Welcomes and Farewells
January, 2008

Farewells

Charlotte Azdell has been with the University of Missouri for 20 years — 10 of them with the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery as a word processing operator. A resident of Mexico, Mo., Azdell may qualify as the department’s longest-distance commuter having driven 50 miles each way during her years with the college. Even with the commute, she has an incredible attendance record and made it to work even during some of the worst weather. Azdell, who retired at the end of January, is active in her church and plans to stay busy with her grandchildren.

Karen Oliger has been, for many people, the face of the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery office. Since 1974, she has assisted seven different chairmen. As the executive staff assistant she has helped hundreds of faculty, residents, interns, and visiting faculty and scholars. Oliger, who retired at the end of January, lives in Holts Summit, Mo., where she enjoys many outdoor activities, such as running, biking and swimming. She also loves to read and cook and has many other interests she plans to pursue in her retirement.

Welcomes

Kim Bussard returns to the College of Veterinary Medicine to fill the position of executive staff assistant I. Bussard has worked in the Development Division since 2000 and has been at the College of Veterinary Medicine since 2004. Bussard is a leader in the division: She was on the division’s Staff Advisory Committee for two years and recently served on the Vice Chancellor’s Executive Staff as the support staff representative. Bussard is married to her high school sweetheart, Bryan, who works for Shelter Insurance. They have two children, 5-year-old Cooper and 4-year-old Morgan. Bussard is excited to take on her new role at the college and welcomes everyone to stop in.

Gina Landeck Damico joins the College of Veterinary Medicine as the special events coordinator. She brings to her new role three years’ experience as the director of catering and special events at Columbia Country Club. Originally from St. Louis, she graduated from the University of Kansas with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. She has been married to her husband, Kevin, for four years and has a 2-year-old daughter named Taylor Paige. Damico will be working on the upcoming Gentle Doctor Benefit; Barkaritaville, a benefit for the Barkley House; and many other exciting events. She is delighted to be here and can’t wait for the fun to begin!