Head and shoulders passport photo of Dr. Ernie Olfert, Associate Professor of Veterinary Pathology.

Bio/Historical Note: A native of Saskatchewan, Dr. Ernest D. Olfert obtained his undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Saskatchewan. He was in the first graduating class of the new Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) in 1969. Upon returning to the U of S in 1970, he entered a career spanning 40 years as not only the university veterinarian, but researcher, author and national award winner. Dr. Olfert has made outstanding contributions in the development of our national experimental animal care standards, most notably in the creation of guidelines and education programs. He is considered one of the pioneers of laboratory animal medicine in Canada. Such contributions were recognized in 2006 when he received the CCAC Outstanding Service Award. Dr. Olfert’s interests in animal welfare led him to a long and active involvement with the Saskatchewan SPCA. His contribution was recognized by being awarded the Queen’s Jubilee Medal in 2003. Dr. Olfert was actively involved in the WCVM Alumni Association for many years, and through his class (the “First Class”) supported the college. Dr. Olfert was also involved in organizing the college’s 40th anniversary celebrations in 2005. The Saskatchewan SPCA presented its Phil and Muriel Baines Humanitarian Award to Dr. Olfert in 2017 in recognition of his contributions to animal welfare in Saskatchewan and across Canada.