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Acacia Veterinarians Extend Care Beyond Pets, Livestock to Community
2/9/2010
 | | Statue of Br. Robert Kind '52 located on campus outside K-State's Veterinary Medicine Building |
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The Acacian Newsletter
by: Br. Lucas Shivers '01
January 2, 2010
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Acacia has produced hundreds of veterinarians through the past century. Robert "Bob" Kind '52 and Bill Kvasnicka '50 share a glimpse at the role of the science in shaping their lives, Acacia, families and communities.
"I followed Bob's career as a highly respected veterinarian in California," Kvasnicka '50, veterinarian and fellow Acacian, said. "His contributions to the professional and his family achievements should serve as an example for all present, past and future members of our fraternity."
KIND TOUCH
Born on December 5, 1933 in Herington, Kan., Kind '52 earned this K-State degree in 1957. As an Acacian, he enjoyed golf, tennis, bridge and camping. He had a reputation of being an enthusiastic, but terrible, joke teller. Following graduation, he joined the military veterinarian in the Air Force from 1958 to 1960.
In 1961, he began at Conejo Valley Veterinary Clinic in Thousand Oaks, Calif., where he enjoyed 37 years of veterinary practice. Throughout his career, Kind distinguished himself in caring for dogs, cats, horses, and a broad range of exotic animals and wildlife.
"He enjoyed his work and considered himself the luckiest fellow in the world to have been in a practice with such an interesting variety of wonderful animals and their very special owners," his family remembers. "Bob considered every animal and every person a Child of God and tried to do the best he could for each."
A bronze sculpture resides at the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine as a memorial to honor his life and devotion to the practice of veterinary medicine.
KIND REMEMBERED
Kvasnicka remembers when Kind participated in rush week as a shy and quite freshman from rural Kansas.
"He developed into an important and valuable member of Acacia," Kvasnicka said. "He contributed social and academic skills and always attributed his achievements to his associations and experiences with Acacia."
Kvasnicka finished his undergrad animal science degree in 1952 and doctorate of veterinarian medicine in 1956. He got into the profession due to his rural Kansas heritage and the challenge of contributing to the profitability of food animal agriculture.
Rushed into Acacia by a friend, he said he enjoyed the interaction with members and the improvement of academic and study skills. He said Acacia can help students improve social, communication and organizational skills.
"The group dynamics are important, but academic performance should take precedence," Kvasnicka said.
Kvasnicka spent two years in the Army Veterinary Corps, 13 years in private practice in Hastings Neb. Then he moved on to the US Meat Animal Research Center as herd health veterinarian. He worked for 17 years as a research and extension veterinarian for the University of Nevada, Reno.
He has been married for 56 years, with four children and nine grandchildren.
Both Kvasnicka '50 and Kind '52 left a caring touch in their profession and communities. They leave a compassionate legacy for others to follow.
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Kansas State Chapter of Acacia Fraternity
One of the four original fraternities at Kansas State in 1913, Acacia Fraternity's rich tradition includes five buildings on campus named after Acacians including Seaton, Willard, Waters, Ford and Bushnell Halls. With leadership as a main cornerstone, Acacia Fraternity at Kansas State has been recognized as a leading chapter in human service events, alumni support, and scholarship excellence. Acacia believes in providing members with an alcohol-free, family environment dedicated to lifelong improvement in leadership, scholarship and character.
Contact:
Lucas Shivers, Executive Secretary
Acacia Alumni Association
2005 Hunting Avenue
Manhattan, KS 66502
lshivers@hotmail.com
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