Two College of Veterianry Medicine (CVM) alumni received high honors at the 2024 Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA) Annual Meeting held in early February.

Dr. Abigail Maynard, ’17 DVM, received the Emerging Leader award, and Dr. Nikko Grossapoulos, ’15 DVM, was named the 2024 Outstanding Industry Representative.

Maynard was lauded for her leadership in championing animal welfare and advancing veterinary care. 

The Emerging Leader award is given to MVMA members who have graduated from veterinary school within the past 10 years and have demonstrated achievement and leadership through veterinary community involvement, and actively engaged with others in the profession.

“Dr. Abi's multifaceted approach to the profession has seen her involved in numerous veterinary organizations and community outreach programs, exemplifying her belief that true success in veterinary medicine goes hand-in-hand with giving back,” Dr. Sarah Smith and Katie Atkins wrote in their nomination letter for Maynard.

Maynard is a partner doctor at Hometown Veterianry Partners. She currently serves on the board of the Minnesota Board of Animal Health and volunteers with fellow MVMA members at the Miracle of Birth Center at the State Fair and the Student Initiative for Reservation Veterinary Services at CVM. She also volunteers with LoopAbroad, an organization that offers travel and study abroad experiences for students interested in animal care and conservation. She recently joined a group in South Africa as a volunteer veterinarian where she wildlife conservation, aiding in anti-poaching for rhinos and elephants.

Grossapoulos was honored for his impact across Minnesota’s veterinary community. The Outstanding Industry Representative award recognizes individuals who have provided exceptional service to Minnesota veterinarians and promoted the profession through liaisons with the MVMA, veterinarians, and the profession in general.

Grossapoulos is a senior professional services veterinarian at Zoetis and works on occasion as a relief veterinarian. He also sits on the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Foundation board. In his work and volunteerism, his strong theatre background allows him to creatively present science and medicine in a way that connects strongly with pet owners and others. He also stays connected with his alma mater by mentoring CVM students and is a past member of the CVM Alumni & Friends Board.

“Dr. Nikko Grossapoulos is a significant contributor to the Minnesota veterinary industry, demonstrated in his attention to the MVMA and its outreach activities, the service to his team at Zoetis, and most foundationally, his devotion to the veterianry community in our state,” Claire Deters wrote on behalf of the Zoetis team in Grossapoulos’ nomination letter.