MORE THAN 2,000 EXPECTED AT AU’S 99th ANNUAL VETERINARY COLLEGE CONFERENCE

AUBURN - The Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine will host its 99th Annual Conference April 6-9, with more than 2,000 veterinarians, technicians and spouses expected to gather for seminars, entertainment and class reunions.

The conference will be held at the college’s Wire Road campus and at The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center.

“It’s the largest educational conference held each year in Auburn,” said Gary Beard, assistant dean of AU’s veterinary college. “Guests can earn up to 25 credit hours of continuing education and gain valuable insight from a wide variety of experts.”

Henry Childers, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association and a 1954 Auburn veterinary graduate, will welcome attendees to the Friday morning opening session.

Four keynote speakers will kick off the conference. David Senior, head of Louisiana State University’s Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, will talk about animal care in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Edward Dubovi, director of the virology section at Cornell University, will discuss canine influenza. Ray Dillon of Auburn will give details of new diagnostic equipment and services at the college, and Dean Emeritus Tom Vaughan will present the case for traditional law in animal ownership.

“Class reunions are also a big part of the conference, and this year we’ll host reunions for classes from 1956 to 2001,” Beard said. “We’ll have a special golden eagles reunion for graduates of 1956 and prior. It’s a great opportunity to visit with classmates and catch up on family news and veterinary accomplishments.”

A charity golf tournament will be held Thursday morning to raise funds for special projects at the college. On Friday, a Family Fun Night will include a presentation by the Southeastern Raptor Center for attendees.

For more information, contact the College of Veterinary Medicine at (334) 844-3699.
Auburn University is a preeminent land-grant and comprehensive research institution with more than 23,000 students and 6,500 faculty and staff. Ranked among the top 50 public universities nationally, Auburn is Alabama’s largest educational institution, offering more than 230 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree programs.

(Contributed by Charles Martin.)

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