For Immediate Release Contact: Karlene Belyea
Jan. 24, 2014 517-347-4710
Dr. Stinson recognized by MVMA with W. Kenneth McKersie Service Award
Lansing, Mich. –Dr. Al Stinson was recognized for his outstanding dedication, service and accomplishments benefitting veterinarians in the state with the Michigan Veterinary Medical Association’s (MVMA) 2014 W. Kenneth McKersie Service Award and was honored at the organization’s conference today.
“Dr. Stinson has demonstrated remarkable involvement in veterinary medicine,” said Karlene Belyea, chief executive officer of the MVMA. “His relentless commitment and long term efforts in the university setting and the legislative arena have furthered the profession of veterinary medicine, and educated the veterinary community.”
Dr. Stinson’s experience in the field of veterinary education has spanned decades. He taught microscopic anatomy and animal behavior to thousands of Michigan veterinarians at Michigan State University’s College of Veterinary Medicinefrom 1964 and 1994. He raised over a million dollars to support research on purebred dogs at the university. After his retirement, he continued to be active in the support of the veterinary and dog breeding industries and was an active member of the MVMA’s Legislative Advisory Committee until 2012.
His accomplishments in Michigan’s dog industry include being Vice President of the Obedience Training Club of Greater Lansing, President of the Ingham County Kennel Club, President of the Huron River Labrador Retriever Club, President of the Michigan Association of Purebred Dogs, Founder and Director of Legislative Affairs for the Michigan Hunting Dog Federation and Co-founder and Executive Director of the Michigan State University Purebred Dog Endowment Fund – an endowed fund with a current value of over $1.5 million. He also served on the board of directors of the American Dog Owners Association and as Michigan’s liaison for the American Kennel Club.
In 2001, the United Kennel Club presented Dr. Stinson with the first Fred T. Miller Memorial Award. He received this in recognition of his efforts lobbying for the rights of dog owners, particularly in his tireless fight again breed-specific dangerous dog laws, dog limitation laws and anti-breeder laws. For his outstanding contributions to veterinary science, the MVMA’s Legislative Advisory Committee, Michigan dog breeders and owners and purebred dog research, the MVMA recognizes Dr. Stinson.
The W. Kenneth McKersie Service Award was established in 1996 as the MVMA Service Award and was renamed in memory of the late Dr. Kenneth McKersie in 1989. It is given each year to an MVMA member for cumulative service and accomplishments benefiting the profession of veterinary medicine, the community and the association.
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The Michigan Veterinary Medical Association, founded in 1883, is comprised of more than 2,200 veterinarians. It provides continuing education for veterinarians and related professionals, monitors state legislation and regulations, and promotes veterinary medicine through a multifaceted public education program. Each year the association provides more than 200 hours of educational programs for veterinarians, veterinary technicians and support staff.