New York State Veterinary Medical Society to present its first Star Legislator Award

ALBANY, NY, August 25, 2011 (Press-News.org) The New York State Veterinary Medical Society (NYSVMS) is proud to announce that it will present its first Star Legislator Award to Assemblyman William Magee on Thursday, August 25, 2011, at the Hall of Veterinary Health at the NYS Fair. The presentation will begin at 12:30 p.m.

The NYSVMS established its Star Legislator Award in March 2011 to honor a state legislator who has demonstrated a strong commitment to working with the NYSVMS to assure the protection and well-being of animals, and safeguard the veterinarian's professional scope of practice.

Mr. Magee will receive an imprinted and sculpted star award, and a $500 donation will be made in his name to the NYSVMS Scholarship that annually benefits a veterinary student at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in Ithaca, NY. This scholarship support is particularly appropriate given Assemblyman Magee's record of support for higher education and the need to preserve funding and student financial aid programs, and that he graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor's degree in agricultural economics in 1961.

In 1990, after 19 years of service to the Town of Nelson on the Madison County Board of Supervisors, Mr. Magee was elected to the New York State Assembly to represent District 111, which comprises all of Madison County and parts of Oneida and Otsego counties. Assemblyman Magee is a hard-working and well-regarded legislator on agricultural issues and has served as chairman of the Assembly Agriculture Committee since 1999.

Assemblyman Magee understands the many challenges that face the profession of veterinary medicine and, with the NYSVMS, recognizes that overzealous animal protection legislation can negatively impact responsible animal owners, the animals they care for, and the pets they love. His outstanding leadership has assisted his colleagues in making informed decisions about animal issues using facts and scientific data from experts in veterinary science and animal husbandry.

The New York State Veterinary Medical Society salutes William Magee's strong, knowledgeable, and long-standing leadership on issues vital to veterinary medicine. Protecting the health and welfare of animals and safeguarding the veterinarian's role as the expert in providing the best quality of veterinary care help ensure the health of the animal population of our state.

Scheduled to attend the award ceremony are Michael Kotlikoff, VMD, PhD, dean of the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, and Kathryn Boor, PhD, dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University. Invited to attend are Commissioner Darrel Auburtine, NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets, and Jackie Moody-Czub, deputy secretary for agriculture in the Cuomo administration.

The New York State Veterinary Medical Society represents the more than 3,500 licensed veterinarians in the state and is the recognized voice for veterinary medicine in New York State.

The New York State Veterinary Medical Society (NYSVMS) is the professional association representing the more than 3,500 veterinarians registered to practice in New York State.

The NYSVMS promotes the practice of veterinary medicine, animal well-being, and public health, and offers a broad scope of programs and services to keep veterinarians and the public informed about issues, laws and regulations affecting veterinary practice.

Contact: Julie A. Lawton, CAE
Executive Director, (518) 465-6038