Celebrating 50 years of Veterinary Education

Frazer Allan My sincere thanks to those who attended, spoke at and helped organise the 50-year jubilee symposium and gala dinner on Friday July 5. The day was an unequivocal success and proved to be a fitting way to celebrate this major milestone in the history of New Zealand’s ‘Vet School’. What impressed me was the immense sense of collegiality within this great profession of ours – it was a privilege to be a part of it.

The symposium was an eclectic celebration of fun, formality and reflection. The graduate recollections session featured the very entertaining Jim Maclachlan, Nick Cave and Emma Cuttance. We recognised leaders in the profession through the awarding of the honorary Massey BVSc degrees. There was time for reflection during the history and celebration of science session and we even had a sneak peek at the future of our profession in the last session of the day.

The gala dinner was highly entertaining with the excellent Palmerston North Boys High Stage Band playing guests in on their arrival, Massey veterinary alumna, Charlotte Yates, on stage during dinner and band TOM, performing until the wee hours. MC for the night, Jeremy Corbett, was highly entertaining.

During the evening three Massey medals were awarded to three outstanding Professors Emeritus - Bob Jolly, Neil Bruere and Norm Williamson – and an auction was held raising over $25,000 for the Wildbase Hospital. For anyone wishing to learn more or make a donation to this excellent cause, please visit the Wildbase website.

We round out our 50 years of veterinary science with a ‘special graduation’ on December 12 for final year veterinary and veterinary technology students and veterinary postgraduates. This emulates the wonderful 25th jubilee celebrations which saw the incomparable “Class of ‘88” graduate.

Frazer Allan
Head of the Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences

See all the latest news from the vet celebrations.

To make it easier to get in touch with your classmates we have established a LinkedIn group so you can connect up.

Connect with our alumni community.

50 Years of Veterinary Education: A History

Download our booklet celebrating 50 years of world-class veterinary education at Massey's Manawatu campus.

What’s your story?

We want your story. Where has your veterinary education taken you? Please send your story, photos and the year you graduated to us. Please email b.r.gibson@massey.ac.nz.