Veterinary college Open House — a day of discovery, dedication, and delight

What happens when you combine nearly 1,000 curious visitors, dedicated veterinary students, and a menagerie of animals on a sunny spring day? 

You get the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine (VMCVM) Open House — bigger and better than ever this year, with activities spilling from classrooms to courtyards across our veterinary campus. 

Sparking curiosity, one activity at a time

On Saturday, April 19, the VMCVM campus transformed into an interactive playground of veterinary discovery. 

Student volunteers in maroon shirts — giving up part of their Easter weekend to share what they love — guided visitors through a remarkable array of experiences. From extracting strawberry DNA in laboratories to watching horseshoe crafting demonstrations, each activity opened a window into the fascinating world of veterinary medicine.

Families moved from station to station, discovering they couldn't possibly see everything in one visit. Children peered through microscopes, carefully bandaged teddy bears, and created colorful crafts while learning about animal anatomy and care. 

The energy was infectious, with veterinary and public health students, faculty and staff explaining complex concepts in ways that made science accessible and exciting for all ages.

Stars of the show — animals and mascots

No veterinary event would be complete without animals, and they took center stage throughout the day. 

The impressive Clydesdale horses drew admiring crowds, while locally owned sheep delighted children, many of whom had never been so close to farm animals before. The specially trained Virginia Tech Police Department K9s demonstrated their skills to captivate audiences, showing how these remarkable animals serve our community. 

The Hokie Bird proved to be a sensation, drawing crowds wherever it appeared. Children and adults alike lined up for photos, high-fives, and hugs with Virginia Tech's beloved mascot. Meanwhile, the egg hunt created a flurry of activity across the lawn as children dashed with baskets in hand, hunting for treasures hidden in the grass — a simple joy that became one of the day's most memorable activities.

Learning through experience

What made the Open House truly special was how it transformed education into adventure. 

The inflatable colon walkthrough turned public health education into a memorable journey. The painted horses showing internal anatomy gave visitors X-ray vision without special glasses. The farrier demonstrations connected modern veterinary science to age-old crafts that still protect animal health today. 

Inside classrooms and labs, visitors got behind-the-scenes access to normally off-limits facilities, where future veterinarians showcased specialized tools and techniques. 

Visitors got behind-the-scenes access to facilities normally closed to the public, seeing firsthand where the next generation of veterinary professionals are trained. Information tables provided guidance for prospective students, while merchandise booths offered VMCVM-branded souvenirs to remember the day. 

The heart behind the Open House

What the photos can't fully capture is the dedication behind this event. Faculty, staff and students spent weeks planning demonstrations. Facilities and staff coordinated logistics across multiple buildings and outdoor spaces. Most impressively, student volunteers gave up their holiday weekend to share their knowledge and enthusiasm with visitors.

The question by day's end was who had more fun — the visitors discovering veterinary medicine for the first time, or the VMCVM community sharing their passion with eager minds. From the smiles visible on faces throughout our campus, it seems the joy was equally shared. 

As visitor after visitor departed with VMCVM merchandise, informational brochures, and heads full of new knowledge, the large "THANK YOU" sign on our hillside seemed to speak both from and to everyone involved. Our thanks to Banfield Pet Hospital, Merck Animal Health and Coca-Cola for sponsoring this celebration of veterinary medicine, and to every visitor who made the day unforgettable.

For those already looking forward to next year's event — we are too!