11 Nov OSU honors Westview board member and Army veteran

Westview Boys’ Home is blessed with an extraordinary board of directors. One of those exemplary persons is Dr. Alvin Baumwart. Oklahoma State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine recently honored Dr. Baumwart as one of three 2021 Distinguished Alumnus Awards.

Dr. Baumwart currently leads the Transitions committee of the Westview board. He has previously served as the Westview board president.

For 38 years, Dr. Baumwart has led a mixed animal practice in Arapaho, Oklahoma—the Highland Veterinary Clinic, working alongside Dr. Jon Shepherd. There, Dr. Baumwart has mentored many pre-vet and veterinary students and all three of his children, who have followed in his footsteps by becoming veterinarians. Dr. Baumwart is committed to promoting the profession of veterinary medicine and has served in several veterinary organizations. He is also active as an elder in his church.

One of Dr. Baumwart’s legacies is his 37 years of service in the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps. A retired colonel, Baumwart is known for his interpersonal and organizational skills, readily evident in his work mentoring young soldiers. He received numerous medals for his extraordinary military service.

“I have personal experience in observing Alvin Baumwart’s ability as a leader having served as a co-officer under his command in the U.S. Army Veterinary Reserve,” said Dr. Gary White, who nominated Baumwart for this award. “He was admired by his fellow officers and highly respected by those under his command, both officers and enlisted. Dr. Baumwart has excelled in his profession as a practicing veterinarian, served his country with 37 years of outstanding U.S. Army service, supported his local church and community, served as a mentor to students interested in the veterinary profession at all levels, and has been a strong supporter of the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine.”

Speaking of his 40 years as a veterinarian, Baumwart said: “The friendships and experiences spanning 37 years of military service are countless and priceless. Stock market crashes, oil boom/bust, drought, flood, terrorism, and more were only challenges that created opportunities. Through it all, my wife Donna and associate Dr. Jon Shepherd kept me on course. Our children Angie, Ryan, and Chad all went on to not only become DVMs but specialize and become leaders in their own right. My goal in life was to try to be a positive influence on young people. God has blessed us beyond measure in our quest to fulfill that goal.”

Dr. Baumwart earned both his master’s in Animal Science and his doctorate degrees from OSU. He was honored at the veterinary college’s Distinguished Alumni Award Luncheon on Friday, November 5, 2021.