A Class Made Stronger by Adversity

The Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine marked its 39th Commencement on May 23, bestowing degrees that reflect the breadth of programs at the veterinary school upon 138 graduates.

The ceremony for 96 Doctor of Veterinary Medicine students was held outdoors on the Grafton campus, where attendees observed social distancing and masking protocols, and family and friends were able to watch the ceremony virtually. Seven also received Master of Public Health degrees, and three received Master of Science in Laboratory Animal Medicine degrees.

Faculty speaker John Berg, a soft-tissue surgeon, thanked the Class of 2021 for their help during the COVID-19 pandemic in keeping clinics and hospitals at Cummings School open, treating animals, and helping owners.

He expressed a hope that they would always be so eager to learn. “One of the best favors you can do for yourself in the upcoming years is to read a little bit on every new type of case you see, every new drug you use, and every new test you run, because it’s amazing how well information will stick when you’re reading it in the context of an actual patient,” he said.

Though their class is graduating during a global public health crisis, student speaker Tatyana Kalani, V21, said the graduates are undaunted. “I know that the Class of 2021 is leaving Tufts with the power and the knowledge to become lifelong learners in veterinary medicine. I know that we are ready for this world.” —Angela Nelson, University Communication and Marketing