2026 alumni reunion: Have you registered yet?
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June 27, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
UW Vet Med courtyard
2015 Linden Dr., Madison, WI 53706
While all alumni are invited to the event,
we will be celebrating the classes of
1991, 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011, 2016, and 2021.
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Become an SVM Alumni Association member today
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The School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM) continues to build on our tradition of excellence. Being part of our legacy also gives you an important role in how we shape the future of the veterinary medical profession and train the next generation of veterinarians and scientists.
Your SVM Alumni Association (SVMAA) is the place to come together to connect, learn, grow, and give back – all in support of our mission to advance animal and human health with science and compassion. Member benefits include:
- Invitations to special events such as the annual Dean’s gathering (in-person or online each September)
- A chance to contribute to virtual membership meetings every other month
- Opportunities to connect with other alumni, current students, faculty & staff, and the campus community
- A special SVMAA medallion for first-time members who make a gift of $60 or more
Alumni who support any SVM fund at the UW Foundation — such as our general fund or one of our student scholarship funds — will be automatically enrolled. You can also sign up to receive member communications with no gift required. Click the button below to choose your path to get connected with the SVM and fellow alumni.
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Nomination deadline approaching for
2026 SVM Alumni Achievement Awards
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Do you know an outstanding UW School of Veterinary Medicine graduate? Nominate them for an SVM Alumni Achievement Award by June 1. Launched in 2019, the awards recognize fellow alumni who've made significant contributions to society, and whose accomplishments, affiliations, and careers honor the legacy of excellence at the school. Three award categories provide opportunities for alumni of both the DVM and graduate degree programs to be recognized.
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A list of previous honorees can be found here.
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Save the date: July 10 AVMA alumni reception
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Are you attending AVMA Convention 2026 in Anaheim, California? You’re invited to join us for an alumni reception hosted by the UW School of Veterinary Medicine.
Event details
Friday, July 10
7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Roy’s Restaurant
321 W Katella Ave
Anaheim, CA 92802
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Seeking mentors for Alumni-Student Mentorship Program
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The SVM is seeking alumni to participate in the school’s Alumni-Student Mentorship Program. The program connects current students with alumni who share the UW-Madison DVM experience. Our goal is to identify mentors who represent a multitude of backgrounds, interests, and identities who will offer their time and expertise to help mentees prepare for their future as veterinary medical professionals.
Being a mentor can be a benefit both professionally and personally. Participating in this program can help to:
- Strengthen ties with the SVM community
- Engage and shape the future of the veterinary medical workforce in an informal yet rewarding way
- Stay up to date on the changing interests and concerns of current DVM students, which can help to gain new perspectives and inform other areas of work
- Enhance professional identity
Additional information about the program and expectations for mentors can be found here.
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Legislative update: Governor approves rural veterinary loan program
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Above: For the bill signing, Gov. Tony Evers was joined by several representatives from the SVM, WVMA, and other partner organizations: SVM Associate Dean for Advancement, Strategy and Operations Kristi Thorson; SVM faculty member and WVMA Board President-elect Rebecca Johnson (MS’97 PhD’02); WVMA Board President Brian Darkow (DVM’11); WVMA Executive Director Jo-ell Carson; WVMA senior student representative Joie Haines (DVMx’27); the bill’s lead author, Rep. Joel Kitchens; and members of the Ag Coalition, among others.
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A plan that could provide game-changing financial assistance for some veterinary medical students and recent graduates in Wisconsin is now law. Gov. Tony Evers codified the program in April, signing legislation that offers up to $100,000 in student loan repayments for veterinarians employed in designated rural counties, helping tackle provider shortages while providing students significant financial assistance. The UW Vet Med community extends its thanks to the Ag Coalition and WVMA, as well as campus partners, for their work to get this program approved.
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Through the program, fourth-year DVM students and veterinarians who have graduated in the past seven years (from the UW School of Veterinary Medicine or other accredited schools) would be eligible for the repayments, so long as they meet the following criteria:
- Be employed in (or will be employed in) designated rural counties for at least a year.
- Spend at least 50% of their time caring for farm animals.
In exchange, the state would provide $25,000 in loan repayments annually for up to four years.
While the program is now state law, a key hurdle remains: There is not currently funding to support the loan repayments. Rep. Joel Kitchens, who sponsored the legislation, told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel he expects funding for the program to be included in the next state budget. Lawmakers will take up that spending plan in summer 2027.
We will continue to provide updates on this important issue as well as other related topics as they arise.
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Save the date: Alumni tailgate on Sept. 19 (tentative)
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Mark your calendars (tentatively – confirmation to come) for Saturday, Sept. 19!
Join us for one of our favorite days of the year: Our annual alumni tailgate. We hope to see you there for a day of connection and celebration as the Wisconsin Badgers take on the Eastern Michigan Eagles (kickoff time TBD).
Additional details about registration and ticket information will be shared in the coming months.
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Wanted: Input on potential WVC Nashville reception
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We are considering expanding our alumni reception calendar to include a brand-new destination. While we traditionally host popular gatherings at AAEP in December, VMX in January, and WVC Las Vegas in February/March, we are looking ahead to the inaugural WVC Nashville (Aug. 15–18, 2026).
Since this is the first year of the Nashville conference, we want to see if our SVM community will be represented. Are you planning to attend? If so, would you be interested in joining us for an alumni reception?
Your feedback will help us decide if we should be present in the Music City. To share your plans or express interest, please contact Kristi Thorson at kristi.thorson@wisc.edu or (608) 265-9692.
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