Sixteen teams of golfers drove, chipped, and putted their way around Veenker Memorial Golf Course to support the AASV Foundation during the golf outing held in Ames, Iowa, on August 23. Setting a new record for participation, the 65 golfers enjoyed sunny weather and strong competition. For the second year in a row, AVMA-PLIT’s team of Mike Albian, Andrew Vernon, Drew Maconachy, and Dustin Furnari took the event’s top honors with a team score of 61, followed by the Merck-hosted team of Dave Bomgaars, Chris Bomgaars, Jeff Blythe, and Dave Iverson, scoring 64.

The annual fundraiser provides support for AASV Foundation programs including veterinary-student scholarships, travel stipends to assist students attending the AASV Annual Meeting, research grants, swine externship grants, distinguished member videos, and more.

During the pork-chop dinner that followed the golfing, event organizer Dr Ron White recognized the sponsors whose support enhanced the outing for the participants: dinner sponsor Pfizer Animal Health, lunch sponsor Clarcor Air Filtration Products, beverage sponsor Harrisvaccines, and golf-hole sponsors Alltech, Elanco Animal Health, Insight Wealth Group, and NPPC. A brief program featured Iowa State University (ISU) College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) Dean Lisa Nolan, who presented an overview of the CVM, including the opening of the remodeled companion-animal wing. She invited the golfers to stop and take a tour, noting that they would not recognize the old large-animal wing. She also commented that ISU is committed to and supportive of the AASV and swine veterinarians. Additionally, Dr Rodger Main presented an overview of the ISU Diagnostic Laboratory, including the addition of new staff members to solidify the lab’s standing as a first-in-class food animal diagnostic laboratory.

To conclude the event, the following team and individual contest winners were announced.

Championship flight

First place team hosted by AVMA-PLIT (score 61): Mike Albian, Andrew Vernon, Drew Maconachy, Dustin Furnari

Second place team hosted by Merck Animal Health (score 64): Dave Bomgaars, Chris Bomgaars, Jeff Blythe, Dave Iverson

Third place team hosted by Newport Laboratories (score 65): Keith Wilson, Terry Metcalf, Steve Dudley, Lance Baumgard, Jim Lovin

First flight

First place team hosted by NPPC (score 68): Pete Houska, Dave Striegel, Kelly Sheets, Mike Macumber

Second place team hosted by Pfizer Animal Health (score 68): Rick Swalla, Pete Thomas, Denny McKilligan, Jordan Graham

Third place team hosted by Pfizer Animal Health (score 68): Duane Jordison, Darrell Neuberger, Deb Roggow, Brian Roggow

Second flight

First place team hosted by Pfizer Animal Health (score 69): Tim Stuart, Steve Schmitz, Michelle Sprague, Steve Sprague

Second place team hosted by MVP Laboratories (score 72): Wes Johnson, Mark Weaver, Grant Weaver, Paul Ruen

Third place team hosted by Merck Animal Health (score 72): Steve Hall, Nathan Schaefer, Chase Stahl, Jon Van Blarcom

Third flight

First place team hosted by Pfizer Animal Health (score 73): Doug King, Nate Peterson, Al Frischmeyer, Kelly Coulson

Second place team hosted by Merck Animal Health (score 77): Jack Creel, Bob Blomme, Josh Ellingson, Tom Hansen

Third place team hosted by NADC Swine Virology Group (score 77): Marcus Kehrli, Kelly Lager, Susan Brockmeier, Sam Humphrey

Individual contests

Closest to the line (hole #1): Sam Humphrey

Longest putt (hole #2): Doug Weiss

Longest drive (hole #4): Chase Stahl

Closest to the pin (hole #8): Kelly Sheets

Longest drive, ladies (hole #9): Susan Brockmeier

Closest to the line (hole #12): Steve Sprague

Longest putt (hole #12): David Baum

Longest drive (hole #14): Dustin Furnari

Closest to the pin (hole #17): Eric Christianson

Longest putt, ladies (hole #18): Deb Roggow

 

Promise of matching funds ignites passion for new goal

Following last year’s record-setting fundraising auction, the AASV Foundation Auction Committee is recharged and rarin’ to go, eager to achieve the goal of raising more than $100,000 at the 2013 auction. The committee’s enthusiasm is fueled by the pledge of matching funds from MVP Laboratories and MJ Biologics. The companies have jointly promised to donate 50 cents for each dollar raised at the auction, to be held Monday, March 4, in San Diego. However, if the auction receipts top $100,000, the donation will jump to an even $100,000 to fund research benefiting swine veterinarians and the swine industry. The 2013 Auction Committee, led by Dr Daryl Olsen, is determined to meet the challenge – and is counting on the help and participation of AASV members to do so!

Donate an item for the auction by December 1

Everyone (yes, you!) can help reach the goal and take pride in supporting the foundation by donating an item for the 2013 auction. To do so, visit the AASVF Web site at aasv.org/foundation and complete the donation form to provide details about your auction item. Submit the form to the AASVF by December 1, 2012. Your contribution will be recognized in the printed auction catalog as well as on the auction Web site and in AASV e-Letter announcements about the auction. Remember, all donations to the AASV Foundation are tax deductible.

Watch for new opportunities to participate

In an effort to reach out to members who aren’t able to attend the annual meeting, the auction committee will be initiating additional FUNd-raising activities designed to engage the entire membership. Watch the AASV e-Letter for announcements, join in the fun, and help the foundation reach the goal!

Volunteer

Dr Olsen is looking for motivated members to join the auction committee: please contact him or the AASV office if you are interested in being a part of the effort to lead the foundation auction to a new level.

Proceeds from the auction enable funding for AASV Foundation programs designed to “ensure the future…create a legacy” for swine veterinarians, including the activities listed below.

Research proposals due February 1

As part of its mission to fund research with direct application to the profession, the American Association of Swine Veterinarians Foundation seeks research proposals for funding in 2013. Proposals are due February 1, 2013, and may request a maximum of $6000 (US$) per project. The selection and announcement of projects for funding will take place in March.

Proposed research must fit into one of the five action areas stated in the AASV Foundation mission (see sidebar).

Proposals must also contain the following:

  1. Identification of the issue.

  2. Background information.

  3. Description of the project.

  4. Timeline.

  5. Budget.

  6. Plan to apply results for maximum return to swine veterinarians and/or veterinary students.

No project timeline is to exceed 12 months. A final report will be due within 60 days of stated project completion. For more information, or to submit a proposal, contact AASV Foundation, 830 26th Street, Perry, IA 50220-2328; Tel: 515-465-5255; Fax: 515-465-3832; E-mail: aasv@aasv.org.