Around the college

Look who’s 30! Cliff, a registered Thoroughbred, is  used to teach UF veterinary students the principles of stallion and semen handling. He has been around the college since the early 1990s, said Dr. Margo Macpherson, an associate professor of equine reproduction.  Macpherson said Cliff was a  particularly valuable resource because of his gentle disposition and the fact that he is an intact stallion. “Many people are intimidated by stallions because of their size and behavior when exposed to mares. Cliff is a great stallion and sperm producer, but still an easy horse for students to handle,” Macpherson said.  Cake was served near the Reproduction Barn to celebrate Cliff’s milestone birthday on May 8. From left to right are Drs. Amanda House, Chris Sanchez and Macpherson.

New Dean’s Circle of Excellence members Bill and Patti Alcorn received their diamond pin recently from Dean Hoffsis. The Alcorns love all animals, especially tortoises. Bill also serves on the UF Foundation board of directors.

FVMA executive director Phil Hinkle, far left, stands with Dean Glen Hoffsis, Dr. Larry Dee, Dr. Ernest Godfrey and FVMA’s  president, Dr. Jerry Rayburn on May 25. They surround a sign the association created to welcome the Class of 2013 to the profession. The FVMA members were on hand for the traditional senior breakfast, followed by a meeting of the college’s advisory council.

Special visitors: Army recruiters Staff Sergeant Seldon Forde (left) and Sergeant First Class Hassan Fuller (right) w/ Captain Julia Alvarez (UFCVM ’01.) The group was at the college to discuss the Health Professions Scholarship Program.

Our annual Service Dog Eye and Heart Exam Day, which is held as part of the ACVO/Merial National Service Dog Eye Exam event, was its biggest-ever success this year with the highest number of patients ever receiving screening exams from ophthalmology and cardiology specialists. Shown with some of their patients and grateful owners on May 10 are Dr. Caryn Plummer and ophthalmology technician Holly Kitchen. Thanks to Drs. Plummer and Amara Estrada for teaming up each year to offer the event.