Posted May 05, 2017

On May 5, 106 veterinary medical students and 32 veterinary technology students graduated from the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine. Family and friends gathered at the Wharton Center to celebrate the accomplishments and success of the graduates during the commencement ceremonies.

“It is a fantastic day for the College and its new graduates,” said Dr. Julie Funk, associate dean for Academic Programs and Student Success. “Congratulations to the veterinary medicine and veterinary technology Classes of 2017. We are so proud of our graduates and wish them the best in their future endeavors.”

During the DVM commencement ceremony, Dr. Willie Reed was presented the honorary veterinary alumnus award. This award is presented each year to a non-alumnus of the College who has been both distinctive and distinguished in teaching, research, and service. Reed is currently the dean of Purdue University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Prior to his tenure at Purdue, Reed was the director of the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at Michigan State University, as well as the chair of the Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation in the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine.

The College also awarded alumni Dr. Deanna Thornell and Dr. John Weigelt the 2017 CVM Distinguished Alumni Awards. The award is presented to College alumni who have excelled in practice, teaching, research at the local, regional, national, or international levels, and/or organized veterinary medicine.

“Celebrating our alumni is an important milestone for the College each year,” said Funk. “It gives us the opportunity to reflect on our accomplishments and pushes us toward bigger and better things.”

Thornell, a 1981 DVM graduate, is this year’s CVM Distinguished Veterinary Alumna—Practitioner award winner. Thornell is the featured veterinarian on the hit Animal Planet show, Dr. Dee: Alaska Vet. She is a practicing veterinarian in Fairbanks, Alaska, where she has built one of the most advanced veterinary clinics in the state.

Weigelt, a 1970 DVM graduate, is this year’s CVM Distinguished Veterinary Alumnus—Non-Practitioner award winner. Weigelt completed his human medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin in 1974, and has had an accomplished career as a surgeon and educator. He presented a seminar to the College on Friday, May 5 and discussed his distinguished career as an accomplished surgeon and the roles that surgeons play in the safety of US presidents.

Watch the DVM Commencement Ceremony Watch the Veterinary Technology Commencement Ceremony