The AASV Foundation is calling all members to “dig deep and reach high” with their bids during the annual fundraising auction at the AASV Annual Meeting in Denver. After all, the sky is the limit in mile-high Denver! The goal for 2012 is to raise up to $99,999 – a playful nod to the auction committee’s directive that Dr Warren Wilson continue as chair of the committee until an auction raises $100,000.

As in the past, a silent auction will be held during the day on Monday, March 12, and the live auction will take place at the end of the Monday evening awards reception.

In an effort to build enthusiasm and encourage participation in the auction, committee chairman Dr Warren Wilson commissioned the creation of a logo to reflect the auction theme. The “Dig deep and reach high” logo was designed by Kirstin Brown, daughter of AASV member R. C. Ebert and graduate of the University of Missouri with a degree in fine art.

Auction list online

Thanks to the generosity and creativity of AASV members and sponsors, there is something for everyone to bid on, from pig collectibles and artwork to sporting events and other adventures. The complete list of auction items is online at aasv.org/foundation/2012/auctionlist.htm. Take a look and make your bidding plans now! Anyone can bid; those who won’t be present at the meeting in Denver may contact the AASV office prior to the meeting to place bids.

Since all of the items have been donated, the full amount of the auction proceeds will benefit AASV Foundation programs that include swine externship grants, the Hogg scholarship, swine research, travel stipends for veterinary students, heritage videos, and more.

The 2012 Auction Committee is chaired by Dr Warren Wilson and includes the following AASV members: Drs Matt Anderson, Butch Baker, John Baker, Joe Connor, Tom Gillespie, Peggy Anne Hawkins, Rod Johnson, Darrell Neuberger, Daryl Olsen, Max Rodibaugh, Larry Rueff, Harold Tilstra, and Tom Wetzell. The foundation is grateful for their enthusiastic support of this major fundraising effort!

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 2012. Proposals are due
February 1, 2012, 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, veterinary students, or both.

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.

Swine veterinarians invited to apply for Hogg Scholarship

The American Association of Swine Veterinarians Foundation is pleased to offer the Hogg Scholarship, established to honor the memory of longtime AASV member and swine industry leader Dr Alex Hogg. Applications for the $10,000 scholarship will be accepted until February 1, 2012, and the scholarship recipient will be announced on Sunday, March 11 during the Foundation Luncheon at the AASV 2012 Annual Meeting in Denver.

The intent of the scholarship is to assist a swine veterinarian in his or her efforts to return to school for graduate education (resulting in a master’s degree or higher) in an academic field of study related to swine health and production.

Dr Alex Hogg’s career serves as the ideal model for successful applicants. After 20 years in mixed-animal practice, Dr Hogg pursued a master’s degree in veterinary pathology. He subsequently became Nebraska swine extension veterinarian and professor at the University of Nebraska. Upon “retirement,” Dr Hogg capped off his career with his work for MVP Laboratories. Always an enthusiastic learner, at age 75 he graduated from the Executive Veterinary Program offered at the University of Illinois.

The scholarship application requirements are outlined below and on the AASV Web site at aasv.org/foundation/hoggscholarship.htm.

Hogg Scholarship application requirements

An applicant for the Hogg Scholarship shall have

1. Five or more years of experience as a swine veterinarian, either in a private practice or in an integrated production setting;

2. Five or more years of continuous membership in the American Association of Swine Veterinarians.

Applicants are required to submit the following for consideration as a Hogg Scholar:

1. Current curriculum vitae;

2. Letter of intent detailing his or her plans for graduate education and future plans for participation and employment within the swine industry;

3. Two letters of reference from AASV members attesting to the applicant’s qualifications to be a Hogg Scholar.

Applications and requests for information may be addressed to AASV Foundation, 830 26th Street, Perry, IA 50220-2328; Tel: 515-465-5255; E-mail: aasv@aasv.org.

Financial support available for swine externships

The AASV Foundation encourages veterinary students with an interest in swine medicine to gain extra-curricular, “hands-on” experience working with swine practitioners in a private practice or production company. The foundation’s Swine Externship Grant Program, now in its eleventh year, provides financial support to veterinary students who participate in a qualifying externship. The grants are available year-round and range from $200 to $500 per student, based upon the actual expenses incurred during the externship.

Veterinary students who plan to complete an externship of at least 2 weeks’ duration in a swine practice or a mixed practice with a considerable swine component may apply for the grant. Both the student and at least one member of the hosting practice must be members of the AASV. Members who are willing to host students are encouraged to provide their contact information to AASV for inclusion on the list of externship opportunities on the AASV Web site at aasv.org/students/only/internships.htm.

In addition to student information, the grant application requests a letter from the hosting practice containing details of the planned externship. After the externship has been completed and the practice has confirmed the student’s participation, the student submits a brief report of his or her experiences along with expense receipts to the AASV Foundation before the funds are disbursed.

The foundation has awarded grants to more than 85 students from the United States and Canada since the program’s inception in 2002.

The grant application is available at aasv.org/students/externgrant.htm and should be submitted prior to the start of the externship. There is a limit of one grant per student. For more information, contact the AASV Foundation: Tel: 515-465-5255; Fax: 515-465-3832; E-mail: aasv@aasv.org.