Six Cougs recognized at Distinguished Alumni Awards

Six Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine alumni were recognized for their contributions to the veterinary field April 21 at the college’s Distinguished Alumni Awards ceremony.
Two of those alumni — veterinarians Dr. Bryan Slinker (‘80 DVM) and Dr. Marty James Becker (‘80 DVM) — were awarded one of the university’s highest honors, the Alumni Association’s Alumni Achievement Award. The award, given to fewer than 600 alumni, honors Cougs who have given outstanding service.
Slinker is a former dean and provost of the College of Veterinary Medicine. Becker is the author, co-author, or editor of 23 books, including three New York Times best-sellers. His latest book is on his program Free Free, which looks to recognize and rid anxiety, fears, and phobias in dogs.
Veterinarians Dr. Robert Corbett (‘74 BS, ‘78 DVM), Dr. Barbara R. Gores (‘89 DVM), and Dr. Jon Pennell (‘81 DVM) were each given the Excellence in Practice Award. The award recognizes the college’s most outstanding alumni for outstanding contributions to clinical, diagnostic, military, public health, regulatory, or other practice service. Dr. Rachel Pollard (‘96 DVM), who recently retired as a professor from the University of California, Davis, was recognized for her outstanding contributions to excellence in teaching. She was presented an Excellence in Teaching and Research Award.