WesternU College of Veterinary Medicine Commencement: Ready to take on new challenges
Smiles, cheers, applause and some sighs of relief were all in evidence as the newest graduates of Western University of Health Sciences’ College of Veterinary Medicine walked across the stage at the Commencement ceremony held May 14, 2025 in Pomona, California.
CVM welcomed 104 new doctors into the veterinary profession during Commencement. Hooding ceremonies were held at the Sheraton Fairplex in Pomona, as family and friends packed Expo 8 to show their appreciation to the new graduates.
“You are our future clinicians and we are excited to be here to share this day with you,” said WesternU President Robin Farias-Eisner, MD, PhD, MBA. “This moment is the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and resilience. The beginning of a new chapter in your life. Each one of you has faced challenges that have tested your limits. Yet you’ve emerged stronger and more prepared than ever to serve your communities, a testament to your fortitude.”
The new graduates appeared ready to face new challenges as veterinarians. They leave the college appreciative of the instruction and support they have received at WesternU.
“The professors were always very diligent, very helpful,” CVM graduate Brianna Moreland, DVM ’25, said during graduation week. “It is something I recommend to the younger students: go to your faculty and lean on them.”
For CVM graduate Jacob Ruiz, DVM ’25, his WesternU experience was one of discovery. He came to his veterinary education interested primarily in small animal medicine, but over time became intrigued by exotic and wildlife animals. He now plans to split his time between two practices—a small animal and a mixed practice that sees exotics.
Snakes, iguanas, and tortoises piqued his new interest, but one type of animal has risen above the rest: owls. While on a clinical rotation, he became fascinated by how majestic owls appear. He admitted that sometimes his fellow clinicians would rib him about his new passion.
“Sometimes I would just sit and look at the owls,” he said. “It is pretty cool to sit with an owl. They give off real Harry Potter vibes.”
The joyful atmosphere within the Commencement venue was the byproduct not only of an exhilarated Class of 2025, but also of their friends and family.
Wilfrid and Suse Touze, parents of CVM graduate Angelica Kinder, DVM ’25, took a few moments before the ceremony to practice their role in the hooding process with a commencement staff person. Wilfrid Touze said they were thrilled to see their daughter receive her diploma.
“She will be the first doctor in the family,” he said. “That was my dream, and she is living it.”
The ceremonies capped off a packed “On Campus” week for the Year 4 students. Graduating students were celebrated for their accomplishments, but also received some last-minute preparations and advice for what lies ahead as they head to their first professional experiences–or further education.
“Commencement is just the beginning. I know it feels like the end, but it is really just the beginning,” CVM Dean John Tegzes, VMD, MA, DABVT, told the Year 4 students as graduation week was beginning. “I want you to take a moment this week to appreciate everything you’ve been through, and appreciate all the hard work that you’ve done, and now get ready for the next leg because this is where the real work begins.”
