Greetings!
I hope everyone’s 2025 is off to a great start. It’s hard to believe we are already approaching mid-semester, with spring less than a month away…but here we are. I’d like to recognize all our winners from the recent Superior Accomplishment and CARE Award competitions. I’d like to thank several people from the college who helped with this program, specifically, Shannon Pettit, Wendy Mesa and Sheri Holloway, along with the many folks who wrote supportive nomination letters for their coworkers. I know I join our whole administrative team in saying I am honored to work with so many dedicated and caring professionals from every area of our mission.
Our college community will celebrate several spring traditions in the coming months. The traditional UFCVM Research and Phi Zeta Celebration will take place April 24-25 in the Banfield Room of our Small Animal Hospital. The traditional poster presentation takes place April 24, with competitors in multiple categories. The next day, we’ll have our Top Dog and Best-in-Show competitions and a keynote address from Dr. Mary Robinson, an assistant professor at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine. The title of her talk will be “Tales from the Track: Capitalizing on Advances in Forensic Veterinary Pharmacology to Promote Equine Welfare.” I hope everyone who is able will attend the events on both days to show their support for our seasoned and up-and-coming biomedical researchers, whose work is moving the needle to advance animal and human health.
The college’s annual Open House will be held April 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and I encourage everyone to consider attending; the effort put forth on the part of students, faculty and staff is considerable, and it’s always a great time. Moving to May, the Sophomore Professional Coating Ceremony for the Class of 2027, celebrating completion of the first two years of veterinary school, will be held May 9 at 2 p.m. at the UF Phillips Performing Arts Center. Commencement for the Class of 2024 will be held May 23 at 2 p.m. at the Phillips Center.
Thanks to all of you for everything you’re doing to keep our college vibrant and our goals meaningful. No matter what your role is in our community, the work you’re doing really matters. As we move forward through this semester and beyond, your dedication and commitment continue to inspire and strengthen our entire college community.