Phi Zeta, the Honor Society of Veterinary Medicine, Inducts New Members

At a ceremony held at the Caribbean House Great Hall, 15 impressive individuals were honored by the SGU Alpha Delta Chapter of Phi Zeta. Phi Zeta, the Honor Society of Veterinary Medicine, was founded in 1825 by students at the New York State Veterinary College at Cornell University.   It recognizes and promotes scholarship and research in matters pertaining to the welfare and diseases of animals. 

The Alpha Delta Chapter of the Society of Phi Zeta was installed at SGU in 2005.  It was the first international chapter of the Honor Society of Veterinary Medicine and the 28th chapter to be formed.  Dr. John McKibben, President of the Chapter, opened the ceremony at the SGU Campus, welcoming the inductees and other honored guest.  Twelve SGU students were recognized for academic achievement and good character.  They are:

Kelly Carignan
Jennifer Hale
Jenna Heusi
Ryan Jacob
Nichole Organ
Corrine Stewart
Joy Will
Lian Doble
Jessica Ellis
Jessie Peck
Katherine Thorne
Jennifer Webb

Two faculty members of the School of Veterinary Medicine were also inducted as new members of Phi Zeta.  Dr. Saul Mofya and Dr. Ulrike Zieger were recognized for their commitment and achievement in the veterinary profession, specifically in the areas of research and service.  In addition, Dr. Bowen Louison, Grenada’s Chief Veterinary Officer, was inducted as an honorary member, in recognition of his notable service to Grenada’s veterinary profession.Dr. Raymond Sis, Dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine and Dr. Vishnu Rao, Dean of Students praised the achievements of all new members, as they exemplify SGU’s dedication to high scholastic achievement.

Dr. Thomas Schubert, an adjunct professor of Neurology in the School of Veterinary Medicine, delivered the keynote address, reinforcing the increasing demand for skilled veterinarians and the myriad of career choices available to them.  Dr. Schubert closed by asking each student to consider how they can give back to the veterinary profession while pursuing their career.

The Alpha Delta Chapter was honored to host the International President of the Society of Phi Zeta, Dr. Charles Hendrix, also the Vice President of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Dr. Hendrix offered brief remarks and congratulations to all new inductees, closing with a quote from Garrison Keillor, “Be well. Do good works. Stay in touch,” and adding “Stay in touch with Phi Zeta and stay in touch with St. George’s University. They want to hear from you, and they want to hear your successes.”

After the induction ceremony, Dr. McKibben announced the chapter’s newly elected officers, who will take effect next fall.  Dr. Hugh Larkin will serve as President, Dr. Marta Lanza Louw as Vice President, and Dr. Diana Stone will serve another term as Secretary/Treasurer. 

Published 4/17/2007