Virginia-Maryland celebrates 25 years

The Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine recently concluded its yearlong 25th anniversary celebration with the unveiling of a life-sized bronze sculpture representing the human-animal bond on the Virginia Tech campus in Blacksburg.

Sculpted by Kentucky artist Gwen Reardon from an original concept by the college's biomedical media artist Terry Lawrence, the sculpture features a horse, a dog, and a veterinary student.

"This statue will stand in permanent tribute to the human-animal bond, to our college and all it has achieved, and the profession in general," said Dr. Gerhardt Schurig, dean of the college.

Jane Talbot, wife of the college's founding dean, the late Dr. Richard Talbot, and her family provided major funding for the project.

AVMA President Henry E. Childers joined college and university officials participating in the ceremony. During his presentation, Dr. Childers discussed the importance of professional unity in the veterinary community.

Following the ceremony, a history book chronicling the founding and development of the college was revealed. Dr. Peter Eyre, former dean of the college, and founding faculty member Dr. Kent C. Roberts co-authored the book "Breaking New Ground: A History of the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine."

The college's yearlong celebration—themed "Breaking New Ground in Veterinary Medicine"—also included a black-tie gala. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Lester M. Crawford and several U.S. representatives spoke at the event. In addition, the college hosted a family day celebration, designed to honor the college's employees.

Virginia-Maryland graduated 1,668 veterinarians during its first 25 years. The three-campus college enrolls about 500 DVM and graduate students a year.