College of Veterinary Medicine graduates Ricky Wagner (left) and Deianira Smith pose for a photo before earning their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees.
University of Arizona President Robert C. Robins (front) stands with College of Veterinary Medicine Dean Julie Funk and the college's first graduating class after the Aug. 24 inaugural commencement ceremony.
College of Veterinary Medicine graduate Sanatana Nez-Coleman takes a selfie with fellow graduates.
The University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine awarded 106 degrees to its inaugural class on Aug. 24 at The Linda Ronstadt Music Hall at the Tucson Convention Center.
Veterinary medicine graduate Arianna Adams was named the student speaker for the College of Veterinary Medicine's inaugural Commencement ceremony.
Placards were given to graduating students after the Commencement ceremony.
College of Veterinary Medicine graduate Audrey Marzan receives her hood during the college's inaugural Commencement ceremony.
A group of College of Veterinary Medicine students pose for photos with friends and family after the college's inaugural Commencement.
University of Arizona history was made Aug. 24 when the College of Veterinary Medicine hosted its inaugural Commencement ceremony. The college awarded Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees to 106 graduates.
The state's first and only public veterinary medicine program, the college launched in 2020 and offers an innovative curriculum designed for students to complete their degree in three years. 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 students with hands-on experience with live animals as early as possible.
"On behalf of the faculty and staff, I want to share how proud we are of your accomplishments," college dean Julie Funk said to students during her speech. "An inaugural class graduation is a special milestone. It fulfills the dreams of the University of Arizona and the many communities, stakeholders and partners that have supported our college on this journey. We are deeply grateful and excited to celebrate this milestone with the entire community, and we cannot wait to see what this inaugural class of Vet Cat veterinarians achieves as you progress in your careers."
University of Arizona President Robert C. Robbins congratulated the graduating students on their accomplishments and thanked them for "paving the way for the University of Arizona to become a leader in veterinary medicine."
"No matter what you go on to do with your lives, I want everyone in this class to remember you know how to keep pressing forward to make the world a better place," Robbins said. "I know you will go on to do amazing things."
As of Commencement, roughly 50% of College of Veterinary Medicine graduates have secured internships or jobs with corporations or private practices.
Photos by Chris Richards/University Communications