Date: May 3rd, 5 pm EST/2 pm PST
Cost: There is no fee to graduates, universities, or guests
Register as a Graduate or Guest at: https://tinyurl.com/2020VetSchoolGrad
Dear Veterinary School Graduates of 2020,
We are living in an uncertain and challenging time. Our lives and our profession have been flipped upside down for the coming months, and while veterinary medicine will persist as the valuable and rewarding profession we all know, I fear your formal graduation from student to doctor will come and go before we get back to a state of normalcy. 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 know the importance of recognition for this outstanding accomplishment.
Graduation from student to doctor is a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence, not just for you but for all those who love and support you. It is a celebration of what you have achieved, and it is closure on a formative chapter of your life. It’s an opportunity to look ahead with enthusiasm and to gather last-minute pearls of wisdom before starting a new adventure. It is a show of gratitude for parents, grandparents, siblings, spouses, children and friends who made sacrifices to help you come to this point. Most importantly, it is a time for you to allow yourself to feel genuine pleasure and pride in what you have accomplished.
While events outside of our control may force us into physical isolation, we still have the power to come together socially, consciously and emotionally. We can create a shared experience without being together, and we can accomplish every goal that a graduation ceremony sets out to achieve.
For that reason, I am pleased to invite you, your family, your instructors and your friends to our international College of Veterinary Medicine Virtual Graduation. This event will take place on Sunday, May 3rd at 5 pm EST. There is no fee, and all are welcome. Please invite anyone you wish and share the registration link at the top of this letter with them.
Commencement speakers will include:
Sarah Boston DVM, DVSc, Dipl ACVS, ACVS Founding Fellow of Surgical Oncology – Veterinary surgical oncologist, stand-up comedian, and author of “Lucky Dog: How Being a Veterinarian Saved My Life”
Marie Bucko – Veterinary Student at University of Wisconsin College of Veterinary Medicine and National Student AVMA President
Betsy Charles DVM, MA – Executive Director, Veterinary Leadership Institute and Founder/CEO, RadiologyRules
Carolyn Henry DVM, MS, DACVIM-Oncology – Professor of Oncology and Dean of the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine
Trusten Moore – Graduating Veterinary Student at Western University College of Veterinary Medicine and Singer/Social Media Personality
Sarah Montoya – Veterinary Student at NC State University College of Veterinary Medicine and 2020 National Veterinary Business Management Association President
Andy Roark DVM, MS – Veterinarian and Founder of DrAndyRoark.com and the Uncharted Veterinary Community
Graduates, let me be one of the first to congratulate you on your upcoming completion of veterinary school. Even if the future appears uncertain, please know you have much to celebrate and look forward to. I hope to see you on May 3rd.
Sincerely,
Dr. Andy Roark
