(May 10, 2010   Stillwater, OK) – Troy Herthel of Los Olivos, Calif., was one of 75 students who received the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree (DVM) during convocation and hooding exercises at Oklahoma State University (OSU) College of Veterinary Medicine on Saturday, May 8, 2010.

Herthel is the son of Doug and Sue Herthel of Los Olivos.  He graduated from Santa Ynez Valley High School in Santa Ynez, Calif., and earned a B.S. degree in Animal Science from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.  Recently at the veterinary center’s Annual Awards Banquet, Herthel received the highest honor an Oklahoma State veterinary senior can earn—the Dean Clarence H. McElroy Award.

Named after the first dean of OSU’s veterinary college, recipients are chosen by faculty and the fourth year class for their high academic achievements, leadership and outstanding clinical proficiency.  On hand to present the award was the granddaughter of the late Dean McElroy, Ms. Patricia McElroy of Baton Rouge, La.

Herthel also received one of two $100 American College of Veterinary Surgeons Awards, one of three $1,000 Dr. Kip Doran Memorial Scholarships, and the $1,200 Lester and Lucille Johnson Scholarship for his interest in large animal veterinary medicine and surgery.  

“We pride ourselves in graduating competent, confident, practice-ready veterinarians,” says Dr. Michael Lorenz, professor and dean of the college.  “Our graduates are highly sought after with most having multiple job offers upon graduation.  While many chose private veterinary practice, some veterinarians pursue careers in academia, research, public health, or the military.  We believe these young graduates will make OSU proud as they begin their careers in veterinary medicine.”

Following graduation, Herthel will start a year-long internship at Weatherford Equine Medical Center in Weatherford, Texas.  He will be involved in lameness, surgery, medicine and equine reproduction primarily on cutting horse bred quarter horses.  After that, he hopes to be admitted to an equine surgical residency program.  Herthel’s ultimate goal is to become an equine surgeon and work with his father at the Alamo Pintado Equine Medical Center in Los Olivos.

The Oklahoma State University Center for Veterinary Health Sciences is one of 28 veterinary colleges in the United States and is fully accredited by the Council on Education of the American Veterinary Medical Association.  The center’s Boren Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital is open to the public and provides routine and specialized care for small and large animals.  It also offers 24-hour emergency care and is certified by the American Animal Hospital Association.  For more information, visit www.cvhs.okstate.edu or call (405) 744-7000.

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