Dr. Jack L. Mara dies at 78

Dr. Jack L. Mara, one of the most well-known veterinarians in the profession, died March 27 of cancer in Topeka, Kan. He was 78.

The Cornell '51 alum spent nearly 50 years in the veterinary profession,21 of them with Hills Pet Nutrition after practicing in his native LongIsland, N.Y.

Veterinary medicine was more than Dr. Mara's profession, it was his life.

During his tenure at Hill's, Dr. Mara created and instituted a programto establish a nutrition curriculum in veterinary colleges across the country.He created more than 19 Ph.D. residencies. Many graduates of these residencyprograms have joined veterinary college faculties.

He was also instrumental in increasing the awareness of the importanceof nutrition in clinical practice through the creation of the American Collegeof Veterinary Nutrition to which both he and Hill's founder, Dr. Mark Morris,Sr., were awarded Honorary Diplomate status in 1994.

Morris Animal Foundation named Dr. Mara a trustee in 1992. He becameveterinary vice president in 1995. In this role, Dr. Mara helped secureseveral gifts for Morris Animal Foundation from Hill's, including one tohelp support the Foundation's Scientific Advisory Board.

At the Foundation's 2002 Annual Meeting, Dr. Mara was the sixth inducteeinto the Mark L. Morris Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame was created in theearly 1990s to honor Morris Animal Foundation Trustees who go "aboveand beyond the call of duty" to help animals.

The American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Animal HospitalAssociation honored Dr. Mara for his contributions to veterinary medicineby presenting awards and scholarships in his honor. In 2002, the WesternVeterinary Conference carried his name.

Memorial gifts can be made to Morris Animal Foundation, 45 InvernessDrive East, Englewood, CO 80112, (800) 243-2345; www.morrisanimalfoundation.org.