Dr. Denise Glander is 2016 Granite Falls Woman of the Year

GRANITE FALLS, NC (October 26, 2016)…The Granite Falls Women’s Enrichment Association has chosen Dr. Denise Glander as the 2016 Granite Falls Woman of the Year. The group hosted a reception in her honor on Tuesday, October 25th in the Civic Building on the campus of the William B. Shuford Recreation Center in Granite Falls. Dr. Glander is a veterinarian and owner of Lake Hickory Veterinary Hospital in Granite Falls. In making the announcement, GFWEA President Linda Crowder noted Dr. Glander’s career accomplishments, community service, and contributions to the economic development of the community. Mrs. Crowder also said that Dr. Glander is “an accomplished professional who demonstrates great kindness and compassion to her patients and their human families.” She presented the Woman of the Year with a necklace, framed certificate, and membership in GFWEA.

Dr. Caryl Burns, Mayor Pro Tem of Granite Falls, presented Dr. Glander with a resolution from the Mayor and Town Council. It reads in part, “WHEREAS, Granite Falls Mayor Barry Hayes and members of the Town Council recognize the tremendous contributions of women in the community, their career achievements, and their personal accomplishments; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that I, Mayor Barry Hayes and members of the Granite Falls Town Council go on record honoring DR. DENISE GLANDER AS THE 2016 GRANITE FALLS WOMAN OF THE YEAR.”

GFWEA Treasurer Nancy Martin, who nominated Dr. Glander for the award, echoed Crowder’s sentiments, noting that “She is an outstanding medical professional. Her veterinary hospital has been among the top 3 in this county and was again ranked in the top 3 in 2016. She is a compassionate veterinarian. I know from personal experience because she has cared for my four-legged family members for over 30 years. Dr. Glander is honest with families about difficult decisions that have to be made when she can no longer help your pet, and she cries with you when there are no other choices.”

GFWEA Parliamentarian Trilla Annas also thanked Dr. Glander for care she has given the furry member of her family. Friends and co-workers of the honoree joined in the celebration and expressed tribute to the honoree.

Dr. Glander established her own veterinary hospital in 1997 after working with Dr. John Thuss at Lenoir Veterinary Hospital for almost ten (10) years. She received her training from the University of Georgia (BS in Biology), Washington Hospital Center (Medical Technology Certification), and Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine (DVM). She is a member of the Piedmont Veterinary Medical Association, which she served as president from 1999 to 2001, and of the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association, which she has served as District Representative. She has also served on the Board of Directors of the Caldwell County Chamber of Commerce and on the Caldwell County Board of Health. The award winner has also been a mentor with Community in Schools and participated in career talks. Dr. Glander is an active member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Lenoir, where she has served as the Music Committee Chair, an adult education leader, and member of the Liturgy Committee. She has also been a member of Catholic Daughters of America.

The award winner was a member of the Caldwell Charter Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association. This chapter chose her Woman of the Year in 1999. She was then named one of the Top Ten Women of the Year in 2000 by the National American Business Women’s Association.

The honoree is the daughter of Rosella Glander and the late James Glander.

The Granite Falls Women’s Enrichment Association started recognizing the Granite Falls Woman of the Year Award in 2013, continuing a tradition started in 1983 by its predecessor organization, the Granite Falls Business and Professional Women’s Club. The GFWEA enhances the lives of women by providing personal and professional enrichment opportunities. For more information, go to their website: www.granitefallsweassociation.org.