricultural Research Service in the federal Department of Agriculture. He is the veterinary medical officer who leads the ARS Animal Disease Research Unit in Pullman, Wash.
“Under his leadership, disease control methods and diagnostic tests, some of which have been licensed and are used worldwide, have been developed for infectious diseases that affect horses, sheep, cattle, goats and bison,” an ARS announcement states.
“He has created critical partnerships with industry, government and universities in the United States and internationally to address lentiviruses, anaplasmosis, malignant catarrhal fever, equine and bovine babesiosis, and prion diseases that cause mad cow disease and scrapie in sheep.”
Academia
Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine honored two distinguished alumni in fall 2012.
Dr. Ron DeHaven (PUR ’75) is executive vice president of the AVMA and previously served as administrator of the Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. The Distinguished Alumnus Award honors his record of public service through his career with the USDA and his excellence and devotion in service to the veterinary profession as chief executive officer of the AVMA. He also received recognition as a role model for veterinary students considering alternatives to private practice.
Dr. Max Rodibaugh (PUR ’77) is founding partner of Swine Health Services in Frankfort, Ind. The Distinguished Alumnus Award honors his excellence in clinical practice, involvement in organized veterinary medicine, and service to his community. He also received recognition as a role model and mentor for veterinary students. He has served as swine industry representative on the Indiana State Board of Animal Health, an Indiana VMA board member, and president of the American Association of Swine Veterinarians.