Insight/Report on Private Giving

Spring 2004

SCAVMA Supports Volunteer Efforts, Introduces Students to Professional Organizations

The Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association (SCAVMA) is the umbrella organization for student clubs and volunteer efforts of students enrolled in the Professional Veterinary Medical Association. SCAVMA is primarily funded through the Hills Pet Food Program, where the company donates pet food that is then sold by SCAVMA students to support the work of the association.

SCAVMA supports 19 student clubs ranging from the Association of Equine Practitioners to the Zoological Medicine Society. While some of the clubs focus more on professional development, others include a community service perspective in their mission. In addition to supporting student clubs, SCAVMA offers a number of community outreach events and a chance for veterinary students to develop a professional affiliation with the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Activities of SCAVMA include:

• Dog Health Day – An annual event, Dog Health Day brings owners and their pets to the James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital for a variety of services including dental check-ups, physicals, grooming, behavioral assessments and more. Donations are accepted for services and last year more than $4,500 was raised. Half of the proceeds from Dog Health Day went to support the Larimer County Health and Rescue Service and half went to support the Pet Hospice Program at Colorado State.
• Open House – During this event, the hospital is open to the community for tours and a chance to see what goes on behind the scenes at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Visitors can enjoy a petting zoo and student clubs set up booths in a central fair area to promote their activities and create community awareness.
• Vet Text & Supply – This shop for students offers books, notes, medical equipment, and logo clothing. SCAVMA subsidizes Vet Text so students can get the lowest cost possible.
• Companion Care Fund – This “Good Samaritan” fund provides emergency funding for individuals who cannot afford the cost of their animal’s care.
• Technology Fund – The Technology Fund helps the College buy advanced equipment for use in the Professional Veterinary Medical Program, as well as purchase pertinent seminar series, as budgets allow. The primary goal is to bring the latest technology to students to ensure that when they graduate they will bring with them the advanced technological skills that are demanded in the practice of veterinary medicine today.

“The Colorado State SCAVMA is one of the strongest in the nation with 19 clubs and many extracurricular activities that enrich the education of our veterinary students,” said Jensen Stulp, a junior in the PVM program and president of SCAVMA. “A majority of our students do belong to SCAVMA and not only benefit from the activities associated with the club, but also from the professional affiliation with the AVMA.”

For Stulp, who is from Lamar, Colo., and also serves on the Honor Board and Board of Directors for Vet Text & Supply, SCAVMA is an important part of his PVM education.

“I really enjoy being active and helping others,” Stulp said. “SCAVMA offers so many opportunities for volunteers to make a difference not only in our veterinary community but in the larger social community as well. It gets a little busy juggling SCAVMA activities and being a veterinary student, but the rewards are definitely worth it.”

For additional information on SCAVMA, contact Stulp at jensens@colostate.edu.