Stethoscope ceremony welcomes students to the new Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine – a first for New Jersey

On Aug. 28, Rowan University hosted the inaugural stethoscope ceremony for incoming students to the Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine, the first school of veterinary medicine in the state.

The ceremony marked a pivotal milestone in students' veterinary journey, symbolizing both the start of their doctoral education and a commitment to compassionate patient care.

It was also a moment of pride and joy, held in Rowan’s Pfleeger Concert Hall before hundreds of smiling family, friends, faculty and university leadership.

Founded with a $30 million gift to support student scholarships from philanthropist, animal lover and businessman Gerry Shreiber and his wife Melanie, both of whom attended the ceremony, the Shreiber School’s inaugural class includes 75 students from 16 states, 40 of them from New Jersey. Of the 75 students, 61 are women.

In addition to high-quality Littmann stethoscopes presented to the students courtesy of Nutramax Laboratories, the ceremony included a surprise announcement – a $2,000 scholarship from the Shreibers for each of the in-state students.

Addressing the class, Dr. Michael Bailey, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association, spoke of developing opportunities throughout health care fueled by artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.

Bailey encouraged the students to embrace these possibilities as they embark on their veterinary career.

“Each of you aspires to serve, and today marks the beginning of that service,” Bailey said. “Always do good –  by your patients, your clients, and all creatures great and small.”

One of just two

Rowan President Ali A. Houshmand marveled at how far, how fast, the University has come. In 2012, Rowan founded Cooper Medical School of Rowan University in Camden, followed in 2013 by the absorption of the Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine in Stratford from the former U.M.D.N.J.

“In just over 12 years, this university has developed three medical schools, making us one of only two universities out of 4,200 in this country to offer allopathic, osteopathic and veterinary medicine,” Houshmand said.

Development of New Jersey’s first veterinary school was championed by an energetic southern New Jersey legislative delegation and approved by Gov. Phil Murphy. In 2021, the state designated $75 million to support construction of the school’s academic and clinical facilities and SSVM was founded in 2022. The new building on Rowan’s West Campus includes classrooms, research facilities, educational and diagnostic laboratories, a teaching hospital open to members of the public and offices.

Multiple degree offerings

The school offers an innovative curriculum, early and extensive clinical experience, and rotations between lectures, clinical observation and practice, with virtual reality and simulations integral to the student experience.

In addition to the D.V.M. degree, the school plans to offer a variety of other graduate options such as an M.S./Ph.D. in veterinary biomedical science and an accelerated D.V.M./M.B.A. in collaboration with the Rohrer College of Business.

Welcoming the inaugural class, Founding Dean Matthew Edson D.V.M. noted a palpable energy that defines the first cohort, the new school and the university at large.

“We’re so excited for you to start your doctoral education with us on your path to becoming veterinarians," he said.

Among the inaugural class, Anna Lauricella of Pennington, Mercer County, said she’s ecstatic to begin.

“I’m a bit nervous, but I’m thrilled,” Lauricella said.

Classes start Sept. 2 and the veterinary school will host an official ribbon cutting ceremony Oct. 3.