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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
COMMEMORATING THE LIFE AND MEMORY OF THE ADMINISTRATOR OF ANIMAL AND RABIES CONTROL, DONNA M. ALEXANDER, VMD
WHEREAS, Dr. Donna M. Alexander was born in East Orange, New Jersey on October 24, 1956; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Alexander received her undergraduate and Veterinariae Medicinae Doctoris degree from the University of Pennsylvania; and
WHEREAS, while at the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Alexander was the winner of the New Bolton Esquire Award (1982), was published in the Journal of Biochemistry (1978) and Journal of Animal Behavior (1982); and
WHEREAS, Dr. Alexander helped catapult a historic decrease in animal euthanasia while previously working at Chicago Animal Care and Control from 1989 to 1999; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Alexander, a true advocate who dedicated her life’s work in the caring of all animals, began her Cook County career in 2007; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Alexander supported the mission of the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) and recognized the role of wildlife in the maintenance and dissemination of disease; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Alexander utilized real time field information in collaboration with the Forest Preserves and other agencies to make informed policy decisions benefitting the health of people and companion animals in Cook County; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Alexander used wildlife information to integrate public health and utilized wildlife as biomonitors to inform physicians as to the presence of disease and/or vectors; and
WHEREAS, the Forest Preserves’ work with Dr. Alexander resulted in required leptospirosis vaccinations for dog park users, as well as rabies vaccinations and registration of all cat colonies; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Alexander facilitated a “Health One” approach to issues of human/companion animal/wildlife health, and supported the use of telemetry and genetic modeling research methods to address environmental health questions; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Alexander was a voracious reader, avid Scrabble and Jeopardy player, an excellent cook that liked to prepare exotic meals from different ethnic groups, and was famously known for wearing socks that depicted animals; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Alexander passed away on May 29th, 2018 and has rejoined her sister Joyce Alexander Walker; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Alexander is survived by her mother Kathryn Edna Alexander; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Alexander was an integral partner to the Forest Preserves and will be sorely missed by colleagues, friends, family and all the animals throughout Cook County; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Forest Preserves of Cook County Board of Commissioners commemorate the life of Dr. Donna M. Alexander, and herewith expresses its sincere gratitude for the contributions she has made to the citizens and animals, both domestic and wild, of Cook County, Illinois; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this Resolution be spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body and that an official copy of the same be tendered to the family of Dr. Donna M. Alexander.
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