Animal lovers from all across the country gathered at the ISU College of Veterinary Medicine on March 22 for the annual American Pre-Veterinary Medical Association’s Symposium.

Over 500 students, plus their advisors and a number of sponsors attended the Symposium, which included banquet dinners, labs, lectures, elections to the AVPMA Board and a dance.

“We hope [the attendees] will get lots of experience with what they plan for their professions,” said Neil Vezeau, the fundraising chair for the event. “And that they have a little fun and get a better idea of what they may want to do.”

The APVMA Symposium is one of the largest pre-vet conferences in the country, with college students coming from California to New Jersey.

“We have students from the University of Florida,” said Kimberly Strait, one of the chairwomen of the organizing committee. “But we also have students from a lot of community colleges who don’t usually get this sort of opportunity.”

Thirty-two labs and lectures were offered for students to attend, along with a hallway where the sponsoring colleges set up their booths to attract potential veterinary students. Sponsors came from colleges all over the world and offered numerous trinkets and plenty of information on their schools.

“We’ve really stepped up our sponsorship,” said Strait. “And this year is unique, because we’re offering [for students to do] two labs instead of just one.”

The attendees were glad to have the opportunity to get more experience.

“I like the hands-on experience and labs a lot,” said Rachel Ganske, an attendee from the University of Minnesota. “And I like getting to meet people and make connections.”

Kalyn Wilson, a graduate from the University of Arkansas said she appreciated getting hands-on practice and getting to see what Iowa State has to offer before choosing a graduate school.

The labs and lectures covered everything from reproduction to euthanasia, for both large and small animals. Organizing the event took planning and dedication.

“Some things just don’t come together until you’re actually there,” said Vezeau. “But we made it work and we’re happy with the results.”

Miranda Buseman, co-chair of the organizing committee, agreed.

“It took a lot more planning,” Buseman said. “We want to thank all the volunteers and advisors and our planning committee. The club has really stepped up and involvement has been fantastic.”

The top sponsors of the Symposium were Ross College and the ISU Veterinary Medicine College, who paid for the banquet dinners for the attendees and provided the facilities for the labs and lectures.

“We’re proud to showcase the college and faculty,” said Buseman. “You have to have the support of the vet school.”

For more information, visit apvma.org or vetmed.iastate.edu.