Applications are now open! Submit a nomination by November 30, 2026. Click here to submit your nomination for the award.
The David Hileman Memorial Veterinary Service Award was established in 2026 to recognize those in the veterinary profession who have dedicated themselves and their careers to serving the large animal community in Pennsylvania and who have exemplified a commitment to advancing the sustainability and welfare of Pennsylvania dairy herds through proactive, responsive, and service-oriented veterinary care. The award recognizes those who are relatively new to the veterinary field to support that next generation of our veterinary community in Pennsylvania.
This award is named in memory of David Hileman, who was not a veterinarian but a forward-thinking, service-oriented dairy producer who gave generously to the Dairy Excellence Foundation and was passionate about the next generation in our industry.
About the Award:
The goal of the award is to recognize a large animal veterinarian within Pennsylvania who is under the age of 40 or within the first 10 years of practice in the field who has demonstrated a commitment to the large animal community in Pennsylvania and who exemplifies service to advancing the sustainability and welfare of our Pennsylvania dairy herds.
The award is intended to provide recognition and financial support to young and beginning leaders within the Pennsylvania large-animal veterinary community for the contributions they are making to the future of Pennsylvania’s dairy industry. The winning individual will receive a $12,000 cash award and recognition at the annual Pennsylvania Dairy Summit in February or a related event.
Qualifications:
To qualify for this award, individuals must:
- Be under the age of 40 years old or within the first 10 years of practicing as a veterinarian.
- Be a practicing veterinarian who is part of a practice with dairy farms as part of their client base.
Qualities of someone recognized through this award could include:
- A deep understanding of the unique relationship and delicate balance between animal husbandry, dairy management, and profitability on a dairy farm
- A high level of integrity
- A forward-thinking, proactive and practical approach to supporting dairy farm clients
- A service-oriented disposition
- A strong passion for the Pennsylvania dairy farm community
- A demonstrated commitment to serving Pennsylvania’s dairy farm community in a positive way
How to Submit a Nomination:
Nominations for this award are due by November 30, 2026, with the recipient selected in December for recognition at the Pennsylvania Dairy Summit on February 3 – 4 at the Penn Stater in University Park, Pa. Individuals can be nominated either through a self-nomination or by another individual who wishes to recognize their achievements in the industry.
- Click here to submit your nomination online and upload up to three letters of support for the nominee.
- Click here to download a physical nomination form and mail it back with your letters of support.
- All nominations should be submitted to the Dairy Excellence Foundation, Attn: Memorial Award Nomination, 2301 North Cameron Street, Room 407, Harrisburg, PA 17110 or by email to jsebright@centerfordairyexcellence.org.