The Jade Jackals, OVC Class of 2022, were officially welcomed to the University of Guelph’s Ontario Veterinary College and the veterinary profession on Saturday, September 22.
Hundreds of family, friends and veterinary mentors, along with representatives from OVC, the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA),OVC Alumni Association (OVCAA), College of Veterinarians of Ontario (CVO), and the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CMVA), joined the class for the Professional Welcome Ceremony, which marks their entry into the four-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program.
“This ceremony recognizes the point that this class formally joins the veterinary profession as our student veterinarian colleagues,” said Dr. Peter Conlon, OVC Associate Dean, Students, in words of welcome to the ceremony. The Jade Jackals have now joined an unbroken chain of more than 11,000 who have been students at OVC and “you, family members, friends and mentors are joining the hundreds of thousands of people who have helped them each reach their goal.”
The Professional Welcome Ceremony is hosted by OVC with the support of the CVO, the CVMA, the OVMA and the OVCAA. Student veterinarians receive a lab coat from the CVMA, a stethoscope from the OVMA, and a portfolio from the CVO. The OVC Alumni Association also places ‘words of wisdom’ from alumni in the pocket of each lab coat.
“This is a great time for personal and professional growth for you over the next four years,” said OVC Dean Jeff Wichtel. “Rely both on us to help you get there but also rely on each other because each of you come with a life experience and talents and skills that will be valuable. The friends and relationships and opportunities and experiences you have here in the next four years will sustain you for an entire career.”
For more on the event, see OVC’s Instagram or watch the video.