[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 170 (Wednesday, September 30, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E903]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING MICHAEL LAIRMORE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN GARAMENDI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 30, 2020

  Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Michael 
Lairmore and his nearly 10 years of distinguished service as the Dean 
of the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of California, 
Davis. As Dr. Lairmore retires this year, his dedicated tenure ensures 
he leaves behind a veterinary school which, ranks among the best in the 
world and is well-placed to further its success at the forefront of 
veterinary science far into the future. Alongside the school's 
pioneering research, the veterinary hospital is unmatched in reputation 
and patient visits.
  Dr. Lairmore became Dean in 2011 and immediately set to work; 
crafting a long-term and multifaceted plan to guide the institution to 
its full potential. His emphasis on the importance of the school's 
student and patient experience at the forefront of his efforts and 
under his leadership, the school implemented multiple comprehensive 
student programs, such as the Office of Global Programs and the 
Counseling and Career Service Center. Dr. Lairmore simultaneously 
reigned in student fees and was a vanguard for diversity, ultimately 
making UC Davis a leader among veterinary schools with both the lowest 
levels of student debt and most diverse student body. Together this 
allowed UC Davis' program to tackle inequities in the veterinary field 
and create greater opportunities for the most disadvantaged students.
  Dr. Lairmore expanded the school's research capabilities--placing 
them at the top in funding, infrastructure, and cutting-edge 
technology. With his guidance, the school partnered with the United 
States State Department's Office of Food and Agriculture; to curtail 
the Newcastle and Mad Cow viruses. In addition, Dr. Lairmore played a 
pivotal role in the development of USAID's PREDICT project and 
identifying the Marburg and Ebola viruses in bats preventing potential 
outbreaks. While the world continues to combat the coronavirus 
pandemic, UC Davis provides a model for stopping future pandemics 
before they are allowed to spread.
  Dr. Lairmore is continuing his career with the School of Veterinary 
Medicine as a distinguished professor in the Department of Pathology, 
Microbiology, and Immunology. However, it is clear that his legacy as 
Dean will continue to shape the school and its students and faculty for 
years to come. On behalf of the people of California's 3rd 
Congressional District, I offer my sincere gratitude for his dedicated 
service and best wishes upon his future endeavors and accomplishments.

                          ____________________