Celebrating Veterinary Technicians with Awards
October 20, 2024
Veterinary technicians and hospital staff at the conclusion of National Veterinary Technician Week.
On Friday, October 18, at the conclusion of National Veterinary Technician Week, LSU Vet Med honored its veterinary technicians and hospital staff with awards and accolades. This week has been set aside to celebrate, recognize, and promote the valuable contributions veterinary technicians and hospital staff make to the veterinary professions, compassionate care for animals, and our communities.
Our veterinary technicians are a vital part of the veterinary health care team. They are on the front lines providing empathy and compassion while working with clients whose pets and animals need medical care. They work tirelessly in exam rooms, labs, and operating rooms. Their knowledge and experience are invaluable, and at LSU Vet Med, that knowledge and experience go further as they are also an integral part of our mission to educate future veterinarians.
Ashley Jo Benjamin with Amy Geeding, Director of Nursing
Cassie Tabler with Amy Geeding, Director of Nursing
Jeannie Hansbrough with Amy Geeding, Director of Nursing
The Susan Weeks Award
Susan worked in many areas of the hospital early on and settled into the small animal ICU as "the overnight nurse." She was very dedicated and managed a number of tasks that we could not imagine one person handling now. This award is presented to a Veterinary Technician who has provided compassionate patient care as well as outstanding leadership and dedication to the LSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital. In 2024, this award was presented to Ashley Jo Benjamin, medicine services supervisor.
Heart of the Hospital - The Vicki Dickson Award
Vicki Dickson spent much of her career with the LSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital and touched many lives along the way. Vicki is described as someone who always looked after the well-being of her teammates and was always there as a friend and co-worker. This award is presented to a staff member who not only goes above and beyond but carries the hospital in their hearts by teaching and living the hospital’s values daily. On October 18, LSU Vet Med presented this award to Cassie Tabler, large animal veterinary technician.
The Sunshine Award – The Jonesha Forest Memorial Award
Jonesha Forest was young with a vibrant and effervescent personality. She had a warm, contagious laugh and as she went through her day, was frequently a bright spot to those she worked with. This award celebrates a staff member that has a spirit of kindness and warmth; a ray of sunshine that spreads a positive energy throughout the Veterinary Teaching Hospital community. In 2024, this award was presented to Jeannie Hansbrough, operating room veterinary technician.
“Veterinary technicians are the backbone of our clinical enterprise, and we encourage everyone to join us in celebrating the countless contributions and monumental efforts they provide our patients, clients, students, faculty, and fellow staff members every day. I have always deeply appreciated the huge impact veterinary technicians have had in my own career as a clinician.” said Oliver Garden, BVetMed, PhD, FHEA, FCPP, FRCVS, DACVIM, DECVIM-CA, dean of LSU Vet Med.
About LSU Vet Med: Bettering lives through education, public service, and discovery
The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine is one of only 33 veterinary schools in the U.S. and the only one in Louisiana. LSU Vet Med is dedicated to improving and protecting the lives of animals and people through superior education, transformational research, and compassionate care. We teach. We heal. We discover. We protect.