Distinguished Alumnus Awards
The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine's Distinguished Alumnus Awards recognize graduates whose exceptional professional achievements, leadership, service, and personal accomplishments have brought distinction to their fields, their communities, and LSU Vet Med. The awards honor alumni who have made outstanding contributions to animal and human health, research, education, industry, public service, and the advancement of knowledge and innovation.
To recognize the diverse accomplishments of our graduates, LSU Vet Med presents three Distinguished Alumnus Awards:
Distinguished Alumnus Award (DVM)
Distinguished Alumnus Award (MS)
Distinguished Alumnus Award (PhD)
The DVM Distinguished Alumnus Award recipient is recognized during the Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association (LVMA) Winter Alumni Reception. The MS and PhD Distinguished Alumnus Award recipients are recognized during the LSU Vet Med Annual Research Awards Reception.
These awards celebrate alumni whose achievements exemplify excellence and reflect the lasting impact of LSU Vet Med graduates on the veterinary profession, scientific discovery, and society.
READ ABOUT OUR MOST RECENT DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS AWARD RECIPIENTS
Eligibility
Any graduate from LSU School of Veterinary Medicine who is in possession of a DVM, MS, or Ph.D. degree is eligible for the awards.
Criteria
Candidates will be recognized for their accomplishments and for having made outstanding contributions to animal health, to people, to the profession, and to their alma mater.
Selection
The selection committees will review nominations and rate the recipients based on a rubric/scoring system. The committees reserve the right to not select a recipient each year.
The selection committee for the DVM award will be made up of the dean, the senior associate dean for student success, DVM members of the Alumni Board, and past DVM Distinguished Alumni Award recipients.
The selection committee for the MS and PhD award will be made up of the dean, associate dean for research and graduate education, MS/PhD members of the Alumni Board, and past MS/PhD Distinguished Alumni Award recipients.
Nominations
To nominate someone for the Distinguished Alumnus Awards, please submit the name of the nominee, a letter of why he or she is being nominated, a copy of their resume/CV, and one other letter of support to Brandy McMills, Director of Communications and Alumni Relations.
Nominations for the 2026 awards are due by November 20, 2026, and will remain active for two years.
Past Recipients
| Year | Recipient | Graduation Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | Dr. Robert Lewis | 1977 |
| 1991 | Drs. Larry McCaskill, Mark Mikelonis, and Jim Floyd | 1981, 1988, and 1981, respectively |
| 1992 | Dr. Allen Roussel | 1977 |
| 2003 | Dr. Mike Strain | 1983 |
| 2004 | Dr. Alfred Stevens | 1979 |
| 2005 | Dr. Gregory Rich | 1985 |
| 2006 | Dr. Mary Boudreaux | 1979 |
| 2007 | Dr. Robert "Bob" Simmons | 1977 |
| 2008 | Drs. Mary Louise Martin-Klaucke and Debra Sellon | 1982 and 1983, respectively |
| 2009 | Dr. William James | 1980 |
| 2010 | Drs. Sherril Green and J. Trenton McClure | 1985 and 1989, respectively |
| 2011 | Dr. Rick Alleman | 1980 |
| 2012 | Dr. Tom Tully | 1986 |
| 2013 | Dr. Carol Foil | 1978 |
| 2014 | No award given | |
| 2015 | Dr. Egeenee Daniels | 1986 |
| 2016 | Dr. John Dunn | 1997 |
| 2017 | Dr. Kenneth Arceneaux | 1993 |
| 2018 | Dr. George Robinson | 1981 |
| 2019 | Dr. John Kelley | 1984 |
| 2020 | Dr. Stephen Gaunt | 1977 |
| 2021 | Dr. David Moore | 1980 |
| 2022 | Dr. Michael Graziano (MS) | 1981 |
| 2022 | Dr. Mark Mitchell (Ph.D.) | 2001 |
| 2022 | Dr. V. Hugh "Chip" Price (DVM) | 1980 |
| 2023 | Dr. Jay Addison (DVM) | 1983 |
| 2023 | Dr. Cyril Clarke (Ph.D.) | 1987 |
| 2023 | Dr. Judy Pawlusiow (MS) | 1981 |
| 2024 | Dr. Matt Welborn (DVM) | 1987 |
| 2024 | Dr. David Zeman (Ph.D.) | 1986 |
| 2024 | Dr. Shannon Dehghanpir (MS) | 2013 |
| 2025 | Dr. Phillip Pickett (DVM) | 1980 |
| 2025 | Dr. Alma Roy (Ph.D.) | 2000 |
| 2025 | Dr. Mustajab Mirza (MS) | 1998 |