College of Veterinary Medicine Open House Set for April 16
The College of Veterinary Medicine’s Open House is set for April 16, a more than 30-year tradition to showcase the variety of educational opportunities offered through the veterinary medical profession.
Open House, from 8:30 a.m. until 2 p.m., will feature a variety of educational and fun activities for all ages on the college’s campus, located on 1130 Wire Road. The event is free to the public and no registration is required.
“Open House is a fun-filled, educational day that allows people to see what Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine is all about and the exciting opportunities open to those who aspire to become a veterinarian,” said Megan Hataway, one of two student coordinators for Open House and a second-year student from Enterprise, Ala.
The event is planned and organized by veterinary students and more than 200 volunteer to showcase the college as a community outreach program.
“Open House is a student run event and gives our students an opportunity to show what they have learned to both potential future veterinary students as well those interested in what we do here,” said Dr. Ray Wilhite, laboratory coordinator for the college’s Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology. “As an educator, seeing the veterinary students interact with the public and tell about veterinary medicine is rewarding.”
“Student involvement is important for Open House because it allows the veterinary students to share the love of their college with others,” said Heather Darnall, a second-year student from Brandenburg, Ky., and the other student coordinator for Open House. “It is very rewarding to be able to inform the people what the College of Veterinary Medicine really is all about and how much we truly care about our community.”
Attendees will have the opportunity to take self-guided tours through the Wilford and Kate Bailey Small Animal Teaching Hospital. Veterinary Students will be available to answer questions and to point you to different exhibits of interest during the tour.
Several featured programs during the day include:
- 10:15 a.m. — Canine Display of Breeds
- Noon — Southeastern Raptor Center educational program
- 1 p.m. — Detector Dog Demonstration by Canine Performance Sciences
Other activities will run from 8:30 a.m. until noon, including:
- Teddy Bear Surgery, where children can help veterinary students practice their surgical skills by repairing stuffed animals (bring your own), on the 2nd floor of the Veterinary Education Center
- A Petting Zoo
- A showcase of exotic animals
- Equine display of breeds
- A Paleontology Dig
Members of the incoming Class of 2020 and their families are invited to meet in Overton Auditorium of the Veterinary Education Center at 9 a.m. for an orientation with staff from the Office of Academic Affairs.
Prospective students who have an interest in veterinary medicine will have the opportunity to attend a presentation to learn more about the veterinary medical profession, including career opportunities and admission requirements. The presentation is open to the public, and will be held at 10:30 a.m. in Overton Auditorium located in the Veterinary Education Center.
Maps will be distributed the day of the event with specific locations and program times. Attendees are requested to leave pets at home.
Use the Hashtag #AUVetOpenHouse on social media to keep the conversation going!
Written by: Morgan McAbee ’16.