The St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM) recognized the outstanding achievement of its students, faculty, and staff at this year’s Spring 2026 SVM Awards Ceremony. The event highlighted the dedication and hard work of members of the SVM community, celebrating those who have distinguished themselves through academic success, professional growth, research, mentorship, and contributions to student life.
View SVM Awards Ceremony Facebook Album
During the Spring 2026 celebration held on April 24 at Bourne Lecture Hall, over 60 awards were presented, highlighting those who exemplify the values that are at the heart of the School of Veterinary Medicine. This year also introduced the Dean Emeritus Neil C. Olson Award for Academic Excellence and Professionalism in honor of retired SVM dean Dr. Neil Olson. The School is now headed by interim dean Dr. Satesh Bidaisee.
“Excellence is not defined by a single award or achievement, but by the choices we make every day to learn, grow, and serve others,” said Dr. Bidaisee. “Today we celebrate the individuals whose dedication has elevated our School and strengthened our profession.”
The SVM awards ceremony also honored 36 new inductees into the Alpha Delta Chapter of the Phi Zeta Honor Society. The chapter welcomed 17 students from Term 5 and 19 from Term 6 during its induction ceremony, which was held at the University Club on April 10. Phi Zeta is the national veterinary honor society that celebrates students for outstanding academic achievement. The chapter is led by president Dr. Kerri Nigito, assistant dean of student affairs for SVM, and treasurer secretary Keshia John, head technician in the Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery.
View Phi Zeta Induction Ceremony Facebook Album
Alpha Delta Chapter of the Society of Phi Zeta
Dr. Tara Paterson, associate dean of Year Four Clinical Training at SGU and chair of the SVM Awards Committee, underscored the value of honoring excellence.
“Today’s celebration is a powerful reminder that excellence flourishes where passion meets purpose,” said Dr. Paterson. “Our students’ achievements inspire confidence in the future of veterinary medicine and exemplify the values that define SVM.”
This semester’s awards are as follows:
Outstanding Colleague Awards
Term 1: Ethan Davis and Connor Gross
Term 2: Allan Soto-Gonzalez
Term 3: Ashton Albright and Paxton Horvath
Term 4: Stephanie Fasciano
Term 5: Gina Galm
Term 6: Olivia Emmett
Dean Emeritus Neil C. Olson Award for Academic Excellence and Professionalism
Rachel LaRue
Adrienne Lotton Memorial Award
Ashley Humphreys
Zoetis Revolution Awards of Excellence
Small Animal Internal Medicine: Kaleigh Howard
Small Animal Surgery: Catherine Diaz Quintero and Clive Ferguson
Equine Medicine and Surgery: Rylee Dahlman
Food Animal Medicine and Surgery: Harlie Hickey and James Perregrin
Scholarship of Service: Josephine Rodriguez
Surgery Team: Cindy Lee, Nina Whittaker, Olivia Maggio and Jackson Burkey
Excellence in Student Research: Rachel LaRue
Dr. Jim Nave Award for Excellence in Clinical Practice
Caitlyn Chernicki
Giant Paws Giant Hearts Foundation “Hercules” Award
Olivia Maggio
PAWS Recognition Sixth Term Facilitators
Beatrice Caouette, Gina Galm, Isabel Goza, Luke Griffin, Alexander Hill, Ashley Humphreys, Jada-Ashley John, Nicole Kuehne, Nicole Land, Shea Pik, Dylan Schwartz, Benjamin Self, Tatyana Thompson, and Meghan Wood
Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association (SAVMA) Executive Board Extraordinary Service Award
Bethany Willyard
Veterinary Public Health Committee
One Health One Medicine Community Leader Award: Josephine Rodriguez
One Health One Medicine Community Faculty Excellence Award: Dr. Allana Singh, instructor, Small Animal Medicine and Surgery
SGUSVM Large Animal Society
Most Valuable Member: Rylee Dahlman
Watchful Shepherd Award: Dr. Heidi Janicke, professor, Large Animal Medicine and Surgery
Student Chapter of the Society for Theriogenology
Tango Award: Bree Moderow
