Fourth-year veterinary students whose spring graduations were unceremoniously canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic will be recognized and celebrated May 3 during the College of Veterinary Medicine Virtual Graduation.
Organized by South Carolina veterinarian Andy Roark, DVM, MS, the online event will present an assortment of commencement speakers.
“While events outside of our control may force us into physical isolation, we still have the power to come together socially, consciously and emotionally,” Dr. Roark wrote in an online invitation. “We can create a shared experience without being together, and we can accomplish every goal that a graduation ceremony sets out to achieve.”
Graduation from veterinary school is “a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence,” Dr. Roark said.
“I fear our fourth-year veterinary students, who have worked so hard for so long, may see their formal graduation from student to doctor come and go before we get back to a state of normalcy,” he said. “As someone who struggled mightily with the rigors of veterinary school, and who felt deep and lasting pride at achieving the title of doctor, I feel strongly that our community should make an effort to recognize this outstanding accomplishment.”
The College of Veterinary Medicine Virtual Graduation will take place at 5 p.m. EDT May 3. Graduates and guests are asked to register by April 29 at https://bit.ly/3beAW1E.
The commencement speakers include Dr. Roark and:
- Veterinary surgical oncologist, comedian and author Sarah Boston, DVM, DVSc, DACVS.
- University of Wisconsin veterinary student and national Student AVMA President Marie Bucko.
- Veterinary Leadership Institute executive director and Western University of Health Sciences assistant professor Betsy Charles, DVM, MA.
- University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine dean Carolyn Henry, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Oncology).
- Western University of Health Sciences graduating veterinary student Trusten Moore.
- National Veterinary Business Management Association president and North Carolina State University veterinary student Sarah Montoya.
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