The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) presented Terry Swanson, DVM, with the Distinguished Life Member Award for his leadership and considerable volunteerism within the association during his 46 years as a member.

The award honors an AAEP member who has made outstanding contributions to the association throughout their career. Swanson, longtime partner in Littleton Equine Medical Center in Colorado, who served as AAEP President in 1996, was honored Dec. 9 during the President’s Luncheon at the AAEP’s 60th Annual Convention, taking place Dec. 6-10 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

During his presidency, the AAEP deployed a new governance structure that made it easier for members to volunteer for committee and board service, approved the proposal for the annual State-of-the-Art Lecture at the AAEP Annual Convention, developed a position statement for the stewardship of the horse and funded the first AAEP website.

An AAEP member since 1969, Swanson served two separate terms on the AAEP board of directors. He currently serves on the President’s Advisory Council and previously volunteered his time and expertise as a member of numerous committees, including Constitution and By-Laws, Nominating, Pediatrics, Professional Conduct and Ethics, Public Policy Coordinating, and Scientific Program