The College held its latest Town Hall Meeting for Semester B 2024/25 on 30 May 2025. The Town Hall Meetings, bringing together staff to celebrate achievements, share key updates, and discuss future priorities. A highlight of this semester’s event was the presentation of the College Excellence Awards 2025, which recognize outstanding contributions in teaching, research, and service. Established in 2024, these awards recognize staff members who demonstrate dedication, innovation and excellence in their work, furthering the College’s mission and enhancing the student experience.
We are pleased to announce the recipients of the College Excellence Awards for 2025:
Teaching Excellence Award 2025
Prof. Santiago ALONSO, Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences
Prof. ALONSO has been awarded the Teaching Excellence Award for his contributions to veterinary education. By integrating AI-driven learning strategies, he has improved student engagement and outcomes, including a 15% rise in final exam scores. His innovative work, including team-based learning and AI-powered formative assessments, has been published in the Journal of Veterinary Medical Education and recognised at the 2024 Teaching and Learning Innovation Expo. He also promotes accessibility in education through initiatives like AI translation, supporting global equity in veterinary training.
Early Career Research Excellence Award 2025
Prof. Kate FLAY, Assistant Dean, Teaching & Learning (BVM) and Assistant Professor, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences
Prof. FLAY has been honoured with the Early Career Research Excellence Award in recognition of her exceptional work in ruminant health and production animal research. Since joining CityUHK in 2020, she has established herself as a prolific researcher, publishing a number of high-impact papers in leading journals. Her success in securing competitive research funding highlights her growing influence in the field, with her work gaining increasing recognition for its scholarly impact. Through innovative studies, Prof. FLAY has driven meaningful advancements in animal welfare practices, delivering tangible benefits to the global sheep industry.
Service Excellence Award 2025
Dr. Laurie HIPPMANN, Veterinary Officer, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences
Dr. HIPPMANN has been awarded the Service Excellence Award in recognition of his exceptional dedication and service to JCC since joining in 2022. Known for his adaptability and versatility, Dr. HIPPMANN has exemplified the qualities of an "omnicompetent" veterinarian, consistently going above and beyond in his role. His excellence in teaching has placed him among the top 5% of educators as rated by students. Beyond the classroom, Dr. HIPPMANN has taken on key service roles, including launching the small ruminant ambulatory service and goat research project. He has also played an integral role in shaping BVM student experiences, including active participation at the BVM Student Teamwork and Leadership Camp.
Congratulations to our esteemed awardees for their remarkable work and outstanding achievements!