The Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine kicked off its academic year with an engaging and exhilarating first week of orientation activities that welcomed new and returning students to campus. BSPH students, MPH students, DVM Students, Master’s students, Ph.D. students, and recently recruited faculty have all been welcomed and oriented during the past week. The week  concluded with the Veterinary Career Expo, which provided a valuable platform for students to connect with potential employers and explore career pathways within the field.

New beginnings

The week began with DVM Orientation, in which new Doctor of Veterinary Medicine students were introduced to the faculty, curriculum, and resources available to help them succeed.  The air was filled with a palpable sense of anticipation and camaraderie among the fresh faces of the incoming class. Through a series of team-building activities, they got to know their peers with whom they'll spend many hours in the next four years.

Students participate in team building activities during orientation week
For Joshua Wiley (left) from Kernersville, NC, the week was about building connections: "It's been wonderful meeting new people and classmates, and building relationships and friendships."
Cathy Santos, the Student American Veterinary Medical Association President and a third-year student, emphasized the importance of the first week, stating, "I love getting to know the new students. It reminds me of when I was a nervous first-year —the first week is quite an experience."
Grace Gaynor (middle), from Montgomery County, MD, expressed, "It's all been really exciting—it's definitely nerve-wracking. But what's awesome is everyone here seems really authentic and so we're all kind of sharing in the same experience. I've really enjoyed it so far."
Students participate in team building activities during orientation week
Sydney Lallier (center left), a Maryland native with a focus on Mixed Animal - Exotics, reflected on the sense of belonging she's experienced, stating, "Getting to meet such like-minded people has really made me feel comfortable, and I'm so excited to get to know everyone a lot better."
Students participate in team building activities during orientation week
Liz Logemann (right), from Delaware and focusing on Food Animal Medicine, highlighted the importance of forming bonds with peers: "I'm excited about a lot of things. I think harboring new friendships here has been a big deal and we've been able to work together. So I'm excited to work with people who I'm now comfortable within my labs."

 

Graduate and undergraduate students in public health and biomedical and veterinary sciences also immersed themselves in the community, exploring and contemplating their future areas of research.

BMVS students spent the day learning about the program and ended the day with a team building exercise in the Grove. The makeup of students included, MS, MS/Resident, PhD, PhD/Resident, and dual DVM/PhD students with a total of approximately 23 students joining us this Fall.

A group photo of the Master of Public Health students.
Master of Public Health students grouped together (literally) during their orientation, having spent the day learning about the college’s commitment to One Health.
A student painting the Virginia Tech logos on rocks.
The newest class of Bachelor of Public Health students came together for a social, fostering connections with faculty and peers.
Public Health students at the college social.
Faculty greeting students at the college social.

Orientation: Not just for students!

Starting fresh along side the Class of 2027 were faculty from areas across the college. These new faces were celebrated at the Faculty Celebration hosted by Dean Dan Givens. The gathering also recognized promotions and honored the contributions of those who retired.

Dean Dan Givens talks with faculty during the faculty celebration event.
Dean Dan Givens and his wife Sherri Givens visit with Phil Sponenberg during the faculty celebration. Sponenberg's recent retirement and service to the college was honored at the event.
From left to right: Jacquelyn Pelzer, Linda Dahlgren, and Jasmine Bryant pose for a photo at the faculty celebration. Dahlgren, recently retired, was honored for her valuable contributions, while Bryant was warmly welcomed as a new faculty member.
Faculty enjoyed refreshments and conversations while celebrating the achievements and new beginnings of their colleagues.

Looking ahead

The week concluded with the Veterinary Career Expo, which provided a valuable platform for students to connect with potential employers and explore career pathways within the field.

Students talking to potential employers at a booth at the veterinary expo.
“We have about 180 exhibitors to meet our students, looking for associate veterinarians, and they’re looking for students that want to participate in externships in their clinics and they are also offering to serve as mentors to our students in their first and second years. It’s great for students because it gives them a convenient venue in which to meet a variety of different practices and veterinarians. It’s never too early to start.” — Jacquelyn Pelzer, Associate Professor of Practice & Assistant Dean of Student Affairs and Admissions, DVM Program
Students talking to potential employers at a booth at the veterinary expo.
Students talking to potential employers at a booth at the veterinary expo.
Students talking to potential employers at a booth at the veterinary expo.

More photos from Orientation Week 2023 can be found in the college photo library!

Visit the Photo Library→