Lester C. Griel, Jr., professor of veterinary science at Penn State, is the recipient of the 2014 Graduate School Alumni Society (GSAS) Lifetime Achievement Award. The GSAS Lifetime Achievement Award is presented in recognition of graduate school alumni who have achieved exceptional success throughout the course of their profession and have demonstrated loyalty to the University and the Alumni Association.

Griel was selected to receive this award in recognition of his prolific career and lifelong contributions as a teacher and mentor to an unparalleled number of Penn State students who chose to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.

Griel began his career as a large animal clinician with the department in 1965, providing herd health services to the teaching and research herds and flocks of the College of Agricultural Sciences. Over the years, he progressed through the academic ranks and assumed additional responsibilities in undergraduate teaching and advising. He continues to serve as the attending veterinarian for the performance testing programs conducted at the Samuel E. Hayes Jr. Livestock Evaluation Center.

“Teaching young scientists who are interested in veterinary medicine is his passion,” said his nominator, and she added, “I can say with confidence that he has helped more students gain acceptance to veterinary school than anyone else in the world.”

Griel was recognized twice for excellence in advising. In 2008, he received the Excellence in Honors Advising Award from the Schreyer Honors College, and in 1999, the Excellence in Academic Advising Award from the College of Agricultural Sciences. He also received a lifetime achievement award from the Pennsylvania Veterinary Association in 2004.

Griel is an active member of the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association, the American Association of Bovine Practitioners, the American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners, and the Society for Theriogenology. He is also an Honor Roll member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, and a diplomat in the American College of Theriogenology.  In addition, he is a lifetime member of the Penn State Alumni Association and a member of the College of Agricultural Sciences Alumni Society.

Griel completed the master’s program in dairy science while serving as an instructor in the Department of Veterinary Science following high graduation from the University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine.