Members of the Dean’s Alumni Council handed out alumni pins to students at the 2013 White Coat Ceremony.
As a graduate of Penn Vet’s VMD-PhD program, Dean Joan
Hendricks, V’79, GR’80, knows firsthand the value of strong
relationships between the School and its alumni. As Dean, it has
been a priority that alumni stay connected long after graduation.
Acknowledging all that had been done previously to keep graduates engaged,
and to deepen this connection, she established the Dean’s Alumni Council in
January 2011. Her goal was to bring together a passionate, dedicated group to
work closely with the Dean and Office of Alumni Relations on various projects
connecting alumni, students, and the public to the Penn Vet community—with
a focus on engagement, ambassadorship, and mentoring.
Under Dean Hendricks’ leadership, the Dean’s Alumni Council has evolved
to include a diverse and broad network of alumni ranging in class years, careers,
and geography, who are well-informed about Penn Vet today. Members
actively engage with the School by participating in activities including Alumni
Weekend, Orientation, the Admissions Committee, the Penn Alumni Board,
White Coat ceremonies, and more.
The School’s bond with Penn Vet alumni has thrived under Dean Hendricks.
Alumni Weekend has grown in attendance, with nearly 200 alumni and guests
returning last May. Students have seen an increase in opportunities to engage
with alumni at events and programs, as well as in their veterinary school careers.
During Dean Hendricks’ tenure, alumni gave nearly 13,000 gifts totaling
$9 million for the School. Recognizing the impact alumni make through their
generous support, Dean Hendricks helped establish the annual Dean’s Cup,
which highlights the Penn Vet classes from each decade with the greatest giving
participation percentage.
There is no doubt that, thanks to Dean Hendricks’ unwavering support, the
alumni relationship is stronger than ever.
“What a wonderful few years it’s been to serve as a Penn Vet ambassador, with Dean Joan Hendricks at the Alumni Council’s helm. It has been an honor to promote her fierce passion for innovative research and her dedication to improving the educational experience for our veterinary students. It has also been a privilege to support her tireless dedication to position Penn Vet as a leader in the veterinary community and demonstrate its powerful global impact.”
— Gia Croce, V’92, pictured with Dean Hendricks