Alumni Profile: Dayle Dillon C’07

 

While growing up on a large horse farm, Dayle Dillon C’07 asked the on-site veterinarian so many questions that he often praised her curiosity and let her help with whatever task was at hand. This early interest in animals, along with encouragement and assistance from North Park biology faculty members Dr. Linda Vick, Dr. Al Bjorkman, and Dr. Larry Knipp, inspired her to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.

Now poised to graduate from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in May, Dayle plans to work in a mixed animal practice in Ottawa, Illinois, where she’s already been offered a job, and then transition into owning her own practice with a focus on canine rehabilitation and integrative therapies.

Her experience on the pre-veterinarian track at North Park prepared her to reach this point in her career in many ways. In addition to the strong faculty support, she had the opportunity to work as a laboratory assistant and participate in several laboratory practices. Since the veterinary field requires you to conduct research daily on various levels, this background has, and will, serve her well.

Several biology courses, including anatomy and microbiology, also prepared her for the rigorous curriculum in graduate school. For example, she already knew many of the structures on a cat or dog as well as proper dissection techniques. An internship experience with American Bucking Bull Incorporated, with Dr. Vick as her faculty mentor, provided resume experience and more exposure to animals. “The education I received at North Park gave me a strong foundation in biology, which allowed me to work in any science field that I was interested in,” she said.

Outside the classroom, Dayle was a member of the volleyball team and continues to stay in touch with former teammates and coaches. As a longtime volunteer for several causes, she also appreciated North Park’s focus on service. “I feel North Park’s involvement in the community is part of what inspired me to take a greater interest in my surrounding community and is something I hope to continue during my career as a veterinarian,” she said.