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CELEBRATING 40 YEARS IN 2022

Come join the celebration throughout 2022 as we remember the early days when Ross Vet was founded, to today and into the future as we pursue our mission…

We know there isn’t just one story of Ross Vet. With nearly 6,000 alumni around the globe, there are nearly 6,000 stories of how a small veterinary college located on St. Kitts is making an impact in the world.  Be part of the celebration and help us tell the Ross Vet story!

HISTORY OF ROSS VET

Seeing an opportunity to support U.S. students gain access to veterinary school, Robert Ross established Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (Ross Vet). Ross Vet was chartered in Dominica in 1982—admitting its first class on the same campus as Ross University School of Medicine. Veterinary students shared many of their basic science classes with medical students.

Not long after the veterinary school was started, the university was relocated to St. Kitts. Construction started in 1983 on two buildings in Basseterre, St. Kitts, to house laboratories, a clinic, and lecture rooms. They were finished by the time students from the first class were nearly ready to move into their final, clinical year. After another six months, the rest of the veterinary school joined them on the new island.

One of Mr. Ross’s most important recruits was a well-known pathologist from Kansas State University named Stanley Dennis who arrived on the island in 1992 and stayed for eight years as dean. He got the college on sound academic and administrative footings and hired key faculty.

Adtalem Global Education purchased the university in 2003.

RUSVM Campus Sign

YOUR ROSS VET STORY

Tell your story. Share photos, your favorite memories, or update us on what you’re doing no. Help us celebrate our alumni every Thursday (#TBT) throughout the year.

#40yearsrossvet

Alumni 40th photo

ORAL HISTORY PROJECT

We have partnered with Publishing Concepts, Inc. (PCI) to help collect stories from as many alumni as possible and produce “Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine Reflections” Oral History Publication. By sharing your memory, you’ll ensure that the rich history of Ross Vet will be preserved for generations to come.

PCI will soon be contacting alumni via mail, phone, and email asking for participation and updating contact information.

ORAL HISTORY PROJECT FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I received an email/postcard/phone call from a company asking for my personal information and a story about Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. Tell me more about the project.

We have partnered with PCI (also known as Publishing Concepts, Inc.) to produce an Oral History Publication for Ross Vet. PCI is a family-owned business based in Dallas, TX that has published directories for educational institutions, fraternities, sororities, and military organizations across the nation for over 100 years. This project allows us to hear about your personal experiences from your time at Ross Vet and how the school helped shape your life since then. And, while we have you on the phone, we want to make sure your contact information is up to date.

Does Ross Vet benefit from this at all?

Yes, in a few different ways:

  • Updated Information – allows us to effectively communicate with and engage alumni
  • Legacy – collecting and sharing stories preserves the history of our school
  • Pride–wearing apparel shows support and love for our school
     
How do I know my information will only be used for Oral History Project purposes?

PCI is committed to protecting your information. The names, addresses, and information provided to PCI for the publication of the Oral History Project will be held confidential by PCI, except to the extent that they are utilized in, or in the preparation of, the Oral History Project and except as required by court order or the law. Upon completion of the project, PCI will redact PII (Personal Identifiable Information) from any and all electronic files that we have supplied or were produced by PCI in connection with the production of the Oral History Project.

I would like to verify or update my information and share a story. How may I do this?
  • If you have received a postcard or an email with a telephone number, you may call the number to speak with a dedicated representative for the Oral History Project. The representative will verify all the information we have on file for you, make any updates where needed, and then ask you to share your story about your time at Ross Vet. Your story will be recorded and the sound clip provided to Ross Vet at the conclusion of the project.
  • If you have received an email with an embedded link, you may go to the online site to review your information and submit a story.
Can I choose what information prints in the publication?

When you call to update your information, you can tell the representative if you prefer any of your information to be excluded. You can also communicate your preferences to PCI’s customer service helpdesk at 1-800-982-1590 / customerservice@publishingconcepts.com or to the Alumni Office directly.

I updated my information but need some more time to think about what experience to share.

You can call back at any time before August 2022 to share your story.

I shared a story and the representative said I could send some photos. How do I do this?

You will receive an email with a link to upload up to two photos (black and white or color) plus captions.

If you have also purchased a book but do not have an email address on file, you will be sent a photo mailer to send physical photos in to be printed (note: photos will be returned if you include a self-addressed, stamped envelope).

When will I receive my book?

The total duration of the Oral History Project is about 12 months. Since we began the project in February 2022, the books will be distributed in February 2023.

I ordered a book/package over the phone and would like to cancel my order. How do I do this?

Contact PCI’s customer service helpdesk at 1-800-982-1590 and they will take care of this for you.

SHOW YOUR ROSSIE PRIDE & CELEBRATE!

40TH ANNIVERSARY MERCHANDISE

Show your Rossie pride with this memorable collection.

Head to the Ross Vet Spirit Store
40th Anniversary T Shirt

 

$40 FOR 40

Help future veterinary students experience Ross Vet through scholarships by donating $40 for our 40th anniversary through the Empower Scholarship Fund.

Give back to future alumni

How You Can Celebrate

The celebration continues throughout the year, culminating with a special celebration at the West Indies Veterinary Conference in November.

  • Update your Facebook® Frame to show your Rossie pride
  • Follow Ross Vet on social media and engage in the conversation via Facebook and  Instagram™.
  • Share your photos and stories on social media using #RossVet40years.
  • Add a note to your signature block celebrating RUSVM:
  • Alumni: “A Proud Rossie Celebrating RUSVM’s 40 Years”
  • Refer an outstanding prospective student to RUSVM
  • Volunteer your time and/or join a cause you are passionate about.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Events will be held throughout the year! Check out back regularly for updates.

WEST INDIES VETERINARY CONFERENCE NOVEMBER 6-11, 2022

Mark your calendars for Ross Vet’s 2022 West Indies Veterinary Conference. We are grateful for your support over the years and thrilled that the 2022 conference will coincide with the university’s 40th anniversary! Looking forward to having you all join us for this historical celebration.

Learn More About WIVC 2022