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MANHATTAN --Dr. Dean A. Rice, Phoenix, Ariz., has
been selected to receive a 2005 Alumni Recognition Award from the
Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine. The award is
in recognition of the time and effort he has devoted to advancing
the profession of veterinary medicine and being an exemplary role
model for future alumni.
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Dr. Dean A. Rice |
The award will be presented
during the K-State alumni reception at the Western Veterinary
Conference on Feb. 21 at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino in Las
Vegas, Nev.
Rice earned his degree in Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from K-State
in 1974. He then worked as an intern in Honolulu, Hawaii. "I had
never been out of the state of Kansas, so I went as a free trip to
Hawaii," Rice recalled. He said it was a fun experience although he
didn't realize he would be required to work 80 hours or more a week.
Not only is Rice a successful veterinarian, but he also has an
astute business sense, having established five clinics during the
past 20 years. He built the clinics, hired young veterinarians to
run them, and later sold the clinics. He currently owns and works
part time at the Animal Clinic at Mountain Park Pavilions in
Phoenix, Ariz.
Rice encourages young veterinarians to get involved in veterinary
organizations so they can have a say in the laws affecting the
field. Rice's advice comes from experience. He has been involved in
numerous professional organizations including the Arizona Veterinary
Medical Association, the American Veterinary Medical Association and
the Arizona Academy of Veterinary Practice. He served as director of
the Western Veterinary Conference from 1994 to 1997. His community
service includes serving as board chairman and director of the
Arizona Boys Ranch, chairman for the Phoenix Zoo Animal Health
Committee and on serving on the board of directors of the Arizona
Animal Welfare League.
Rice and his wife, Kenda, have two daughters: Chalice works in
politics in Washington, D.C., and Jessica is married to a
professional baseball player.
Rice decided at the age of five to become a veterinarian, and said
he never wanted to do anything else. "I still enjoy what I do just
as much as when I started 30 years ago, it's a great profession."
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