The virtual ceremony video begins with the sun rising over Fort Collins, and Dr. Mark Stetter speaking to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine graduates from the top of Horsetooth Rock. “I wanted to pick this very special place for a very special event, the commencement of the Class of 2020. When I think of sunrise and I think of May and I think of spring, I think of new beginnings, and what a perfect place to recognize and celebrate your transition from college into the real world,” said the dean.
“I want to commend you for following your hearts and dreams. You could have picked any profession, but I can think of none other that is as selfless and truly dedicated to making a positive impact in this world.”
The college streamed the video, which included messages from Dr. Tony Frank, President Joyce McConnell, and Provost Rick Miranda, in a live YouTube premiere on May 15, which allowed the 144 new doctors to celebrate virtually with each other and their families. More than 1,300 people joined in the festivities.
Student speaker Nick Dannemiller spoke from an armchair, delivering a speech filled with humor and gratitude: “From Argus to central supply to pharmacy to animal care, and every service in between, all of you work extremely hard to provide exceptional veterinary care and service to our community, which is why it has been such a privilege to work and learn from each of you this past year.”
Dr. Craig Webb, interim hospital director, acknowledged the strangeness of converting clinical rotations to virtual meetings: “You think we like sitting in our chairs, staring at a computer, interacting with little boxes of faces? No! We actually look forward to spending your fourth year on the clinic floor with you live and in-person. And yet our faculty has transformed the way they deliver veterinary medical education these last couple of months, and I think they have done a tremendous job, really a staggering effort.”
“As veterinarians, we are as qualified as anybody on this planet to understand and to deal with and to explain all sorts of infectious and zoonotic diseases,” Webb said.
“You will be looked at as the calm educated voice for the best practices for dealing with, yes, a pandemic… Is this job essential? Absolutely! You are the ones who will help us get through this pandemic.”
Dr. Tim Holt managed to deliver his signature stories with the same level of energy and scatological hilarity as he has in-person over the years. “Do I wish I could be standing in front of you, to look out and see your eyes and your excitement and your families? Absolutely, but it didn’t turn out that way. But it doesn’t matter, I love all of you.”
Faculty Awards
Dr. Melinda Frye, associate dean for veterinary academic and student affairs, enlisted a couple of extra “deans” (James and Martin) in the presentation of the faculty and student awards.
“I sincerely thank you for all that you have contributed, as individuals, to our program. And for your perseverance and dedication through this pandemic. Experiences from this time will shape your personal and professional life, and I know that you will contribute to our profession in unique and powerful ways,” Frye said.
Zoetis Distinguished Veterinary Teaching Award: Dr. Forgivemore Magunda
Outstanding Equine Instructor: Dr. Luke Bass
Outstanding Livestock Instructor: Dr. Tanya Applegate
Student Chapter American Veterinary Association Outstanding Senior: Dr. Emily Hill
Merck/American Veterinary Medical Foundation Innovation Award: Dr. Elle Holbrook
American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Clinical Excellence: Dr. Nicole Del Pino, Dr. Shannon Lu, and Dr. Kevin Samson
Professional Excellence Award: Dr. Lindsey Henao, Dr. Claire Tovrea, Dr. Robert Buntz, Dr. Marta Karn, and Dr. Amanda Gacioch
Student Awards
American College of Veterinary Anesthesiology Award, Dr. Khursheed Mama: Dr. Danielle Adney and Dr. Shelly Sullivan
DVM/Ph.D. Program Award, presented by Dr. Sue Vandewoude and Dr. Ed Hoover: Dr. Chloe Stenkamp-Strahm
American College of Veterinary Radiology Award, presented by Dr. Lynn Griffin: Dr. Kiera Sztukowski
American Association of Feline Practitioners Award, presented by Dr. Mike Lappin: Dr. Laurel Krause
The Center for Companion Animal Studies Award, presented by Dr. Mike Lappin: Dr. Amy Downey
American College of Veterinary Surgeons Student Surgical Proficiency Award, presented by Dr. Cat MacPhail: Dr. Miguel Hernandez
Gentle Doctor Award, Large Animal Medicine, presented by Dr. Cat MacPhail: Dr. Paige Johnson
Gentle Doctor Award, Small Animal Medicine, presented by Dr. Cat MacPhail: Dr. Melissa Sandate
Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society Award, presented by Dr. Tim Hackett: Dr. Taylor Curley
Excellence in Critical Care Award, presented by Dr. Kristin Zersen: Dr. James Damone
Excellence in Small Animal Urgent Care Award, presented by Dr. Kelly Hall: Dr. Elle Holbrook
Ophthalmology Service Award, presented by Dr. Kathryn Wotman: Dr. Kyle Kline
Excellence in Dermatology Award, presented by Dr. Jennifer Schissler: Dr. Amanda Takiguchi
Bayer Excellence in Communication Award, presented by Dr. Jane Shaw: Dr. Zane Gouker
American Animal Hospital Association Award, presented by Dr. Rebecca Ruch-Gallie: Dr. Bailee Richards
The Sophie Award for Relationship-Centered Care, presented by Dr. Jane Shaw: Drs. Garrett Carrica, Lieu Balu, Jenny Klecka, and Amy Downey
VCS Bob Rosenthal Oncology Student Award, presented by Dr. Sue Lana: Dr. Alana Kuzmik
Ringen Family Award for outstanding dedication and commitment to the field of Veterinary Oncology, presented by Dr. Sue Lana: Dr. Emily Janik
Dentistry Service Award, presented by Dr. Naomi Hoyer: Dr. Jennifer Schefski
Livestock Medicine and Surgery Awards, presented by Dr. Katie Simpson
Livestock Medicine and Surgery Clinical Proficiency Award: Dr. Andy Harding and Dr. Elena Cohen
Dairy Field Service Clinical Proficiency Award: Dr. Erica Sebastyan
Beef Clinical Proficiency Award: Dr. Bryan McDonald
American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners Award: Dr. Heather Davis
Equine Services Awards, presented by Dr. Dean Hendrickson
Equine Reproduction: Dr. Hannah Mcgranahan-Thompson
Surgical Service: Dr. Carissa Brandt
Medical Service: Dr. Mallory Lehman
Ambulatory Service: Dr. Zane Gouker
Emergency Service: Dr. Norine Ornelius-Walsh
Sports Rehabilitation: Dr. Libby Helmer and Dr. Amy Yohe
American College of Veterinary Surgeons Student Surgical Proficiency Award: Dr. Kate Alexander
