When we gather in Seattle in two weeks for our annual event prior to the WSU-Hawaii football game at QWEST Field we'll be missing one of our usual cast of characters -- Rick DeBowes.

It's OK, though, he has a good excuse.  Rick's DVM alma mater, the University of Illinois, made the wise decision to honor him with the Erwin Small Distinguished Alumnus Award.  They, unfortunately, scheduled their celebratory event to coincide with our event in Seattle.  This award is especially meaningful to Rick this year, because Dr. Small -- who had a long and distinguished career at Illinois -- died on July 1, and so he made the (correct) decision to go to Illinois to personally receive his award.

So, please join me in congratulating Rick on this much-deserved award; I know you'll give him a pass for being in Urbana-Champaign instead of joining us this year in Seattle -- he'll have to settle for the matchup of Illinois-Illinois State.

Congratulations, Rick!