Veterinary school celebrated 40th anniversary Sunday

In 1976, the UF College of Veterinary Medicine opened.

On Sunday — 40 years later — the college celebrated its anniversary at a veterinary conference in Orlando.

Sarah Carey, the college’s director of public relations, said about 400 people gathered for the biggest party at the conference. It included cake and a slideshow of the college, which displayed photos from the past and present.

“We brought back as many alumni as we could,” Carey said. “We had three members of the charter class.”

Carey said this was a kick-off celebration before a year of events.

Graduate student Chris Alling believes students can gain insight from the alumni who visit during these events.

“It helps the students get an appreciation for the resources we have,” the 24-year-old said. “It sounds like that the college has grown a lot.”

However, Alling hopes the college doesn’t change too much over time.

“The school has a family atmosphere,” he said. “Everyone in the class knows everyone in the class. I hope that’s something that doesn’t change.”

Carey, who has worked at the veterinary school for more than 25 years, believes this year will have an impact on the students and faculty who participate.

“A key thing is that an anniversary is an opportunity to reflect, not just a party,” Carey said. “It’s a landmark — a milestone.”

Contact Meryl Kornfield at mkornfield@alligator.org and follow her on Twitter @MerylKornfield.