11/16/95

Sam Hendrix, 334/844-3698

AU COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE PRESENTS 'EL TORO' AWARD

AUBURN -- Auburn University's College of Veterinary Medicine has presented its annual El Toro Award for Excellence in Food Animal Medicine to Dr. George Killian, a Fort Payne veterinarian and cattleman.

The award recognizes veterinarians whose contributions to food animal practice, organized veterinary medicine, high ideals and dedication to the production of food animals make them outstanding role models for veterinary students.

The award, established in 1994 by AU Extension Veterinarian Dr. James Floyd Jr. in memory of his father, receives corporate support from Indianapolis- based Elanco Animal Health.

Killian has been in veterinary practice for most of the time since his 1948 Auburn graduation, and much of his work has been devoted to the health of cattle. He is former president of the Alabama Veterinary Medical Association and of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association, and in 1983 was named Alabama Cattleman of the Year.

"Dr. Killian's 47 years of distinguished service to the veterinary profession and the livestock industries make him an exemplary role model for todayÕs students," said Dwight Wolfe, head of the Department of Large Animal Surgery and Medicine at the AU Veterinary College.

Killian, a World War II and Korean war veteran, helped establish the State Diagnostic Laboratory at Auburn during his tenure as AVMA president. He is active in several major animal health organizations, and in 1980 received the AVMA Service Award for his work as a liaison between the veterinary profession and the cattle industry.

nov95:AU-eltoro