KSUCVM - Alumni Awards - Recognition - Dr. Gregory Hammer, Dr. Martha O'Rourke

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Alumni Recognition Awards 2001

Two graduates of Kansas State University's College of Veterinary Medicine were honored by K-State's Veterinary Medical Alumni Association during the 2001 Annual Meeting of the American Veterinary Medical Association on July 15 in Boston, Mass.

The recipients of the awards, Dr. Gregory S. Hammer and Dr. Martha L. O'Rourke, were recognized for time and effort devoted to advancing the profession of veterinary medicine and for being exemplary role models for future alumni of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University.

Dr. Hammer grew up in Bonner Springs, Kansas and earned both a bachelor's and doctor of veterinary medicine degree from Kansas State University in 1971 and 1973, respectively. After graduation he served two years as a veterinary medical officer captain in the United States Air Force and was honored for his meritorious service in 1975. He is currently owner and partner of Brenford Animal Hospital, a seven- doctor small animal and equine practice, in Dover, Delaware.

He has been an active member of the American Veterinary Medical Association for the past 28 years. He served on the House of Delegates for the State of Delaware from 1986-1999. As a current executive board member, he is active in several committees including the long range planning committee, liaison to committee on human-animal bond and the constitution and bylaws committee. He was voted Delaware Veterinarian of the Year in 1997 by the association. Dr. Hammer served on the executive board of the Delaware Veterinary Medical Association from 1986-1999.

Dr. Hammer is also very active within his community. He is presently a member of the Dover Rotary Club and the Greater Dover Committee. He has served on the Bayhealth Medical Center Board since 1993.

Originally from Hoisington, Kansas, Dr. O'Rourke earned both a bachelor's and doctor of veterinary medicine degree from Kansas State University in 1964 and 1966, respectively. After graduation Dr. O'Rourke moved to the East Coast to pursue a career in small animal medicine. She completed the Basic Science Course in Ophthalmology at New York University Post Graduate School of Medicine in 1970. She is currently owner and president of the Small Animal Veterinary Associates, P.A. in Toms River, N.J. She is board certified by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in companion animal medicine and was re-certified in 1990.

Dr. O'Rourke is active in several national and regional organizations. She served as president of the New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association from 1991-1992 and the Jersey Shore Veterinary Medical Association from 1980-1981. She served as an Eastern regional member of the American Veterinary Medical Association Political Action Committee Policy Board from 1993-1999 and was elected treasurer from 1995-1997. She was a founding trustee and served as secretary of the New Jersey Veterinary Foundation Scholarship Committee from 1975-1980 and has been an at-large trustee of the organization since 1996. Dr. O'Rourke is a charter member of the Jersey Shore Veterinary Emergency Service. She also serves as safety officer of a veterinary medical assistance team (VMAT-2). The group addresses national disasters and the care of animals in those areas. The service, sponsored by the American Veterinary Medical Association, consists of four teams nationwide. Dr. O'Rourke has been active in the service since 1998.

Throughout her career, Dr. O'Rourke has earned several awards and recognitions. Most notably, the Jersey Shore Veterinary Medical Association honored her as Veterinarian of the Year in 1986 and 1999, and the Association of Women Veterinarians recognized her as Practitioner of the Year in 1994.