October 27, 2009

Stauffer, Cornell receive distinguished veterinary alumni honors

Stauffer, of Delphi, Ind., earned his DVM from Purdue University in 1967. In addition to his duties as owner of the Delphi Veterinary Clinic, he has provided veterinary care at the Indiana State Fair for 38 years and has served two terms on the Indiana Veterinary Medical Association (IVMA) Board of Directors. He was the IVMA representative on the Indiana Controlled Substances Committee and the Purdue/Indiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory Advisory Committee.

Stauffer also has served as chairman of the Indiana State Board of Veterinary Examiners and is one of 11 members of the Indiana Board of Animal Health appointed by the governor. He also has received the Purdue Agricultural Alumni Association’s Certificate of Distinction and was named Veterinarian of the Year by the IVMA.

"Dr. Stauffer's commitment to excellence has been recognized by his community, his alma mater, and his profession," said Willie Reed, dean of the veterinary school. "This award was presented in recognition of distinguished service to general veterinary practice, to organized veterinary medicine, to the community of Delphi, and as a devoted supporter of Purdue University."

Karen Cornell, of Athens, Ga., also was honored.

Cornell received her DVM from Purdue University in 1988. She then spent two years in private practice before returning to the School to complete an internship and residency in small animal surgery. After being board certified by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons and then earning her doctoral degree in 1998, Cornell accepted the position of assistant professor of soft tissue surgery at the University of Georgia's College of Veterinary Medicine. Within five years, she was named surgery section chief and was promoted to her present rank of associate professor. She has since earned a national reputation for excellence in veterinary medical instruction.

Reed said, "We especially recognize her for her generous, unselfish, and inspirational teaching of veterinary students, house officers, faculty, and practitioners worldwide. She has played a key role in teaching and improving communication skills in veterinary schools and veterinary practice."

Cornell is the recipient of the David Tyler Award for Advances in Teaching and has twice received the Carl J. Norden Distinguished Teaching Award. She was awarded a prestigious Lilly Fellowship from the University of Georgia in support of her development of advanced teaching technologies. She has been a leader in developing materials for teaching communications skills through the Institute for Healthcare Communication. She was selected to participate, and subsequently take on a training role, in the Institute's Veterinary Training Project.

In additional to her teaching duties, Cornell is a highly-skilled surgeon and collaborator with Project Safe, a support program for victims of domestic violence.

Stauffer and Cornell were recognized at the School's awards banquet during the Annual Fall Conference for Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians. They are the 50th and 51st graduates to be honored as distinguished alumni, and their recognition coincides with the School's celebration of its 50th anniversary.

The Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine Distinguished Alumnus award was established by members of the Class of 1967 in honor and remembrance of their classmate, Dr. David Mullis. The first Distinguished Alumnus Award was given posthumously to Dr. Mullis in 1978. A total of 51 of the School's more than 2,800 DVM graduates have been honored as Distinguished Alumni, including Stauffer and Cornell.

Writer: Kay Hagen, 765-496-3631, kjh@purdue.edu

Source: Willie Reed 765-494-7608

Ag Communications: (765) 494-8415;
Steve Leer, sleer@purdue.edu
Agriculture News Page

Note to Journalists: Publication quality photos of the award winners are available by calling 765-496-3631.

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