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Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC) welcomed eleven students to the veterinary technology profession on May 10, 2024, in a traditional pinning ceremony.
The group of students were welcomed by President James Vander Hooven, Dean Kimberly Shea, and Program Director Tara Novak, CVT, LATG.
“I am so proud of your accomplishments. It hasn’t been easy, but every step of the way, you as a group came together to meet those challenges and to overcome them,” Vander Hooven told students. “These ceremonies are an acknowledgement that you are entering a caring field, and we are thankful you chose to pursue your education here at the Mount.”
Addressing the gathered families and supporters, Vander Hoven continued, “They could not have done it without you. You recognized that your loved one was in search of this goal, and you were there for them, and helped them to be here this evening. Thank you.”
Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson, a member of the Veterinary Technology Advisory Board, also addressed the students, “The amount of passion and dedication you have already put into your field by getting to this point speaks volumes about the people you are and the impact that you are going to have on our community.”
The MWCC Veterinary Technology Program extends its thanks to its partnering veterinary hospitals and local farms: Gardner Animal Care Center, Hanson Farm of North Brookfield, Hemlock Hill Farm in Ashby, Holiday Acres Equestrian Center in Rutland, and Charles River Laboratories in Worcester.
The Veterinary Technology Program staff are professors Hilary Blair, CVT, VTS, Carrie Arnold, PhD and Stephanie Pollard, MA, Laboratory Supervisor Jennifer Crandall and Laboratory Technician Samantha Johson. Also supporting the program are Jennifer Davis, CVT, Charlotte Newell, DVM, Margaret L. Delano, MS, DVM, DACLAM, Elizabeth West, DVM, Robert Shapiro, PhD, Bethany Rappleyea, DVM, and Laura Constantinescu, DVM.
The students were pinned by a family member, friend, or faculty, and then recited the Veterinary Technician Oath. The graduates are.
Victoria Axelson, Gardner, MA
Maya Berube, Shrewsbury, MA
Brianna Brewer, Millbury, MA
Jenna Cushion, Dunstable, MA
Kaycee Deforte, Leominster, MA
Julie Ghizzoni, Fitchburg, MA
Melody Karungii, Worcester, MA
Kade McCann, Whitinsville, MA
Felicia Page, Gardner, MA
Jennifer Thurlow, Winchendon, MA
Janelle Vitello, Jaffrey, NH