During the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine Alumni Reception held at the Annual AAEP meeting in Phoenix in December, Dean Alan M. Kelly honored two outstanding alumni, A. Gary Lavin, VMD, and Jack Robbins, VMD, and presented each with the School’s Bellwether Medal.

A Citation of Gratitude was presented to A. Gary Lavin, VMD, who has been a respected equine practitioner in Louisville, Ky., and Hot Springs, Ark. As President and Executive Board member of both the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association and the Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders, and as a director of the Breeders Cup, Lavin’s contributions to the equine industry are notable.

Lavin was the first veterinarian to be elected to the Jockey Club in 100 years, and brought great distinction to the profession. His service as a Steward of the Jockey Club and as a director of the Grayson-Jockey Club Foundation continues his leadership. As a board member and outstanding president of the American Association of Equine Practitioners, he served with distinction. The Lavin Cup, named in Lavin’s honor, is a tribute to his strong commitment to equine welfare management.

Lavin, who has long been involved in Thoroughbred racing, founded Longfield Farm in 1979 and raised innumerable stakes winners