Two To Tango Award: Dr. Ashiq Bhat, assistant professor, Small Animal Clinic
Wellness Aide and Guidance (WAG)
The Praiseworthy Pothound Award: Jack Murphy
Angels in Armor Animal Rescue Fund (AAARF)
AAARF’s Angel Award: Rayceiry Sanz
AAARF Armor Award: Dr. Demy van der Togt, instructor, Small Animal Clinic
Veterinary Anesthesia Club (VAC)
The Aspiring Anesthetist: Autumn Audet
Numb-er One Nerve Blocker: Dr. Heidi Janicke, professor, Large Animal Medicine and Surgery
Veterinary Dermatology Society (VDS)
Mange Squeeze Award: Karlie Siefman and Alicia Neal
Itching to Help Award: Errol Pysadee
Pride and Equality (P&E)
Rainbow Award: Natasha Barreda
Student Chapter of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (SCACVIM)
Most Dedicated Member: Barbara Rodriguez
Student Chapter of the Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care Society (SVECCS)
Most Involved Member: Yaziri Cruz
Distinguished Member Participation Award: Dr. Britain Tully, assistant professor, Small Animal Clinic
Student Chapter of the Association of Shelter Veterinarians (SCASV)
Shelter Scholar Award: Cailin Edie and Kylie Budd
Spay Neuter Pothound (SNP)
Outstanding Foster Award: Lydia McIntyre
SNP’s Hero Award: Liz Peach
Student Chapter of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists (SCACVP)
Excellence in Pathology Education Award: Dr. Dawn Seddon, professor emeritus, Pathobiology
Exotics and Wildlife Society (EWS)
Wildlife Warrior Award: Dr. Sonia Cheetham-Brow, professor, Pathobiology
World Aquatic Veterinary Medicine Association (WAVMA)
Leader of the Pod Award: Tatyana Thompson
Veterinary Business Management Association (VBMA)
VBMA Officer Recognition Award: Joshua Piwowarczyk
Animal Welfare and Behavior Committee (AWB)
Welfare Warrior Award: Karina Salazar
RDIC Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging Club
RDIC’s Raddest Vet: Rachel LaRue
Green Consortium
The Tree-mendous Impact Award: Sonia Singh and Joelle Cassidy
SVM Surgery Club
Sharpest Scalpel Award: Hannah Sollohub
The Anatomy Analyzer: Dr. Heidi Janicke, professor, Large Animal Medicine and Surgery
SGU Student Chapter of National Association of Black Veterinary (SNABV)
Community and Culture Impact Award: Atim Kilama
SNABV Excellence and Advocacy Award: Kimon Sandy Mason Moon
Association of Asian Veterinary Medical Professionals Student Chapter (AAVMP)
Spring Roll Model Award: Mason Moon
Ride or Ally Award: Dr. Noor-Ul Huda, assistant professor, Pathobiology
Parasitology Club
Worm of Wisdom: Juliet Horky
Student Government Association (SGA)
George B. Daniel Award: Ashley Humphreys
SGU SVM Outstanding Faculty Term 1-3: Dr. Mahesh Shriram Deokar, associate professor, Anatomy
SGU SVM Outstanding Faculty Term 4-6: Dr. Firdous Ahmad Khan, professor, Large Animal Medicine and Surgery
SGA SGU Awards of Excellence Term 1-3: Dr. Hugo Hernandez Fonseca, professor, Physiology
SGA SGU Awards of Excellence Term 4-6: Dr. Heidi Janicke, professor, Large Animal Medicine and Surgery
Department of Educational Services (DES) Recognition Awards
Cheyenne Blaine, Margaret Branaugh, Kylie Budd, Rebeca Castro, Elaine Dawson, Erika Propst, Elizabeth Shepherd, Keeyu Sugata, and Austin Thomas
SGU SVM Outstanding Staff Awards
Zoetis Award for Veterinary Research Excellence: Dr Mauricio Seguel, associate professor, Pathobiology
Zoetis Distinguished Veterinary Teacher Award: Dr. Dave Marancik, professor, Aquatic Animal Medicine
Alpha Delta Chapter of the Society of Phi Zeta
Spring 2026 Inductees
Term 5: Kaitlyn Anderson, Shannon Campbell, Chrysanthi Giotsalitis, James Hammett, Dara Johnson, Benjamin Kessler, Cindy Lee, Fiona Marlowe, Brett Moffit, Gianna Prisco, Alyssa Queen, Mariah Russo, Noah Schor, Rebecca Scott, Caroline Tryfiates, Sydney Vreeland, Julianna Yacca
Term 6: Pola Blaszczyk, Cailey Bosman, Madison Bull, Sydnie Charleston, Maria Jose de la Luz Mendoza, Clive Ferguson, Millie Harvey, Harlie Hickey, Ashley Humphreys, Sara Kukuk, Jade Lopez, Brandon Maher, Alyssa Phen, Devon Rostick, Cayla Rubin, Amber Sanders, Karli Siefman, Dylan Schwartz, Madeline Weirick
