Ecker, Carol A., 1940-2019
Biographical Information
Carol A. Ecker graduated from the School of Veterinary Medicine in 1964, one of the first of two women graduates to earn a doctorate in the newly established Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program. Her success as a student carried over into her professional life, where she became president of the Clayview Animal Clinic, owner and operator of Clayview farms, secretary-treasurer of Ecker Enterprises and owner of Marcell's Pet Salon. She was also the first female president of the Indiana Veterinary Medical Association.
In addition to her presidential term with the IVMA, she was also a member of the IVMA Legislative and Animal Welfare Committees; IVMA Annual Meeting Committee; and the IVMA Audit and Budget Committee. She was a founding member of the Indiana Animal Health Foundation (1998-). The IVMA honored Ecker with the IVMA Veterinarian of the Year Award (1989) and the IVMA President’s Award (2009).
Ecker was committed to service within the veterinary community for her entire career. In addition to being involved in several professional organizations, Ecker also intitiated the Twin City Therapy animal bonding program, was an active member of St. Joseph County Humane Society, Portage Manor healthcare facility, and Animal Control Commission of South Bend. She was involved with the Michiana Kennel Club and the Hoosier Summer Classic. Ecker and her husband, Kenny, were active in showing horses and collectively won dozens of AQHA shows with their horses. Carol was a part of the 4H Horse & Pony Club of St. Joseph County, American and Indiana Quarter Horse Associations, and Palomino Horse Breeders Association.
Ecker also remained committed to her alma matter, serving in leadership positions in various alumni and advisroy councils at Purdue University. She helped establish the Purdue Veterinary Alumni Association, where she served as secretary-treasurer. She later went on to serve on the Dean's Advisory Council of the School of Veterinary Medicine, and in 1988, became a member of the Purdue Board of Trustees where she served until 1997. Ecker active on the Purdue campus in a number of student and career-oriented programs, including the Dean's Club and the President's Club. She was awarded the Purdue President's Medal in 1994.