Howard Furumoto named Distinguished Alumnus

Dr. Howard Furumoto (DVM 1950 and PhD 1966), a leader in organized veterinary medicine, was the 1996 Distinguished Alumnus. He focused on the future and strengths of the profession.

Dr. Furumoto was recognized as a scholar whose work with heart worms contributed significantly to the understanding of the disease. Dr. Furumoto also made an extraordinary contribution to the World War Pacific Theatre during his service in the Intelligence Corp.

While on the faculty at KSU and in the years he practiced veterinary medicine, Dr. Furumoto taught all those around him about quality veterinary medicine through his dedicated service, finesse and outstanding client relationships.

Dr. Furumoto's activities include: State Chairman, Morris Animal Foundation for Hawaii, 1976-84; Chairman and Member, Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, 1971-78; Graduate Faculty University of Hawaii, Manna, 1974-present; visiting Professor, College of Veterinary Medicine University of Minnesota, 1978-79; Author/Editor, Small Animal Practice Management, Veterinary Clinics of North America, Vol. 13, November, 1983; Author/Co-Author of 12 journal articles; Member, Vice-President and President, Rotary Club, East Honolulu, 1960-63; Merit Badge Counselor, Aloha Council, Boy Scouts of American, 1960-63; President, Kuhio Elementary School, Honolulu, Hawaii, 1957-58; Member, Kaimuki Business and Professional Association, Honolulu, Hawaii, 1969-82; Member, Honolulu Executive Association, 1972-73; Sigma Xi; Phi Zeta; Phi Kappa Phi; Gamma Sigma Delta; Alpha Zeta; Who's Who Among American Men of Science; AVMA; AAHA, Area Director, 1971-81; Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association (HVMA), President, 1972-73; Honolulu Veterinary Society, 1952-89, Secretary/Treasurer, 1960, President, 1961, 1962, 1977, Director, 1983,1984; AAHA Far West Practitioner of the Year Award, 1981; AAHA Charles E. Bild National Practitioner of the Year Award, 1981; Director, MIS Veterans, Honolulu, 1984-86, Member, 1978-present; Merril's Marauders Association, 1947-present; Obedience Training Club of Hawaii, Secretary1954-55, President, 1956-61; Cocker Spaniel Club of Hawaii, Director and member to present.

Dr. Furumoto was also in the military and served as Second Lieutenant, Military Intelligence CBI Theater, 1945; T/Sergeant, Member of Merrill's Marauders, North Burma Campaign, 1943-44; Bronze Star Medal, US Army, China, 1945; Special Commendation Ribbon and Certificate, Republic of China, 1945.

Dr. Jake Mosier said the following about Dr. Furumoto: "Howard has conducted his practice, personal life and community life in a manner that should be a role model for all who follow. He is indeed a distinguished alumnus."