Alumni awards recognize veterinary excellence, Auburn spirit

Calvin Johnson, dean of Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM), sees recognizing some of the college’s outstanding alumni at its Annual Conference as one of his most important roles.

“The J.T. Vaughan Outstanding Equine Service Award, the El Toro Award and the Young Achievers Awards demonstrate the exceptional work our graduates conduct as they represent Auburn so well across the nation in the veterinary profession,” said Johnson. “These alumni have exerted a major impact on animal health and society.”

CVM Dean Calvin Johnson (left) presented the 2024 J.T. Vaughan Outstanding Equine Service Award to Dr. Phoebe Smith (second from right).

Humility, hard work

When Dr. Phoebe Smith ’93, DVM ’97, was a first-year student at CVM, Dean Emeritus J.T. Vaughan gave her confidence. When she was a sophomore, he validated her experience and ideas. And when she graduated, his congratulations and proud smile “blew wind in my sails as I set off into the world.” 

So, it was a full-circle moment to receive the 2024 J.T. Vaughan Outstanding Equine Service Award at the 117th AU CVM Annual Conference in mid-October. The award recognizes a CVM alum who exemplifies the Auburn spirit through leadership, dedication to and passion for profession, humility and hard work that improves individual and community outcomes. 

Smith has exhibited these qualities throughout her career and in her current role as a specialist in equine internal medicine at Rivera Equine Internal Medicine and Consulting in Santa Ynez, California. 

“Dean Vaughan had time for everyone, remembering names and details, listening intently and earnestly offering wise words of encouragement — that was his magic,” Smith said. “But it was his humanity that made the greatest impression on me.

“May we all live a little more like Dr. Vaughan every day, with a willingness to really connect with the people in our lives, especially those who look up to us,” she said. “May we share our knowledge and strengths with others and remain, in his words, ‘humble and obedient servants’ to this profession.’ I am honored and, indeed, humbled, to receive this award.”

CVM Dean Calvin Johnson (left) presented the 2024 El Toro Award for Excellence in Food Animal Medicine to Dr. Jim Harvey’s granddaughter (second from right) and family in Harvey’s absence.

Role model for youth

Dr. Jim Harvey, DVM ’78, was awarded the 2024 El Toro Award for Excellence in Food Animal Medicine. This honor recognizes a veterinarian who, through high ideals, dedication to the production of food animals, contributions for food animal practice and organized veterinary medicine, serves as a role model for veterinary students.

Nominator and CVM Associate Professor Chance Armstrong pointed to Harvey’s 46-year service to the south central Florida beef and dairy industry, home to some of the largest and most influential beef operations in the United States.

“Four of those clients are in the top 15 in cow-calf numbers, and Dr. Harvey’s influence on the beef industry stretches far beyond the state of Florida," Armstrong said. "But it’s his work with 4-H and Future Farmers of America youth that Harvey considers most rewarding.”

The arrival of Hurricane Milton meant Harvey was unable to accept the award in person, but he was able to attend the ceremony virtually and watch his granddaughter and family accept on his behalf.

Young achievers

Young Achiever Awards recognize members of the class celebrating their 10th reunion for professional accomplishments in veterinary medicine, outstanding contributions to their communities and their overall advancement of animal and human health.

Dr. James DeSimone, DVM ´14, who was named one of four Young Achiever Award recipients, also was unable to attend the ceremony because of Hurricane Milton. DeSimone was deployed to Florida as part of a veterinary emergency team to support search and rescue efforts.

“I have dedicated my career to veterinary medicine and public service, striving to make meaningful impacts in both fields,” he said. “I am dedicated to the welfare of animals and passionate about community service, and I appreciate my nomination for this prestigious award.”

CVM Dean Calvin Johnson presented a Young Achievers Award to Dr. Katherine Gerken.

High ideals

Young Achiever Award winner Dr. Katherine Gerken, DVM ´14, was lauded in nominating letters for significant contributions across CVM. 

“As program director for the emergency and critical care residency program, she improved residency schedules to prioritize wellness, education and professional development,” said one nominator. "Her visionary approach and collaborative spirit led to the development of a comprehensive communication curriculum for veterinary students, a course that has become a core part of the program. Furthermore, Dr. Gerken played a pivotal role in modernizing hospital treatment sheets, resulting in reduced medical errors, improved patient care and increased efficiency.”

CVM Dean Calvin Johnson presented a Young Achievers Award to Dr. William Wade King.

Exceptional service

Dr. William Wade King, DVM ´14, wanted to follow in his veterinarian parents’ footsteps, from watching his father perform surgeries to going on farm calls to seeing patients. And follow them he did when he joined, then purchased, the family animal clinic in Kentucky. Nominating letters highlight ways he has excelled beyond the norm for veterinarians at his career stage.

“Dr. King has excelled not only as an exceptional practitioner but has taken roles within the profession to improve the quality of veterinary medicine in the state,” said one nominator.

King has served in multiple positions of leadership for the Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association, where he currently serves as president, and the Central Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association. He also provides veterinary services free of charge to Bluegrass Care Navigators service animals.

CVM Dean Calvin Johnson presented a Young Achievers Award to Dr. Megan McClosky.

Leadership and compassion

Dr. Megan McClosky, DVM ´14, is said to be “on the fast track to becoming a world leader in veterinary internal medicine.”

McClosky, a clinical internist at the University of Pennsylvania, has established a hemodialysis unit at the university and is committed to an adult education program to become a better educator for those in the professional and post-professional settings.

“Dr. McClosky is committed to giving back to our own alumni and to our colleagues as a regional, national and international speaker,” her nominator wrote. “She addresses practical applications of some of the more nuanced internal medicine topics and shares the latest in today’s understanding of veterinary diseases in a gentle and compassionate way.”