Gwen Anderson receives the Ron Orta Humanitarian Award

Gwen Anderson, assistant director in the Office of the Campus Veterinarian, has received the 2023 District 8 AALAS Ron Orta Humanitarian Award.

The award honors an individual in the laboratory animal community that goes the extra mile to help co-workers whenever possible. Additionally, the award honors an individual that volunteers for community activities and is either working on becoming certified or involved in obtaining or providing continuing education at any level, or participating in planning education seminars, symposiums, or similar activities.

The award was created in honor of Orta’s sudden death in November 2007 from acute respiratory disease. Orta was a sales representative with Allentown for many years of his distinguished career in laboratory animal science. He was revered for his outgoing nature, big heart, and inclusive demeanor. The District 8 AALAS Council, in conjunction with Allentown, Inc., created the award to honor Ron’s compassion, dedication, humility, and friendship.

Gwen started working at what was then called the WSU Laboratory Animal Resource Center in 1985. Her nomination was supported by many letters from WSU staff and faculty as well as family and local community members. The award was presented to Anderson on October 23 at the National AALAS meeting.