The Iowa State College of Veterinary Medicine made an important announcement this month by selecting its first-ever recipient of the William P. Switzer Award.

Dr. Daniel Farrington, professor emeritus and distinguished professor in veterinary medicine, is the recipient of the award that recognizes outstanding achievements that have benefited educational programs in the college.

Phillis Peters, communication specialist for the College of Veterinary Medicine, said Farrington worked with Switzer 20 years ago to develop two swine and canine vaccines. The duo’s vaccine patents have generated more than $3 million in royalties for the ISU Research Foundation, she said.

In addition to his research, Farrington was an active faculty member from 1948 to 1979. His education includes a Ph.D. in veterinary microbiology and preventive medicine from ISU in 1974.

Peters said he also held a faculty position from 1974 to l977 where he was responsible for the swine respiratory disease laboratory at the Veterinary Medicine Research Institute.

In l977, the Pfizer Corporation recruited Farrington, where he worked until 1988 to become the head of its research department. In 1988, he went to the Merck Research Laboratories in Rathway, N.J.

She said that Farrington retired in 1997 from the business world and went on to teach at Black Hills University in South Dakota.

While at Merck Research Laboratories, Peters said Farrington created many opportunities for students through the Merck Scholars Program. She said the program allowed students to shadow researchers and get firsthand experience in the veterinary medicine industry.