Today, December 3, 2019, the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine is participating in Give Green Day, an annual event for colleges and groups across campus to raise money for scholarships and other funds.

“Give Green Day is a great opportunity for the College community to show its support for veterinary medical education and the important work that our veterinary alumni perform every single day,” says Tim Stedman, senior director of Development and Alumni Relations for the College.

Scholarships are the fundraising priority for the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine, as they are key for the efficacy and longevity of both the College and its students. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the average student debt for veterinary school graduates was $143,757.82 in 2016; more than 20 percent of graduates with debt had debt loads of at least $200,000. This is why scholarships are key in providing financial support to veterinary medical students; every $1 in scholarships replaces $2 in loan payments.

“Scholarships are especially important to our College because they help our students focus on what they’re here to do—become veterinarians,” says Birgit Puschner, dean for the College. “Because of the educational debt affecting veterinary medicine students on a national scale, this added support is pivotal for our students’ educational experience and for helping to make veterinary medicine a personally, professionally, and financially rewarding profession.”

Donors who choose to support the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine on Give Green Day will have an added bonus; donations of up to $7,500 in total will be matched by Dr. George Eyster and Dr. Janet Eyster. The College thanks the Eyster’s sincerely for their leadership support.

To support the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine’s Give Green Day efforts, please visit the Give Green Day website.