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Blue Coat Ceremony caps Orientation Week for incoming Class of 2027

A joyous Blue Coat Ceremony was a fitting end to a full week of new student orientation as LSU Vet Med welcomed the incoming Class of 2027 to campus.

The Blue Coat Ceremony was held on August 4, 2023 at the Bo Campbell Auditorium on the LSU campus. The event capped a week-long series of welcoming events that included student orientation sessions, the Freshmen Leadership Experience, a special orientation for family and friends, and student mixer events.

The Class of 2027 is comprised of 135 students hailing from 21 states and Puerto Rico. The group ranges in age from 18 to 35. Nearly 40 percent are from rural hometowns, and 19 percent are first-generation college graduates.

We celebrate the spirit of determination, compassion, and resilience that brought these talented students to this noble path. Congratulations our future veterinarians, and we wish the Class of 2027 every success in the pursuit of excellence at LSU Vet Med.

LSU Vet Med Reunion Weekend scheduled for October 20-21, 2023

Reunions for the milestone classes of 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993, 1998, 2003, 2008, 2013 and 2018 will take place the weekend of October 20-21, 2023. This is in conjunction with the LSU vs Army football game. All are welcome as we gather to educate and celebrate!

Hotel Information: Courtyard by Marriott Baton Rouge Downtown, 260 Third Street, Baton Rouge

Note that there is a 2-night minimum stay required on Saturday night, Oct. 21.

Dr. Gretchen Delcambre appointed assistant dean for student outreach and veterinary admissions

Gretchen Delcambre, DVM (LSU 2009), MS, has been named assistant dean for student outreach and veterinary admissions, effective August 1, 2023. Dr. Delcambre has been an integral part of the LSU Vet Med leadership team, serving as the director of veterinary outreach and admissions since July 2022.

Dr. Delcambre leads the LSU Vet Med Admissions program and spearheads the outreach and recruitment of prospective veterinary students. Additionally, she offers academic and career counseling to students. Since her arrival at LSU Vet Med, Dr. Delcambre has already made remarkable strides, revamping the admissions process to a holistic approach, launching the LSU Vet Med Student Ambassador program, and conducting data analysis to bring about innovative approaches in admissions.

Dr. Delcambre earned her DVM from LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, her MS from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, and her BS from LSU. She is a member of the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges Admissions and Recruiting Committee and has also served as an advisor to AAVMC's Holistic Admissions Project, among numerous other professional activities and affiliations.

Congratulations, Dr. Delcambre!

Nominate a classmate for the 2023 Distinguished Alumnus Awards

We are now accepting nominations for the LSU Vet Med Distinguished Alumnus Awards. Graduates can be nominated in one of three categories: DVM, MS, and PhD alumni.

The Distinguished Alumnus Awards recognize exceptional individuals who have not only excelled in their chosen fields but have also demonstrated an unwavering commitment to LSU Vet Med. They serve as a testament to the enduring impact of education, showcasing our alumni who have leveraged their knowledge, skills, and experiences to make significant contributions to society.

Any graduate from LSU Vet Med who is in possession of a DVM, MS, or PhD degree is eligible for the awards. Candidates will be recognized for their accomplishments and for having made outstanding contributions to animal health, to people, to the profession, and to their alma mater. A committee will review nominations and vote on the recipients. The committee will be made up of the dean, the senior associate dean for student success, the chairs of the Alumni Committee, the chapter president of the Student American Veterinary Medical Association (SAVMA), and past Distinguished Alumni Award recipients.

Nominations are due by October 31, 2023 and will remain active for two years.

To nominate, please submit the name of the nominee, a letter of why he or she is being nominated, and one other letter of support (by email or regular mail) to Gretchen Morgan, Senior Director of Alumni Relations and Communications, gmorgan@lsu.edu or LSU Vet Med, Dean’s Office, Skip Bertman Dr. Baton Rouge, LA 70803. For a list of previous winners or any questions about the process, contact Gretchen via email or at 225-578-9565.

Dr. Melissa Blazevich is now a Diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental College

Dr. Melissa Blazevich (LSU 2016) has achieved Board certification and is now a Diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental College. Dr. Blazevich is accepting patients at the LSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Congratulations, Dr. Blazevich!

Send us your career and life updates for the new Class Notes section of UPROAR magazine

New job? Big career moment? New address? New addition to the family? We want to hear from you! Send us your milestone news (and pictures!) to vetmed@lsu.edu and we will include it in the Class Notes section of an upcoming edition of UPROAR!

The magazine tells the stories of how we fulfill our mission to teach, heal, discover, and protect. View the digital version by clicking the link below, and please share with colleagues, family, and friends!

Join us in San Antonio for SWVS 2023!

If you’re in San Antonio for the Southwest Veterinary Symposium (September 21-24), come by our booth in the exhibit hall for a visit! For the first time, we are having an early morning breakfast to start your day. The breakfast event starts at 7 a.m. on Friday, September 22 in room #008A. Dean Oliver Garden will be there to give an update on all of the School’s activities, including curriculum design and new construction. We will have swag!

The LVMA Equine Meeting is September 24-26 in Shreveport/Bossier City. Dean Garden will also be there, so be sure to visit with him if you are attending. Exciting changes in the equine program are in store!

Mark your calendars for upcoming events. Visit our website at www.lsu.edu/vetmed or click the link below for a listing of upcoming alumni events.

There are many ways to stay connected to LSU Vet Med.

The private group page for LSU alumni is here: www.facebook.com/groups/LSUSVMAlumni

The Facebook page for LSU Vet Med: www.facebook.com/LSUSVM

LSU Teaching Hospital Community Practice: www.facebook.com//LSUVTH

And of course, you can always go to our website for information and help at www.lsu.edu/vetmed/alumni/index

Contact Gretchen Morgan, Senior Director of Communications and Alumni Relations, at gmorgan@lsu.edu