Gov. Terry Branstad signed a gubernatorial proclamation announcing 2013 as the “Year of the Veterinarian” on Monday afternoon.

Dr. Lisa Nolan, the Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, hosted the ceremony. Branstad, Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds, Iowa State University President Steven Leath and Senior Vice President Provost Jonathan Wickert were all in attendance.

“We’re here today to celebrate the great work of veterinarians across the state with the signing of a gubernatorial proclamation recognizing 2013 as the Year of the Veterinarian.

“This year marks the 150 year anniversary of organized veterinary medicine that began with the founding of the American Veterinary Medical Association,” Nolan said.

Before Branstad signed the proclamation, Leath and Dr. Jodie Pettit, an alumni of the ISU College of Veterinary Medicine spoke.

“I’m particularly proud to be president here of a number things, one of which is that we’re one of a small group of what I believe is 28 universities in this country that have veterinary schools,” Leath said.

Leath said he was particularly proud in one aspect of the university.

“I’m especially proud because ours is the first state-supported veterinary school, the oldest of its kind in the country, and you continue to do a great job at building that legacy,” Leath said.

After reading it aloud, Branstad signed the proclamation.

A small ceremony took place in the lobby of ISU’s Hixson-Lied Small Animal Hospital. 

“It’s only fitting to have Governor Branstad sign the proclamation on Iowa State’s campus – to recognize Iowa’s veterinarians for their dedication and contributions to the health and well-being of animals and humans,” Leath said in a press release on Friday.

Pettit explained the importance of veterinary medicine, the animal-agriculture business as a whole and the importance of them to the state of Iowa and the world.

“Veterinarians understand well the importance of Iowa’s $12 billion plus animal-agriculture industry, working closely with livestock producers to ensure plentiful and safe food supply for the citizens of Iowa and the world,” Pettit said.

Nolan described the College of Veterinary Medicine and the IVMA as “a team of compassionate professionals.”

The roughly 40 people in attendance included Ames community members and members of the veterinary community.