Cannedy Receives Distinguished Alumnus Award

Allen Cannedy, director of diversity and multicultural affairs for the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM), has been presented with the 2016 Distinguished Alumnus Award from his alma mater, the Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine, where he graduated in 1994.

Cannedy, who maintains a mobile small ruminant and camelid veterinary practice in addition to his duties with the CVM, has been a dedicated mentor and recruiter of students from groups that are underrepresented in veterinary medicine. For example, he regularly invites pre-college aged students to shadow him as he makes patient calls during his personal practice. Since his graduation he regularly attends spring symposia at Tuskegee, where he has lectured and he recruits house officers, interns and graduate students, and also mentors students from his alma mater. In fact, he has only missed one such session in the past 21 years! And he continually takes the opportunity to sponsor and encourage students who may be considering careers in veterinary medicine.

[blockquote color=”orange”]For me, this is the most prestigious award I have ever received,” he says. “Tuskegee gave me the opportunity to do what I’ve done, and it will always be special to me. I’m very grateful.[/blockquote]

This commitment to mentoring and recruiting has been a hallmark of Cannedy’s career. His work with the University has resulted in many students from a variety of cultural backgrounds and from both in-state and out-of-state colleges and universities coming here, whether they are first-year veterinary students, interns, or residents getting a final year of clinical experience before entering into their careers.

Tuskegee University is a storied institution, founded in 1881 by the legendary scientist and educator Booker T. Washington, with a distinguished history and tradition of academic excellence and community service. To be honored by the school has been a deeply humbling experience for Cannedy.

“For me, this is the most prestigious award I have ever received,” he says. “Tuskegee gave me the opportunity to do what I’ve done, and it will always be special to me. I’m very grateful.”

The many students who have benefitted from Cannedy’s support and guidance no doubt feel a sense of gratitude toward him  — and why his college has recognized him as a distinguished alumnus.

~Steve Volstad/NC State Veterinary Medicine