AVC honours the late Dr. Brian Hill with Green Hat Award
The Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) honoured the late Dr. Brian Hill, a founding faculty member, with the 2016 Honourable Eugene F. Whelan Green Hat Award for his contributions to the early development of the College.
Mel Gallant, former assistant dean finance and administration at AVC, nominated Dr. Hill for the award, and read the citation at an award ceremony held at AVC on Monday, November 7. Dr. Jim Miller, a close friend and colleague of Dr. Hill, accepted the award on behalf of his family, who were not able to attend.
Dr. Hill came to AVC in May 1986 as the founding chair of the Department of Companion Animals, and also served as co-director of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, along with Dr. Bob Curtis, founding chair of the Department of Health Management. A respected clinician, teacher, and administrator, Dr. Hill served as Interim Dean from 1989-1991. Originally from California, he graduated from veterinary school at Colorado State University in 1973 and taught at Iowa State before coming to AVC.
A skilled negotiator and administrator, he was instrumental in the integration of the College into the University of Prince Edward Island. He also played an important role in building the College’s human resources and technical support at the veterinary teaching hospital, successfully recruiting faculty members at a time of significant faculty shortages.
Dr. Hill died in January of 2000 at the age of 51. Shortly after his death, his family, colleagues, and friends established the Brian L. Hill Memorial Award in his memory. This award is given to a graduating student in Veterinary Medicine who demonstrates excellence in small animal medicine and surgery, as well as outstanding interpersonal skills with clients and colleagues—all qualities that Dr. Hill exemplified.
“I have many wonderful memories of Brian—as a colleague and a friend,” said Mel. “He was a true gentleman, a disarmingly funny guy, a sailor, a natty dresser, and a keen poker player! I thank you for this opportunity to remember a good friend and colleague, and a relentless supporter of the Atlantic Veterinary College.”
About the Honourable Eugene F. Whelan Green Hat Award:
In 2000, the Atlantic Veterinary College established the Honourable Eugene F. Whelan Green Hat Award to recognize individuals who have played a significant role in the establishment and growth of the College. The greatest honour bestowed by AVC, the award is named after the Honourable Eugene Whelan, who, as federal minister of agriculture under Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, was a driving force behind the creation of AVC in the early 1980s. The award is affectionately known as the Green Hat Award because Minister Whelan was well-known for wearing a green Stetson.
