Students, faculty, and staff were recognized at the College of Veterinary Medicine’s third annual Dr. Winfred A. Jordan Awards on May 6 during a celebration of resilience and community.
The event, in its third year, is named after the college’s first Black graduate, who earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1920. It honors those who demonstrate resilience in the face of adversity, many from underserved communities.
“Dr. Jordan accomplished something remarkable. He graduated from our college in the 1920s, more than 40 years before Black Americans were fully guaranteed the right to vote under the Voting Rights Act. His story deserves to be remembered — not only to honor the Cougs who came before us, but to inspire the Cougs who will follow,” said Maurice Cottman, the college’s director of community access, who organized the event with the help of the college’s Community and Access team.
This year the theme of the Jordan Awards was “Meet Your Ancestors,” a nod to Dr. Jordan and the trailblazers at WSU who paved the way for equity in veterinary medicine.
Dozens of biographies lined the walls of Ensminger Pavilion, highlighting figures such as Dr. Leo Bustad, founder of the human-animal bond movement; Captain Clayton Mickelsen (’39 DVM), a veterinarian stationed in the Philippines during World War II who cared for more than 1,600 mules and horses essential to the war effort; and Joseph Bahe (’87 DVM), one of the college’s first Native American graduates.
Cottman said the awardees at the event embody the spirit and grit of Jordan and past pioneers in the field of veterinary medicine.
Veterinary student Bradee Dall Wilson and Dr. Amanda Lamarca earned the Stewardship and Servant Leadership Award, which highlights those whose stewardship and servant leadership have significantly improved the lives of animals and people through engagement or institutional advancement.
Students Charchil Ayodo, Kylie Ebisuya, Nusaiba Elsahati, Caitlin Fitzpatrick, and Mackenzie Meyer were recognized with the Distinguished Student Award, which recognizes distinctive and outstanding students who advance and diversify the field of veterinary medicine.
Dr. Katie Kuehl and Mary Sanchez-Lanier received the Distinguished Faculty Award. The award recognizes outstanding service and dedicated mentorship for all students.
College staff members Marcia Gossard and Cassondra Yarlott were recognized for their Yoga For Every Body class, open to anyone and held every Wednesday in Bustad Hall. Sue Zumwalt, also a staff member in the college, was recognized for her open-door policy and constant assistance to WSU graduate students.
Top seniors recognized for outstanding dedication and service to the college and their communities included Lauren Benjamin, Jenna Douglas, Nusaiba Elsahati, Caitlin Fitzpatrick, Katy Germann, Payton Hallsted, Sophia Janssen-Madden, Khadija Khawaja, Montana Milton, Bek Morgan, Jimena Ruiz, and Jonah Wisen.
