NORTH GRAFTON, Mass. (May 13, 2020)—Students of New England’s only veterinary school have shown their incredible strength of community amidst the extraordinary challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, these students will come together virtually on Sunday, May 17, at 3pm, to celebrate Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University’s 38th Commencement, which will be marked by speeches, awards and presentation of degrees. The 131 graduating students possess a range of skill sets that will prove critical in the wake of the pandemic—including those studying veterinary medicine and infectious disease and global health.
Attendees will be welcomed by Cummings School Dean Alastair Cribb, followed by a greeting from John H. de Jong, university trustee and member of Cummings School board of advisors. The student speakers are Ezra Frager, candidate for doctor of veterinary medicine degree, and Jacqueline Buckley, candidate for master of science in conservation medicine.
Melissa Mazan, professor of clinical sciences, and Akram Da’darah, associate professor of infectious disease and global health, will give the faculty addresses. Dean Cribb will close the ceremony by administering the traditional Veterinarian’s Oath.
An in-person celebration for Cummings School graduates will be planned for a later date when it is safe to do so. And the university will hold a separate, in-person Commencement ceremony for all of its schools at a future date when large gatherings are permissible.
The commencement exercises will celebrate the accomplishments of 92 doctor of veterinary medicine candidates, some of whom have earned additional degrees:
- seven will also receive a master of public health; and
- four will also receive a master of science.
Cummings School will graduate one Ph.D. student, 10 students earning a master of science in animals and public policy; 16 students earning a master of science in conservation medicine; and 12 students earning a master of science in infectious disease and global health.
Marieke Rosenbaum, assistant professor of infectious disease and global health, and Lisa G. Barber, associate professor of clinical sciences, will be honored with the Zoetis Animal Health awards for distinguished teaching and research excellence, respectively.
The ceremony will also feature the presentation of the Artemis Award, which recognizes clinical excellence. This year’s award will be given to Rachael Gately, clinical assistant professor of environmental and population health. Yuki Nakayama, V14, volunteer at Tufts at Tech Community Clinic, will be the recipient of the school’s Henry E. Childers, D.V.M., Award, which is given to a member of our extended community who has made extraordinary contributions to educating veterinary students.
The Cummings School Commencement ceremony will be streamed online at 3p.m. Media interested in watching the live stream must contact the Office of Media Relations to obtain credentials.
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About Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University
Founded in 1978 in North Grafton, Mass., Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University is internationally esteemed for academic programs that impact society and the practice of veterinary medicine; seven teaching hospitals and clinics that combined log more than 100,000 animal cases each year; and groundbreaking research that benefits animal, human, and environmental health.
