WCVM vet student and faculty member part of national honours

In a celebration of outstanding achievement and dedication to the field of veterinary medicine, a University of Saskatchewan (USask) veterinary student and a faculty member of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) were among the recipients of awards recently presented by the Students of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (SCVMA).

Kiri Stephenson

Kiri Stephenson, a fourth-year veterinary student at the WCVM, was selected by her peers as the recipient of the 2023 CVMA Student Leadership Award. The award, based on leadership and achievement in student affairs, is presented annually to a third-year veterinary student at each of Canada’s five veterinary colleges.

Hailing from Yellowknife, N.W.T., Stephenson first considered a career in veterinary medicine following a year spent volunteering on farms across France with her mother. By the end of her first year of university, that consideration was solidified, and she knew she wanted a hands-on career with animals.

Throughout her time at the WCVM, Stephenson has taken on various leadership roles including the student-teacher educational progress committee representative for the WCVM Class of 2024 and an executive member of the Western Canadian Veterinary Students’ Association. Beyond her academic pursuits, Stephenson is the goaltender for the WCVM women’s recreational hockey team. She also enjoys cycling and listening to podcasts.

Following graduation in June 2024, Stephenson is pursuing a career as a large animal veterinarian in British Columbia’s Lower Mainland. She remains steadfast in her commitment to representing and supporting her peers and is grateful to them for selecting her for this award.

Dr. Jennifer (Jen) Loewen

Dr. Jennifer (Jen) Loewen, assistant professor of small animal emergency medicine and critical care in the WCVM’s Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, received the 2023 CVMA Teacher of the Year Award. Loewen's passion for teaching has left an indelible mark on her students, who chose her as award recipient.

The CVMA Teacher of the Year Award is presented annually to a teacher at each of the veterinary colleges in Canada. Students select the recipient based on their ability to inspire, teaching methods and enthusiasm for the subject.

Originally from Winnipeg, Man., Loewen received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from the WCVM in 2014. Following graduation, she completed a small animal rotating internship at Iowa State University and a residency in small animal emergency and critical care at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Loewen is working toward a Master of Education degree in Health Professions Education at the University of Saskatchewan (USask).

As the sole emergency and critical care specialist at the WCVM's Veterinary Medical Centre, Loewen plays a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of veterinarians. Her innovative teaching methods and unwavering support for students have garnered admiration and respect from her peers and mentees alike.

Click here to view the SCVMA Student Leadership Awards news release.

Click here to view the SCVMA Teacher of the Year Awards news release.