May/June 2025
Alumni Reunion - June 21 - Register Today!
We’re just one month away from one of our favorite gatherings of the year – our annual Alumni Reunion is June 21, 2025, welcoming back the classes of 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020.

This family-friendly picnic features traditional Wisconsin fare of brats and Babcock ice cream (vegetarian items will also be available). The reunion will be held at the SVM from 11:30am – 2:30pm, with lunch available from 12:00 – 2:00pm. As we navigate ongoing construction of our outdoor spaces, we are waiting to determine the exact location for the reunion. We’re optimistic we may be able to use the new Rooftop Terrace at SVM North but will confirm closer to the event. No matter where we are, we look forward to creating a special and welcoming atmosphere for our alums and encourage you to sign up today!
REGISTER
 
2025 Alumni Awards: Nomination Period Extended
(Image above: Jeffery Zuba (’81 DVM’87), one of two recipients of the 2024 UW School of Veterinary Medicine Alumni Awards, was honored with the SVMAA Distinguished Service Award for his decades of work in zoo and wildlife medicine, international conservation efforts, and leadership in species recovery program).

Do you know an outstanding UW School of Veterinary Medicine graduate? We’ve extended our nomination deadline to June 15, 2025, and encourage you to submit a nomination for a deserving alum. Launched in 2019, the awards recognize alumni who've made significant contributions to society through their veterinary careers, and whose accomplishments and affiliations 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.
SUBMIT A NOMINATION
 
Updates from the Dean's Office
As we look ahead to fall, the SVM is making strong progress on several fronts. In August, we will begin implementation of the new OnWard DVM curriculum, at the same time increasing our class size from 96 to 100. Our strategic planning process continues with draft objectives and results under discussion among faculty, staff, leadership, and key stakeholders. We are on track to finalize the strategic plan by July, and we continue to welcome input from the entire SVM community. Visit the strategic planning website for updates and information.

We’re also advancing important RISE faculty hires, including two foundational science RISE-THRIVE positions and an SVM-funded RISE-AI faculty position. We’re excited to share announcements soon!

Finally, we’re working closely with campus partners to navigate the quickly evolving and uncertain federal funding landscape and continuing to advocate for the critically important research work we do. For ongoing updates about UW–Madison’s federal relations work, click here.
 
WisCARES & Kelly Schultz Featured on Spectrum News 1 Wisconsin
UW School of Veterinary Medicine’s WisCARES clinic (Wisconsin Companion Animal Resources, Education, and Social Services) was recently featured in Spectrum News 1 Wisconsin’s Everyday Hero series, which celebrates individuals and organizations making a difference in their communities. The story focused on Kelly Schultz (’05 MS’11 DVM’15), medical director at WisCARES, along with fourth-year veterinary student Elizabeth Morrow and veterinary assistant Kiera Christiansen. It showed how the team collaborated to help a patient and her beloved dog, Beau, through some recent tough times.

The segment also comes on the heels of a major milestone for WisCARES: a $2.18 million grant from Maddie’s Fund®, a national foundation dedicated to improving the well-being of companion animals. This transformative funding will support clinic expansion, enhance services for pet owners in need, increase student training opportunities, and more. Watch/read the full story here.
 
Alums Among SVM Faculty Representing School at
UW-Madison Day at the Capitol
The SVM was well represented at UW-Madison Day at the State Capitol at the end of April, an excellent opportunity to showcase the impact that research discoveries from the SVM have on our state. Keith Poulsen (’00 DVM’04 PhD’12; Department of Medical Sciences; director, Wisconsin Diagnostic Veterinary Laboratory) led a flash talk on “What UW-Madison Does to Protect Wisconsin Agriculture from Avian Flu (H5N1)” and Lisa Arendt (’98 DVM’02 PhD’07; Department of Comparative Biosciences) did the same on the topic of “Obesity and Breast Cancer: Fuel for the Fire.”
 
SVM Family Mourns Dr. Ken Nordlund
Many of you know Dr. Ken Nordlund, who headed the SVM’s Food Animal Production Medicine group and cemented its international reputation for excellence during his time at UW, before retiring as Emeritus Professor in 2014. He was an exceptional individual, loved by family, friends, and colleagues. He fought cancer bravely for six years before he passed on Thursday, May 15. The SVM family will miss him greatly.
 
New SVM Job Board -
Find Jobs, Externships, & More All in One Place!
Looking for your next step after graduation or a new opportunity in the field? The SVM has launched a new job board designed to support students and alumni at every stage of their careers. Created in partnership with YM Careers, the AVMA, and the Veterinary Career Communities network, the platform features full-time, part-time, externship, and fellowship positions, along with career development tools and resources. Users can upload a resume/CV to boost visibility among top veterinary employers and apply directly through the SVM board or the broader AVMA network. Explore the new platform here.
 
New Clinical Study: Feline Interstitial Cystitis (FIC)
Does your cat struggle with painful urination, urinating outside the litter box, or frequent bathroom trips? They might be living with feline interstitial cystitis (FIC), a common condition that can seriously affect their comfort and well-being. UW Veterinary Care is launching a new clinical study to explore whether monthly injections of Solensia, paired with simple home environment changes, can help reduce these symptoms. All participating cats will receive a free screening exam, including bloodwork, a urine test, and an ultrasound. Monthly check-ins will continue for six months at no cost.

If your cat has experienced an episode of FIC in the last six months and other causes have been ruled out, we’d love to hear from you. Fill out the eligibility survey here and view the study flyer for more details, or contact our Clinical Studies team at ficstudy@vetmed.wisc.edu or 608-890-3484.
 
Special Offer for Alumni on School of Business
Professional Development Programs
Did you know… as a UW-Madison alum, you’re eligible for a 5% discount on professional development programs from the Wisconsin School of Business Center for Professional & Executive Development (CPED)? Whether you're looking to refine or refresh your leadership and management skills, improve business operations, or drive business growth, CPED’s programs provide practical, real-world insights and strategies to help you grow in your career. Learn more about the alumni discount and explore upcoming programs.
 
Upcoming Events
June 21, 11:30am – 2:30pm
Alumni Reunion
Classes of 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, 2020
(Exact location TBD)

July 18, 7:00 – 9:00pm
AVMA Alumni Reception
Washington, DC
BeerLab DC at the Marriot Marquis

For information and registration for the July 18 reception, please contact Kristi Thorson at kristi.thorson@wisc.edu or 608-265-9692.
 
 
 
 
 
School of Veterinary Medicine
 
 
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN–MADISON
2015 Linden Drive  |  Madison, WI 53706
www.vetmed.wisc.edu
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