2024 Calendar
2024 Tracks Calendar
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Calendar Stories
January: Giving back
Joanne Griffin and Michael Bosch Van Drakenstein have a lifelong passion for animals, saving as many rescues as they could throughout their life. When faced with the need to select a beneficiary for their estate, creating a full-ride scholarship for a veterinary student at their state’s veterinary college turned out to be the perfect option for their legacy.
“My dream of being a veterinarian did not happen, but hopefully by giving back to the veterinary college it will make it possible for other students to achieve their goals and dreams.”
-Joanne Griffin, VMCVM supporter
February: Honoring Max
Mike Carey knew from his first appointment with the ophthalmology team that his dog, Max, was in the best hands possible. The level of care he received inspired Mike to join our founders’ wall for the expansion of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, honoring two of the key members of Max’s medical team.
“I’ve been fortunate in my life, and like to share some of the success I’ve had to further causes I believe in.”
March: Scholarship
Stantons' full-tuition scholarship gift makes veterinary college possible for Diana Lemus, Class of 2026, recipient of the Michael and Jennifer Stanton Family Pet Scholarship.
“My scholarship allows me the privilege of enjoying veterinary school and being a veterinary student. After many months of stress, I am at a place of peace — where I have the privilege of just focusing on school and this scholarship motivates me to do my very best.”
April: Fureina rides on
Fureina, an 11-year old Dutch Warmblood show jumper, presented at the Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center with recurrent lameness in September 2021. Through the medical guidance of Dr. Jennifer Barrett, both with hospitalized care and a comprehensive rehabilitation plan at home, Fureina was able to get back in the ring and reach her owner’s goal of qualifying for the Washington International Horse Show.
“When Fureina re-entered the show ring at the end of the spring and heard the buzzer go, her joy of life returned. She sprang back to life and it was evident at her first show that her physical and mental state was better than ever.”
- Christin Jonas, Fureina’s owner
May: Mona Lisa making smiles
When Rebecca Davis’ cat, Mona Lisa, was diagnosed with cancer, her heart sank. In addition to the emotional toll this news takes, the financial burden left Rebecca in an impossible position unsure if she would be able to afford the cancer treatment. Thankfully, Petco Love has provided funding every year to the Animal Cancer Care and Research Center to partially or fully cover costs for animal owner’s in this exact situation. After treatment from veterinary radiation oncologist Ilektra Athanasiadi, Mona Lisa is officially in remission.
“We were very thankful for Petco Love. We almost cried, it was so nice. Petco Love is a good organization that helps a lot of animals, a lot of fur babies.”
June: Eye tissue from one dog used to save another
The night before Susie Q’s scheduled surgery to remove a tumor in her eye, another dog at the hospital lost an eye that was unable to be reinserted. Among this sad news, the only silver lining was that the eye had viable corneal tissue that could be used to enhance Susie Q’s surgical outcome. With compassionate care funding helping offset the cost of the donor dog’s bill, Susie Q’s new lease on life was truly a community effort.
“They did an amazing job,” Jim DePierro, Susie Q’s owner, said. “Virginia Tech has been fabulous. I never thought that anyone would take the time to save her eye.”
July: Upgraded care
Without surgical intervention, so many of our beloved horses would not have the opportunity to live their fullest life. Equipping our surgical suites at the Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center with the best technologies is key to providing the best care for the community. Thanks to an estate gift from a client and generous support from Teressa Beier, a physician to humans, the EMC now has upgraded two key pieces of equipment that provide better visibility and diagnostic capabilities for our surgeons.
“This equipment plays a significant role in many orthopedic surgical procedures performed at the EMC.”
-Norris Adams, Clinical Associate Professor of Equine Surgery
August: Expanding opportunities
Avid Hokies Rita and Bill Thornton have supported the college since its inception, and have been donating to other areas of Virginia Tech for even longer. Due to Bill’s involvement in horse racing, they connected with the mission of the veterinary college and decided to name two spaces in the teaching hospital, with the proceeds supporting the Veterinary Teaching Hospital Expansion.
