Dear alumni:
 
Many of you have asked about supporting our current DVM students as they navigate to online learning and, for our fourth-year students, finishing out their time as students with us remotely.

We thank those of you who have already shared congratulatory messages with graduating students and volunteered to reach out to current students. We know that encouraging words from their future colleagues will mean so much.

To that end, we share this reminder and ask you to consider doing the following: 
For our first- through third-year students
Emily (Hierlmeier) Dressel DVM'18 asked about having alumni send encouraging cards to our current students. She shared this reminder for her fellow alumni:

"D uring these times of uncertainty, one thing is for certain -- everyone could use a smile, a little positivity, and joy in their lives. YOU have a unique opportunity to do this for your future colleagues by taking a moment to write a note to our current veterinary students. To those that have signed up already, THANK YOU! For those that haven’t, I strongly encourage you to do so as there are still so many students left.

While there are still lots of students left to receive cards, there are so many more of us alumni out there that each student could easily receive one card if not more! This is our chance to build up our future colleagues’ confidence, enthusiasm, and morale. WILL YOU HELP?

Maybe you forgot about it. This is your friendly reminder to get those notes mailed in by May 15. Maybe you think that you don’t have the time to commit. Start to finish, the process will take you 5-10 minutes AND I bet you will feel better after writing a note because you took the time to do something for others. Giving is truly the gift that keeps on giving!

Maybe you think you don’t know what to write. The goal is to send words of encouragement to our vet students during these challenging times. You can be as long or as short as you wish and say any type of uplifting message. A simple “I believe in you” is great!

Is sending a card going to make a difference to these students? I challenge you to find out! YOU have the chance to BE THE CHANGE and MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Will you challenge yourself to step up to the plate and seize this opportunity? Join me and your colleagues and help spread positivity in our veterinary community!

Be the change. Send a card. Make a difference. "

To maintain confidentiality, we have created a sign up genius so you can “claim” a student. Note: As our third-year students from the Class of 2021 will be starting their fourth year remotely and with a lot of uncertainty, please ensure that each member of that class has been reserved before claiming notes for our first- and second-year students.

Please sign up for a student and then send your note to the attention of Cassie Wickersham (UW School of Veterinary Medicine, 2015 Linden Dr, Madison WI 53706) and we will mail the cards out. You are more than welcome to send notes to multiple students -- we just want to make sure everyone gets a note! Sign up and send your note by Friday, May 15 .
Thank you in advance for supporting our students -- and your future colleagues.

On, Wisconsin!
Kristi