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Dr. John Rehak Establishes Scholarship Endowment

Dr. Robert Cooper (left) mentored Dr. John Rehak (right) while he was student at MSU-CVM, establishing a long frienship and creating an impact on his life. Dr Rehak has set up the Dr. Robert Cooper Endowed Scholarship. Rehak says, "...there are people and moments during an experience one can immediately identify as likely to have a lasting, positive impression. Dr. Robert Cooper is one of those people who provides that positive experience at MSU-CVM”. 

During his years as an MSU CVM student from 1991-1995, Dr. John Rehak says “I was fortunate to have had a dedicated faculty, staff and administration, many of whom contributed to my development, professionally and personally. Often, it is not easy to recognize the total value of an experience when one is engrossed in it, though, there are people and moments during an experience one can immediately identify as likely to have a lasting, positive impression. Dr. Robert Cooper is one of those people who provides that positive experience at MSU-CVM,” says Dr. Rehak.

To honor Dr. Robert Cooper and recognize the profound and life-changing impact that he has had on the students he taught, Dr. Rehak established the Dr. Robert Cooper Endowed Scholarship. “Dr. Cooper’s mentoring and guidance, an important component of my education and development at MSU-CVM, has since evolved into a friendship of now over 25 years. As the beneficiary of all of this, I wanted to contribute something back to MSU-CVM,” says Dr. Rehak.

The Dr. Robert Cooper Endowed Scholarship is available to MSU-CVM students pursuing a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, DVM interns or residents, or students enrolled in the graduate program. Applicants must be in good academic standing and have a strong interest in anatomy and surgery. Preference will be given to applicants involved in veterinary student groups or community outreach, and financial need will be considered.

Dr. Rehak’s gift reflects a commitment to the future success of the CVM. Each year, endowed scholarships help make a CVM education accessible to promising veterinary students. A student who receives an endowed scholarship is entering a select group of the College’s best and brightest. They will take this honor into their veterinary careers and will join the ranks of our most distinguished alumni.

As an open fund in the MSU Foundation, the Dr. Robert Cooper Endowed Scholarship may be increased through additional gifts at msufoundation.com.

MSU, Institute for Marine Mammal Studies receive $1.25 million to study spillway impacts on sea turtles, dolphins

Contact: James Carskadon
STARKVILLE, Miss.—Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies will receive $1.25 million to evaluate the impacts of the Bonnet Carré Spillway opening on dolphins and sea turtles in the Mississippi Sound.
Gov. Phil Bryant announced the funding Friday [Sept. 27]. The research and evaluation will be supported by Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act funds, which support coastal conservation, restoration and hurricane protection. The research will provide state and federal leaders with a more complete understanding of the spillway opening’s impact on marine life, as well as effective mitigation methods to reduce harm.
The Mississippi Sound and its adjacent waters are home to the largest dolphin population in the United States. It is also a critical habitat for the most endangered sea turtle species in the world, the Kemp’s ridley. In 2019, dolphin mortalities have increased by over 100 percent from previous years. Read more click here.

Training Beyond Borders

Beyond the classroom and laboratory, MSU CVM students pursue learning opportunities across the globe, combining foreign travel and cultural immersion with veterinary training, gained experience, and outreach.

Thanks to generous alumni and friends who support international travel funds, in 2019, CVM students traveled to Belize, Costa Rica, Honduras, Mexico, Peru, South Africa, and Kenya.  The purpose of each student’s trip varied. Many students visited isolated areas to provide basic veterinary care and owner education while being exposed to how local veterinarians approach veterinary care, herd management, and wildlife and large animal health. Collaborations with educational institutions and communities facing difficult conditions exposed students to the importance of idea sharing and working together on large scale issues that affect the entire globe.

