Veterinary college welcomes Class of 2016 with new and upgraded facilities
The Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine’s latest cohort of students will begin its four-year training to become veterinarians this month in new instructional and laboratory spaces that give the college a sleek, modern look.
“We are excited to welcome the Class of 2016 during this time of change and growth for the college,” said Dr. Jennifer Hodgson, associate dean for professional programs at the veterinary college. “The new Veterinary Medicine Instruction Addition, along with renovated classrooms and laboratories, will let our new and returning students pursue their professional training in a contemporary and attractive environment.”
The $14.1 million, 30,000-square-foot Veterinary Medicine Instruction Addition broke ground last summer and will be finished by mid-August. It includes a state-of-the-art clinical techniques laboratory for second- and third-year veterinary students as well as new faculty offices, student seminar space, and small conference areas.
“The new building provides the teaching and learning spaces necessary for a world-class Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program,” added Dr. Gerhardt Schurig, dean of the veterinary college. “We take pride in our students and are working to make sure that we provide the best education and afford the best opportunities to them.”
With 126 students on its roster, the Class of 2016 is the veterinary college’s largest class. These students will arrive on campus on Monday, Aug. 20 for a week-long orientation that culminates in a “white coat” ceremony on Friday, Aug. 24 at noon.
First-, second-, and third-year veterinary students will start classes on Monday, Aug. 27. Fourth-year students began 12 months of clinical rotations earlier this spring.
The college will hold a grand opening for the new Veterinary Medicine Instruction Addition on Friday, Oct. 19 at 2 p.m. This event will also celebrate the completion of the $10.5 million, 16,000-square-foot Infectious Disease Research Facility, which opened last November, and the renovation of the Multi-Disciplinary Lab, which took place this summer.
