Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University conferred 142 degrees across six doctoral and graduate programs during its 44th Commencement ceremony on May 17. The event, held on the Grafton campus, was attended by graduates, their families, faculty, and special guests.
The graduation recognized students earning Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.), Master of Science in Animals and Public Policy (MAPP), Master of Science in Conservation Medicine (MCM), dual D.V.M./Master of Public Health (M.P.H.), dual D.V.M./Master of Science in Laboratory Animal Medicine (MS-LAM), and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. Dean Alastair Cribb welcomed attendees and introduced dignitaries including Peter Dolan and Dr. Monica Mansfield.
During the ceremony, Dr. Dominique Penninck was named Professor Emerita for her contributions to diagnostic imaging. “Dr. Penninck’s scholarly contributions have been extensive and impactful,” said Dean Cribb. “She helped establish and advance diagnostic standards in small animal ultrasonography. Her work continues to serve as an important reference for clinicians, educators, and trainees worldwide. Her legacy at Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine will endure through the programs she built and the individuals she mentored.” McKenzie Raquel Langford delivered the M.S. graduate address stating, “One Health is a mindset… You are the bridge between animals and people… you are part of the solution to some of the most complex challenges we face.” Dr. Megan Mueller told graduates: “You have chosen an important calling… Promoting the health and well-being of animals, people, and the environments we share has never been more urgent… We are privileged to have been part of your journey.” In his address for D.V.M., Dr. Holden J. Sakala said: “What this cohort means to me is far beyond what written or spoken words can express.”
Student achievement awards were presented during a Dean’s Dinner on May 15 where thirty-three students were honored alongside four faculty excellence awardees.
Nine graduates were inducted into Tufts’ Honos Civicus Society for civic engagement; Dr. Evan Griffith received Tufts’ Presidential Award for Civic Life.
Tufts Cummings School includes facilities such as hospitals for small animals, large animals, a wildlife clinic, spay-neuter clinic, diagnostic laboratory; it enrolls about 500 students from multiple states and countries with over 120 faculty members treating more than 100,000 animals annually according to the official website. The school operates as part of Tufts University with alumni contributing globally across veterinary medicine fields.
Dean Cribb closed by telling graduates: “Heal animals. Help people. Change lives. And in the spirit of Tufts, make the world a better place.”