Support for student trips is available through a competitive application process. To be considered to receive travel support, students must be enrolled at MSU CVM in the professional program.  Students are required to submit an application, and they must meet any guidelines set forth for each specific fund. Currently, the CVM offers students support from five travel funds including:

·       Paul Eggert International Education Travel Fund

This fund was established by Mrs. Diane Eggert in memory of Paul Eggert. The award is given to a full-time student enrolled in the professional program in the CVM who has demonstrated academic achievement, maintaining a minimum 3.0 GPA. The student must be of good moral character. Preference is given to a student pursuing an experience related to animal agriculture or global food safety and security.  

·       International Veterinary Humanitarian Endowed Fund

This fund is endowed by a gift from Dr. John and Carolyn Thomson.

The award is given to a student with a demonstrated interest in humanitarian work in underdeveloped countries.

·       Dr. Paul Farmer Memorial and Nutramax Laboratories Student Travel Support Fund

This fund was established by Nutramax Laboratories and Dr. Todd Henderson in memory of Dr. Paul Farmer. The award is available to a full-time CVM student in good academic standing who has demonstrated leadership ability and a desire to improve the quality of life for others. The recipient must be an active member of Christian Veterinary Fellowship.

·       Pegasus Partners Fund

This fund is endowed by many generous “Pegasus Partners” who fulfilled a gift of $10,000 toward the Pegasus Partners Endowment which can be used to provide critical support for various supplemental activities that complement, enhance or expand the mission of the CVM, including scholarships or travel for students and faculty.

·       Rural Practice Externship Travel Grant

This fund was established by a gift from an anonymous donor. The award is available to students participating in experiences with rural practice or public practice located outside of the state of Mississippi.

 

“I enjoyed learning about new species that I have never worked with before, and I experienced how to be resourceful and think outside of the box,”  Peter N. McGinn

Here’s what CVM students say about their international experience:

“I improved my ultrasound skills and my clinical mind. We had to treat animals with limited supplies and resources. I could not be happier with my experience, and I’m grateful that donors support this experience. I feel that international veterinary work, public health, and agriculture should be experienced by every veterinarian at some point,” says Peter N. McGinn who traveled to Peru.

“I enjoyed learning about new species that I have never worked with before, and I experienced how to be resourceful and think outside of the box,” says Kiley Walker who traveled to Belize.

“I was taught by amazing veterinarians, and I saw firsthand that having compassion for a hurting animal knows no cultural boundaries. A trip like this gives you a greater appreciation for your country, for the education available, and for the people who entrust their animals to you. It will give you renewed resolve and vigor to work hard to become the best veterinarian you can possibly become to be able to serve your clients,” says Lea Burns who traveled to Haiti.

The opportunities are endless for alumni and friends to support MSU CVM students. For more information on how to establish a fund or make a gift to a current travel fund, please contact Jimmy Kight at 662-325-5893 or jkight@ foundation.msstate.edu.

Here at MSU CVM and at our Veterinary Specialty Center in West Starkville, we've always got our patients' backs! 😉 All four of these dachshunds are currently under treatment with us for disk herniations - a common problem in dachshunds. Class of 2020 student Amanda Waddle and VSC surgery technician Ashley Whitten have been assisting with their care, and we couldn't pass up a photo op with all of them! To comment, visit our facebook page click here; or to learn more about our VSC visit http://www.cvm.msstate.edu/animal-health-center/veterinary-specialty-center

Blue Throated Macaw a critically endangered parrot

Keiko is a 1.5 year old female Blue Throated Macaw that originated near Nashville, Tennessee. The Blue Throated Macaw is a critically endangered parrot that is native to a small area in Bolivia. It is estimated that only about 350-400 individuals remain in the wild with the largest cause of the species decline being capture for the pet trade. The captive population consists of around 1000 individuals and breeding and conservation programs have been established to help save this species. Keiko serves as an ambassador animal for her species living in the home of MSU-CVM veterinarian and PhD student, Dr. Ashley P. Janzen. Keiko makes frequent visits to the MSU-College of Veterinary Medicine for veterinary students to learn about her species and its conservation and to gain large parrot husbandry, care, and handling experience.

2019 Research Day