CVM alumni celebrate reunion 2023

Wednesday, June 21, 2023 - 11:36am

Roughly 200 graduates and their guests of the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine gathered June 8-10 to reminisce and reconnect at the college’s annual reunion.

Classes ending in 3 and 8 celebrated their reunion milestones, with representatives from 1963 to 2018. The Class of 1973 celebrated their 50th, the Class of 1968 celebrated their 55th and the Class of 1963 celebrated their 60th. No matter the class year, attendees reported that the event was a wonderful chance to celebrate their alma mater.

“It was such a great reunion this year,” says Mike Fietz, D.V.M. ’03. “These trips mean so much to me and this entire week was everything I had hoped it would be.”

Lorin Warnick, D.V.M., Ph.D. ’94, the Austin O. Hooey Dean of Veterinary Medicine, updated the group on new initiatives like the Dr. Alexander de Lahunta Teaching Award, which went to Mary Smith ’69, D.V.M. ’72. He also shared updates on the incoming D.V.M. class and career plans of the most recent graduated cohort.

Alumni gathered in Takoda's Run Atrium to reminisce and reconnect.

Noteworthy events also included the all-alumni BBQ, a time-honored tradition that is always well attended. Due to poor air quality from wildfire smoke from Quebec, this event was moved from outside to Takoda’s Run Atrium of the college. Sunday night saw the beloved class dinners, which many alumni attended with their families.

Graduates also participated in the fundraising competition for the Dean’s Cup, given to classes 50 years or fewer out of graduation who have the greatest percentage of participation or largest gift. This year, the Class of 1983 won it with 47% participation.

Class of 1983 with dean's cup — This year, the Class of 1983 won the Dean's Cup with 47% participation.

Ann Harris, D.V.M. ’83, accepted the Dean’s Cup on behalf of her class. “I left reunion feeling joyful and invigorated. Reconnecting and reminiscing with classmates, alumni, students, faculty and staff in that beautiful setting reinforced what I and so many have always known: How fortunate we are to have graduated from this esteemed veterinary college 40 years ago,” she said. “Accepting the Dean’s Cup in honor of our class participation is proof that I am not alone in those sentiments.”