Centralia College Announces Dan Haskins As 2019 Distinguished Alumnus

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Centralia College announced this week that the 2019 Distinguished Alumnus is Dan Haskins — CEO and president of Northwest Veterinary Group, member of the Washington State Veterinary Board of Governors and an adjunct professor at Washington State University.

The college is honoring Haskins for his years of international service and professional achievement.

Haskins graduated from Rochester High School in 1971 as class valedictorian. In 1973, he earned his associate degree from Centralia College.

“It was a quality education,” Haskins said in a press release from Centralia College. “I came out of my first two years better off than some of the kids who went to a four-year (university).”

Haskins later graduated from Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 1978. 



Haskins helped found Mixed Animal Veterinary Associates North America Inc. (MAVANA), which endows independently-owned veterinary practices with the benefits of corporate structure. Then, in 2003, Haskins began serving on veterinary mission trips.

“In third world countries, animal health is critical to the health of the family — both physical and economic,” said Haskins in the press release. “They provide meat, eggs and income. Animals are like a piggy bank; they invest a lot of money in those animals and, at some point, they take a withdrawal for things like school fees. Animal health in third-world countries is critical.”

Haskins will speak at the college commencement this June, and will also be honored at the all-campus breakfast and honorary luncheon.

“I was struck by Dr. Haskins and his passion for animals,” said Renee Lawson, Distinguished Alumnus Committee member. “It goes far beyond his practice in Stanwood, Washington … I also felt choosing him this year was timely for Centralia College as we explore the introduction of an agricultural science program this fall.”