Ruthanne Chun, clinical professor of oncology in the UW School of Veterinary Medicine, has been named the winner of this year's LaMarr Billups Community-University Engagement Award. The award recognizes a member of the Greater Madison community who has made outstanding contributions to campus-community partnership initiatives.
In 2014, Chun co-founded Wisconsin Companion Animal Resources, Education and Social services (WisCARES), a community veterinary clinic for low income and homeless families.
"One of the pillars of our mission at UW-Madison is to reach beyond the borders of the campus to share knowledge that improves people's lives. Ruthanne Chun is a worthy recipient of this prestigious award. As the co-founder and director of WisCARES, she has created a national model for community outreach and collaboration," says Chancellor Rebecca Blank.
Since its inception, Chun has helped WisCARES grow from a street medicine project led by a single veterinarian to a fully functioning clinic. It is now open five days a week with a full-time dedicated social worker that extends the reach of care beyond the animal to their owner. -- CLICK TITLE TO READ MORE