The Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech has recognized two alumni with its Lifetime Achievement Award and Outstanding Recent Alumni Award.

Steven T. Shipley, of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, was honored with the 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award. Established in 2014, the award recognizes alumni for their exemplary and sustained achievements in veterinary medicine and their positive impact.

Shipley, who graduated from the veterinary college in 1997, has had a long and distinguished career in laboratory animal medicine. He is currently the director of the Laboratory Animal Medicine Residency Training Program, the associate director of veterinary services within the Division of Laboratory Animal Medicine, and an associate professor in pathology and lab medicine at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Throughout his career, Shipley has been active in publishing, presenting, and teaching and is credited with having a significant and positive impact on the advancement of laboratory animal medicine. Shipley has also given back to his alma mater by mentoring veterinary students through the Mentor Program, which is a partnership between the college and the Virginia, Maryland, and West Virginia veterinary medical associations. He has also participated in the college’s admissions interview process since 2010.

Michael Nolan
Michael Nolan (courtesy of N.C. State University)

Michael W. Nolan of Raleigh, North Carolina, was honored with the 2017 Outstanding Recent Alumni Award. The award recognizes alumni who have distinguished themselves professionally and through service to the university since graduating.

Nolan, who graduated from the veterinary college in 2009, is currently an assistant professor of radiation oncology and biology at N.C. State College of Veterinary Medicine. He is one of only 78 diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Radiology’s radiation oncology specialty.

After earning his doctor of veterinary medicine degree from the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Nolan earned a Ph.D. in radiation and cancer biology from Colorado State University. He then completed an internship at NYC Veterinary Specialists and a residency in radiation oncology at Colorado State University.

Recipients of both alumni awards are expected to embody the goals outlined in the Veterinarian’s Oath — use their knowledge and skills to benefit society; protect animal health and welfare; prevent and relieve animal suffering; conserve animal resources, promote public health, and advance medical knowledge; have high veterinary medical ethics; and exemplify the Virginia Tech motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve) through deeds and actions that have enhanced their local communities, the commonwealth, and beyond.

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