For Immediate Release
Jan. 24, 2014
Contact: Karlene Belyea
517-347-4710
Dr. Stinson recognized by MVMA with W.
Kenneth McKersie Service Award
Lansing, Mich. – Dr. Al Stinson was recognized for his outstanding dedication, service and accomplishments
benefitting veterinarians in the state with the Michigan Veterinary Medical Association’s (MVMA) 2014 W.
Kenneth McKersie Service Award and was honored at the organization’s conference today.
“Dr. Stinson has demonstrated remarkable involvement in veterinary medicine,” said Karlene Belyea, chief
executive officer of the MVMA. “His relentless commitment and long term efforts in the university setting and the
legislative arena have furthered the profession of veterinary medicine, and educated the veterinary community.”
Dr. Stinson’s experience in the field of veterinary education has spanned decades. He taught microscopic anatomy
and animal behavior to thousands of Michigan veterinarians at Michigan State University’s College of Veterinary
Medicine from 1964 and 1994. He raised over a million dollars to support research on purebred dogs at the
university. After his retirement, he continued to be active in the support of the veterinary and dog breeding
industries and was an active member of the MVMA’s Legislative Advisory Committee until 2012.
His accomplishments in Michigan’s dog industry include being Vice President of the Obedience Training Club of
Greater Lansing, President of the Ingham County Kennel Club, President of the Huron River Labrador Retriever
Club, President of the Michigan Association of Purebred Dogs, Founder and Director of Legislative Affairs for the
Michigan Hunting Dog Federation and Co-founder and Executive Director of the Michigan State University
Purebred Dog Endowment Fund – an endowed fund with a current value of over $1.5 million. He also served on
the board of directors of the American Dog Owners Association and as Michigan’s liaison for the American Kennel
Club.
In 2001, the United Kennel Club presented Dr. Stinson with the first Fred T. Miller Memorial Award. He received
this in recognition of his efforts lobbying for the rights of dog owners, particularly in his tireless fight again breedspecific dangerous dog laws, dog limitation laws and anti-breeder laws. For his outstanding contributions to
veterinary science, the MVMA’s Legislative Advisory Committee, Michigan dog breeders and owners and purebred
dog research, the MVMA recognizes Dr. Stinson.
The W. Kenneth McKersie Service Award was established in 1996 as the MVMA Service Award and was renamed in
memory of the late Dr. Kenneth McKersie in 1989. It is given each year to an MVMA member for cumulative
service and accomplishments benefiting the profession of veterinary medicine, the community and the
association.
###
The Michigan Veterinary Medical Association, founded in 1883, is comprised of more than 2,200 veterinarians. It
provides continuing education for veterinarians and related professionals, monitors state legislation and
regulations, and promotes veterinary medicine through a multifaceted public education program. Each year the
association provides more than 200 hours of educational programs for veterinarians, veterinary technicians and
support staff.