First Veterinarians Graduate from Western University –University Presents Honorary Degree to Actress Betty White
The College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) at Western University of Health
Sciences will reach its most significant milestone -to date- as it awards
81 Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degrees to the members of its
charter class on May 11, 2007. Award-winning actress Betty White will
join CVM in this landmark celebration as the commencement speaker; she
also will be awarded an honorary degree from the college – the Doctor of
Humane Veterinary Sciences- in recognition of her decades of work to
promote animal welfare with the Morris Animal Foundation and the Los
Angeles Zoo.
In August 2003, the CVM admitted its charter class, making the college
the 28th veterinary medicine program in the United States, the second in
California and the first of its kind in Southern California. It was the
first veterinary college to open in the nation in more than 20 years, and
the first founded by a woman, Dean Shirley Johnston.
The college uses small group, problem-based, learning to promote
development of lifelong learning, communications and teamwork skills in
its students. Because of its ‘reverence for life’, the college does not
kill or harm animals in its educational programs; anatomy cadavers are
acquired through a willed body program, and students master clinical
skills such as surgery on a variety of models before applying them to
living animals. The curriculum also champions strategic alliances with
public and private veterinary institutions in its educational programs,
providing student-learning experiences all over the world.
“”Western University is very proud to contribute to a growing national
need for veterinarians. Our graduates have accepted positions in
practices, internships and residencies to provide care for pets, horses,
food animals and laboratory animals,”” said Dean Johnston. “”I am
confident that they will serve society with excellence as advocates and
champions for animals throughout their careers.””
The commencement ceremony will be held at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium,
on May 11, 2007 at 3:00 p.m.
