Tom Thorne and Elizabeth Williams Memorial Award

Tom Thorne and Beth Williams were highly influential and revered members of the wildlife disease, conservation, and management community. Their dedication to wildlife health and conservation, many contributions to both WDA and AAWV, mentorship, scientific acumen, and friendship and love of life were an inspiration to all. Their tragic death in 2004 left a huge void. To help commemorate their lives and contributions to WDA and AAWV, a memorial award was created in their name.

Photo Credit: Lisa Wolfe Black footed ferret Bronze Award

This prestigious award is presented to an individual or group in acknowledgement of either an exemplary contribution or achievement combining wildlife disease research with wildlife management policy implementation or elucidating particularly significant problems in wildlife health. The recipient also receives a bronze of the black footed ferrets (picture above) which commemorates the significant contributions they made to the health, conservation, and management of this endangered species.

The call for nominations for this award goes out January 1, and nominations are due by April 1.. The awards committee is co-chaired by the presidents of the AAWV and WDA with committee member being from both organizations. Click here for information on the Tom Thorne and Beth Williams Memorial Award Nomination Guidelines.

Tonie Rocke, 2021 Tom Thorne and Beth Williams Memorial Award Winner

Previous Award Winners