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Good evening and welcome


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from the Virginia-Maryland College
of Veterinary Medicine.


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My name is Greg Daniel


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and I serve
as interim Dean of the college.


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Tonight,


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we celebrate the achievements
of the members


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of the Virginia-Maryland College
of Veterinary Medicine.


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Graduating classes of 2020.


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Tonight we will confer


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123 doctor
of veterinary medicine degrees,


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31 masters of public health degrees,


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including 10 candidates


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who will receive
both the DVM and the MPH degrees


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and three masters of science degrees


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in biomedical
and veterinary sciences.


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To the members of the class of 2020,


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while we have not ended
your educational programs


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as you or our college has planned,


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please know that your college family
is inspired by your resiliency.


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We are proud of you
and the roles that you have played


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in carrying out our mission
of protecting and enhancing


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animal, human and environmental
health and welfare,


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and living our values
of promoting public health


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by protecting people
from zoonotic diseases.


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As veterinarians,
public health professionals,


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and biomedical researchers,


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you will join the workforce


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with the knowledge and skills
that are essential


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to the health and well-being
of animals, people, and communities.


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As you head out
to serve and change the world


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in midst
of our current global pandemic,


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you are well prepared


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to solve the health challenges
facing our increasing complex world.


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Although we cannot gather
and celebrate in person,


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on behalf of our faculty and staff,


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we honor you and your achievements


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and wish you success and good fortune
on your journey.


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We know
you will continue to make us proud.


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We look forward
to connecting with you in person


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here in Blacksburg in the future.


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In the meantime,
please stay in touch.


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Congratulations to you, your family,


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and the mentors, friends,
faculty, and staff


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who have helped you along the way.