In the Key of (Dr.) D

Dr. Sandy de Lahunta, known to generations as "Dr. D", has worn many hats: Veterinary neurologist. Mentor. Author. Legend. He has influenced countless veterinarians, from Cornell or one of those other schools, but Cornell is proud to call him our own.

Dr. D spent 45 years at the College of Veterinary Medicine, starting as an assistant professor upon earning his Ph.D., he fulfilled many vital roles: full professor (1973); chief of the medical and surgical sections of the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, now the Cornell University Hospital for Animals (1975-76); hospital director (1976-82); chairman of the then-newly established Department of Clinical Sciences (1977-86) and the Department of Anatomy (1986-91); and the James Law Professor of Anatomy (1992).

In 2000 Dr. D received the Robert W. Kirk Award from the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. He retired in 2005, by then he had received the college’s Norden Distinguished Teacher Award four times and earned honorary membership to the American College of Veterinary Pathologists and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. In 2008 the College of Veterinary Medicine’s Alumni Association recognized him with the Daniel Elmer Salmon Award.

The Scholarship

A dedicated group of Cornell Vet alumni has rallied friends and former classmates to honor Dr. D with a scholarship in his name. We're raising $10,000, which will contribute to the funding an endowed scholarship. Join us to help celebrate a legend by making a gift and adding your name to the donor wall. Your support will ensure Dr. D's legacy for future generations.

How did Dr. D influence you?

Send an e-mail to Luanne Prosperi Stefanucci (lps8@cornell.edu) describing one thing you learned from Dr. D that has been important to your career as a veterinarian. We'll share these stories as updates on this project page.