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Act of kindness unites the College of Veterinary Medicine

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Being treated to lunch can brighten anyone’s day, and when a complete stranger is behind such a gesture it’s even more powerful. Thanks to the generosity of a few special donors, the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) provided 500 meals to feed busy essential faculty and staff while on the job.

When CVM implemented social distancing practices, that meant fewer employees at many of the facilities which require people to function. Simultaneously, local veterinary clinics slowed their practices and referred their patients to UGA’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital instead. These factors increased the workload on faculty and staff significantly. It became impossible for these essential workers to take time for lunch off-campus.

When CVM’s Development and Alumni Relations team learned of this hardship, they quickly assembled with Dean Nolan’s fervent support to align donors’ desire to help with the need to support the front line. Thoughtful donors of the College of Veterinary Medicine rose to the challenge and provided the funds for 500 hot meals for the essential workers across many locations: the Athens CVM Diagnostic Lab, the Poultry Diagnostic and Research Center, the Tifton campus Diagnostic Lab, and the Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

This gesture not only guaranteed these critical faculty and staff a good meal on the job, it also lifted their spirits and showed that generosity is a defining trait of a Bulldog. “Thank you to our donors for taking care of us,” said Dr. Joseph Bartges, professor of medicine and nutrition at the CVM’s Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery. “Go Dawgs!”

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UGA Vet Med essential workers getting lunch
UGA Vet Med essential workers getting lunch
UGA Vet Med essential workers getting lunch
UGA Vet Med essential workers getting lunch
UGA Vet Med essential workers getting lunch
UGA Vet Med essential workers getting lunch
UGA Vet Med essential workers getting lunch

“Providing a warm meal to our faculty and staff, though a small gesture, has meant the world to everyone involved,” said Mallory Moye, of CVM’s Development and Alumni Relations team. “We’ve truly come together, across both campuses, in this time of need to give back to those serving on our front line and to show our appreciation. In the process, we’ve also supported local restaurant businesses impacted by the pandemic.”

If you are interested in supporting the College of Veterinary Medicine during this time through scholarships, equipment, research opportunities, and other essential needs, you may do so by giving to the College of Veterinary Medicine Support Fund.

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UGA Vet Med alumni step up to welcome 2020 grads to the profession

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Like all UGA schools and colleges, the 2020 College of Veterinary Medicine convocation did not happen in person this month. So, in an effort to celebrate these new DVMs (Doctors of Veterinary Medicine), Vet Med enlisted the help of 65 alumni to send hand-written congratulatory notes to each new graduate, and to share fun videos.

There was a delightful welcome from Sugar Hill Animal Hospital (see photo above), featuring West Hamryka (DVM ’90), Kristie Johansen (DVM ’12), Jonathan Bentley (DVM’13), Jennifer Schuler (BSA ’04, DVM ’07) and Layne Doggett (BSA ’12, DVM ’18). Unfortunately, we can’t share it here since it features copyrighted music, but here are some  of the other creations developed by proud UGA alumni:

Beyond these messages of encouragement, all of Vet Med’s alumni have been supportive of their alma mater since UGA transitioned to online courses. Check out this stirring “finish strong” message from Trey Callahan (DVM ’19).

Are you a UGA College of Veterinary Medicine graduate interested in supporting students, faculty or fellow alumni during these trying times? Email Ellen Sims, CVM’s assistant director of alumni relations.