“I was so amazed at how research at the veterinary college was done not just for animals, but for the benefit of humans too. I had never given it much thought, but once we got connected to the college we were compelled to contribute towards such an impactful mission.”
-Rita Thornton, VMCVM supporter
September: Breeder support
Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) is an inherited progressive heart disease that affects up to 45 percent of Doberman Pinschers. Screening for DCM is costly and time-consuming, so our cardiology team started research to test a new technique to diagnose this disease in a more accessible way. When news that the study might not be able to continue without the purchase of new equipment, Doberman breeders and owners banded together to donate the funds to move forward with this important project.
“Without the addition of the three new Holter monitors, it would not have been feasible to continue the study. These donations are allowing us to work towards a better life for Doberman Pinchers and other large breed dogs commonly affected by this disease.”
- Giulio Menciotti, assistant professor of cardiology
October: Supporting residents
When Carroll Stephens and John Havran’s dog fell ill, they were fortunate to have the professional expertise of Bente Flatland, a resident in small animal medicine at the time, throughout the difficult treatment process. This experience inspired them to create an endowed scholarship in Bente’s name supporting a resident at the college each year. This year’s recipient, Kayla Fowler, was particularly touched when she received this scholarship as she was taught by Bente Flatland while she was earning her DVM.
“We were so profoundly impressed not only with the quality of care, but the humane aspect of it. We are pleased to have been able to create the Bente Flatland Resident Award which honors one of my dearest friends.”
- Carroll Stephens, donor for the Bente Flatland Resident Award
November: Care for clinical trials
A unique feature of the Animal Cancer Care and Research Center is the ability to take successful clinical research treatments for animals and translate that into improved treatments options for humans as well. For Steve Michael, the clinical trial for glioblastoma, a rare and deadly brain cancer, is the focus of his support. Having lost his wife to glioblastoma, he is dedicated to help cure this disease and sees the amazing potential this trial poses for the future.
“I focus my giving on areas I’m passionate about – I hope my support propels the college forward and ultimately helps cure glioblastoma.”
- Steve Michael ’73 and VMCVM supporter
December: Saving Waterford
Waterford, a Cleveland Bay, was Steffanie Burgevin’s first homebred foal. When Waterford developed a rare disease that did not respond to treatment at the Marion duPont Equine Medical Center, Nat White, professor of surgery, asked Steffanie to allow him a few more days to try a medication compounded, based on his research, specifically for the foal. After three days Waterford began to improve, and he would grow up to be a wonderful horse — tremendously athletic with a great heart.
“Waterford was the first of many horses I would bring to EMC. They are vitally important to our equine community, which is why I have made EMC a beneficiary in my will.”
Looking back at the past...
History of Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine
Established in 1978, the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine is focused on the development and delivery of a One Health education, integrating multidisciplinary research and educational opportunities that provide healthcare solutions for animals, people, and communities.
1979
Foundation groundbreaking using a genuine 19th-century plow donated by a local farmer.
1980
Two founding documents signed by Virginia and Maryland governors and Virginia Tech and University of Maryland presidents created the first regional veterinary college.
1981
Groundbreaking for the Equine Medical Center in Leesburg, Virginia, made possible by a $4,000,000 gift from Marion duPont Scott.
1984
The first Doctor of Veterinary Medicine class graduated in Lane Stadium.
1987
Dedication of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Groundbreaking for the University of Maryland Gudelsky Center.
1991
A new college logo was designed to signify veterinary medicine in Virginia and Maryland.
1992
Groundbreaking for Phase IV of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital.
1996
Dedication of the Richard B. Talbot Educational Resource Center.
2005
The 25th anniversary of the college was celebrated by the dedication of the first sculpture at the college entitled “Running Together.” It was the first major piece of statuary at Virginia Tech.
2010
The college in collaboration with the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine offers a new Master of Public Health degree program, the first such accredited program in a US veterinary college.
2012
The Veterinary Medical Instructional Addition (VMIA) is completed. Now the new home of the Center for Public and Corporate Veterinary Medicine.
2020
The Animal Cancer Care and Research Center opened in Roanoke, Virginia.