The WCVM Class of 2025 poses for a group photo at the WCVM graduation banquet in June. Photo: Dave Stobbe.

USask graduates celebrate completion of veterinary program at WCVM

Eighty-four students from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) received their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degrees during the University of Saskatchewan (USask) Spring Convocation ceremony on June 5.

By WCVM Today

The Class of 2025 represents the 56th class to graduate from the WCVM, which has served as the regional veterinary college for Western Canada since 1965. The WCVM is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2025.

While most of this year’s WCVM graduates plan to work in small animal, mixed animal, equine or large animal clinics across Western Canada, some are beginning internships or graduate programs to advance their clinical training. Several graduates are also joining veterinary practices in other parts of Canada or further afield.

At this year’s convocation ceremony, WCVM Dean Dr. Gillian Muir (DVM) presented the college’s most prestigious student honour, the WCVM Faculty Gold Medal, to Dr. Rachel Haner (DVM) of Oakbank, Man. The faculty-nominated award is presented annually to a graduating student who has excelled in demonstrating the highest general proficiency in the science and art of veterinary medicine during the four-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program.

Haner, who graduates with great distinction, aspired to become a veterinarian from a young age. She began her veterinary studies at the WCVM in 2021 after completing two years of undergraduate courses in agriculture at the University of Manitoba.

Rachel Haner (middle) stands alongside her family during the 2025 WCVM graduation banquet. Photo: Dave Stobbe

 Before studying at the WCVM, Haner gained a range of experience in small animal clinics, equine practices, poultry sampling programs and wildlife rehabilitation. Her passion for equine medicine was ignited during a summer spent shadowing equine veterinarians and working as a polo groom.

Haner is now working as an equine intern at Burwash Equine Services near Cochrane, Alta. After she completes the one-year program, Haner plans to practise in rural Manitoba or pursue further clinical training through a residency program.

Haner also received the Evelyn Margaret Manfield Scholarship and the Saskatchewan Speed Horses Association Award at the WCVM graduation banquet and awards program. During the evening’s events, members of the WCVM community celebrated the achievements of veterinary graduates as well as graduate students, faculty and staff. WCVM representatives and many of the college’s generous donors presented 53 awards worth more than $181,000 to recipients.