St Nicholas University: School of Veterinary Medicine Celebrates Three Milestones

St Nicholas University: School of Veterinary Medicine (SNU) celebrated three important milestones on a single day on Friday September 8, 2023: a graduation, a white coat ceremony, and the stethoscope ceremony for its new students.

It was an important and happy occasion for SNU which opened in 2021 despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic and the institute is steadily growing. It has today 55 students who are mostly international students from the Caricom region and the United States. This steady growth and expansion is also a milestone for Dominica and the Caribbean, as SNU is making strides in making quality veterinary education accessible and affordable in the region and worldwide.

President of SNU, Dr. Golnaz Naderkhani, welcomed guests of honour, including The Honourable Minister of Agriculture, Ronald Royer, Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. St. Aimee and other invitees, sharing her comments with the auditorium full of students, their families, faculty, staff, and guests.

“First of all, let me start by congratulating the new students. The Stethoscope Ceremony is a wonderful tradition that welcomes our newest members to St. Nicholas University School of Veterinary Medicine. Next, I want to congratulate the Pre-vet class as they celebrate the very important milestone of progressing to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program and graduate with an associate degree in Veterinary Technology, ” – said Dr. Naderkhani. “ I would like to take this happy opportunity to officially introduce and thank my partner Mr. Ian Edwards for his contribution to making this success possible” – she added. Appreciation is also extended to the Government of Dominica for their support and facilitation.

Together with SNU deans, Dr. Amilcar Arenal Cruiz and Dr. Shane McIntire, and other faculty, Dr. Naderkhani handed stethoscopes, diplomas and awards to students.

St Nicholas University started another year of veterinary education today, equipped with new and modern veterinary equipment and a growing international faculty, thus cementing its position as a uniquely poised provider of affordable, quality veterinary education in the Caribbean and abroad.