Dear Friends of Penn Vet,
This fall we are celebrating two significant milestones. In late August, we welcomed the Class of 2027. Their arrival is particularly poignant as they will be, in May of 2027, the University of Pennsylvania’s 140th graduating class from the School of Veterinary Medicine. It is most humbling to think that our institution has hosted five generations of committed and compassionate veterinarians for well more than a century.
Our second milestone is this issue of Bellwether, our 100th issue. Introduced in the fall of 1981 during Dean Robert R. Marshak’s tenure, the 16-page “newsmagazine” highlighted components of the Penn Vet experience. “Our newsletter may never win a prize,” said Marshak in his introduction in Bellwether’s inaugural issue. “But we shall endeavor to deliver interesting, accurate information on every facet of the school’s activities.” Forty-two years later, Dean Marshak would be delighted to know that Bellwether has indeed won several design and writing awards.
These two significant landmarks are heady in and of themselves. But together, they undoubtedly authenticate our institution as a true bellwether in higher education.
A bellwether, by definition, is a leader, a trendsetter, that others look to for inspiration and direction. Here at Penn Vet, I characterize our own bellwether merit around these six attributes:
Bound by Oath
At the heart of our identity is an unwavering commitment to ethics and integrity. We hold ourselves to the profession’s highest standards of honesty, respect, and accountability, serving as a moral compass for society.
Student-Centered Excellence
Our students are not just learners; they are active participants in shaping their own educational journeys. We provide them with transformative experiences that equip them with the skills, knowledge, and mindset to thrive in our ever-evolving world.
Innovation Is at Our Core
We are driven by an unquenchable thirst for progress, pushing the boundaries of what is possible and leading others by example.
Interdisciplinary Excellence
Our commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration pushes us beyond veterinary medicine’s traditional boundaries. We believe that the most substantial breakthroughs occur at the interfaces of disciplines, with the One Health framework as our lodestar.
Global Perspective
As a bellwether institution, we have a macro-outlook; engaging a broad community, while including local voices, to tackle complex global challenges.
Social Impact
We measure our success not only by academic achievements, but also by the positive impact we make on society and our veterinary professionals. Our research laboratories, our graduates, our collective efforts all contribute to the betterment of communities far beyond campus.
I am confident that Penn Vet will continue to embody these bellwether qualities and that we will inspire others to follow in our footsteps. Our institution’s history is one of resilience, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, and I am certain that our future will be even more remarkable.
Thank you for your unwavering support. I am confident that, together, we will continue to elevate Penn Vet as a beacon of excellence and a true bellwether in veterinary medicine and One Health.
Andrew M. Hoffman, DVM, DVSc, DACVIM
Gilbert S. Kahn Dean of Veterinary Medicine