AMES, Iowa -- Lorraine J. Hoffman, interim director of Iowa State University's Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, was honored with the William P. Switzer Award in Veterinary Medicine during the College of Veterinary Medicine's 2006 Research Day, Aug. 11.
Established in 1998, the Switzer Award recognizes exemplary individuals who, through their achievements, have made significant contributions to society or to the enhancement of the veterinary medicine college.
"Dr. Hoffman epitomizes what we mean when we refer to a person's performance as excellent," said Dr. Nolan Hartwig, extension veterinarian. In his nomination of Hoffman he wrote, "She is an excellent microbiologist, teacher, advisor, mentor, diagnostician, researcher and university citizen."
Hoffman was honored for contributions to the college that span nearly 40 years. She is well known as a prolific researcher in microbiology.
"In addition, she has served as an outstanding role model for veterinary students, graduate students, and junior faculty," Hartwig said. "In a time when the veterinary student population has shifted from predominately male to predominately female, Hoffman has served as an important advisor for women in the veterinary profession."
Hoffman has been a lead advocate for improvements in client service in the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. Her efforts led to improved efficiencies and enhanced service, providing an example of the college's mission to better serve Iowa livestock producers and pet owners.
"I am honored beyond the spoken word to be named the 2006 recipient of the William P. Switzer Award," Hoffman said. "I am eternally grateful to him and his wife for providing the opportunity for this recognition. Although Dr. Switzer has been retired from the College of Veterinary Medicine for several years, he continues to inspire me and others with his unremitting commitment and servitude to the livestock industries, veterinary medicine, Iowa State University and his community."
Hoffman received her bachelor's degree from Wartburg College, Waverly, and her master's and doctoral degrees from Iowa State. She came to the college as a research associate and bacteriologist in the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, and joined the faculty in 1975. Hoffman is a professor in the department of veterinary diagnostic and production animal medicine. She is an honorary diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Microbiologists.
Hoffman is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians where she serves in leadership positions on several committees. She helped establish and served many years on the National Committee of Clinical Laboratory Standards subcommittee that provides procedures and standards for antimicrobial testing of veterinary pathogens. Hoffman is an editorial reviewer for the American Journal of Veterinary Research, the Journal of Swine Health and Production and the Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation.
Established in 1879, the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine is the nation's oldest public veterinary college. It houses the state's only full-service, accredited veterinary diagnostic facility. Dedicated to serving the state of Iowa, the laboratory conducts more than 1 million diagnostic tests each year.