From classrooms to clinics to Commencement, more than 100 students in the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine will conclude their Wildcat journeys next week when they are awarded Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees as members of the college's second graduating class.

"Our graduates have dedicated themselves to their profession, and this group of students is extremely talented," said Julie Funk, dean of the college. "They have spent the last year honing their skills in real-world veterinary practices across the nation, and faculty and staff of the college are so proud of their achievements."

The state's first and only public veterinary medicine program, the college opened its doors in 2020 and graduated its inaugural class last summer. The college's curriculum is designed for students to earn their degree in three years, whereas most veterinary medicine programs in the United States require students to study and train at least four years. The college also uses an active learning approach that focuses on providing hands-on experiences with live animals as early as possible, and partners with veterinary clinics in Arizona and across the country to provide third-year students the opportunity to hone their skills in real-world situations. 

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Students, faculty, staff and invited guests will celebrate the college's second Commencement at Centennial Hall, from 5-7 p.m. on Aug. 22. The event will be streamed live online.

Among those joining in the celebration this year is Nellie Goetz, an associate professor of practice who was selected by the college to participate in the hooding ceremony during Commencement. 

Hooding ceremonies for advanced degrees involve the presentation of academic hoods to the graduates. The hood is draped over students' shoulders and signifies the completion of their degree. Faculty members –   often those who have played a significant role in the students' education – perform the hooding.

Goetz said she is honored to participate in the ceremony. 

"To even be considered for the role feels like an Oscar nomination," she said. "I am just so proud of our students, and it's a huge honor to know that I've made enough of an impact that they wanted me to be a part of their history. That moment is the culmination of a lifetime's worth of work and a huge achievement. It's an incredible, momentous occasion that will stick with them forever and ever. They have really transformed from students into practitioners."

Joining Funk on stage at this year's ceremony will be Alex Ramirez, the college's associate dean for academic programs and faculty affairs; Alberta Arviso, senior engagement officer; Sallianne Schlacks, assistant professor of practice and faculty speaker; and Brittney Skopek, a Class of 2024 graduate and the ceremony's student speaker.

A first-generation student who will soon take her skills and expertise to a privately owned veterinary practice in Oahu, Hawaii, Skopek said she adapted to the challenges of veterinary school and is now ready to aid her soon-to-be community as a "day-one-ready veterinarian."

"The combination of didactic learning and clinical experience helped me gain confidence in myself and confirmed that general practice – caring for small animals and exotics – is where I see myself thriving, especially at this point in my life," Skopek said. "I love fostering relationships with my team and clients and enhancing the human-animal bond."