SVM ALUMNI
CLASS NOTES DVM Alumni Updates
vetmed.wisc.edu/svm-alumni-class-notes
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Dear alumni:
In This Issue
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1987-1988
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1990-1991
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1993-1997
I hope you enjoy this year’s Class Notes. Thank you to all who took the time to send in your news – it is wonderful to hear what our UW School of Veterinary Medicine alumni have been doing and to recognize your successes and milestones.
Mark Hein Claire DeChristina Peter Janssen Lisa Lindesmith Mary Kraft-Lee Ron Biese Ruthanne Chun Donna Krochak Barry Hartup Mark Thompson Susan McMillan
This publication is just one way to stay connected with your fellow alumni and with the school. Other opportunities include the following: •
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2003-2005 Adam Staff Becky Krull
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2006-2009
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Maria Krenz Lorin Shearburn Melissa Kubai Adam Bauknecht Suzanne McKichan
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2010-2013
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2014-2017
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2019-2020
Michelle McDonough MacKenzie Pellin Laura Beck Erich Roush Valerie Baumgart Kari Musgrave Tyler Majerus Nicole Young Alex Powers Margaret (Courter) Breisch Colin Berg Joanna Finstad Alisia Weyna Ian McSweeny Cassidy Alvarez Kate Hartzler Chelsea Stecklein
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Attend our alumni events. We host alumni receptions (VMX, WVC, AVMA, AAEP), the alumni reunion (June 22 this year), and a tailgate (TBD). We look forward to showing you our new building addition at the latter two events this year. Join the SVM Alumni Association (see below) - visit go.wisc.edu/svmaa to learn more. Connect with the school on LinkedIn. (linkedin.com/school/uwvetmed) Utilize your class listserv (email YEARdvm@g-groups.wisc.edu (e.g., 1999dvm@g-groups.wisc.edu)). Read our bi-monthly alumni e-newsletter. Not receiving that? Let me know and I will add you to the list. Reach out! We love to hear from you and appreciate it when you call or email to share your ideas and to ask questions.
I hope to see or hear from you soon!
Kristi V. Thorson Associate Dean for Advancement and Administration kristi.thorson@wisc.edu 608-265-9692
JOIN OR RENEW TODAY
A COMMUNITY FOR SVM ALUMNI, LED BY SVM ALUMNI.
Please address correspondence to: Kristi V. Thorson kristi.thorson@wisc.edu 2015 Linden Drive Madison, WI 53706-1102 Phone: 608-265-9692
visit GO.WISC.EDU/SVMAA
On the cover
Mark Hein and family (UW DVM 1987)
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SVM ALUMNI CLASS NOTES | 2024
[1987] Mark Hein
(Photo right and also on cover)
Wisconsin Veterinary Orthopedics; President, owner [Holmen, WI] actively practicing. Currently resides in Trempealeau, WI. Anne-Marie [wife], 4 children [3 wonderful daughters and one special son], one granddaughter. Farms seven farms, enjoys hiking, horseback riding, duck hunting, bow hunting and coffee with other very old people. Sense of humor along with Anne-Marie got me this far; no plan to retire completely, enjoy orthopedics immensely. I’ve really enjoyed horseback riding with Patty Klein and husband Leo, come join us!!
[1988] Claire DeChristina
(Photo below)
There is life after veterinary medicine. It has been three years since my official retirement and I can’t imagine how I was able to get anything done while I was working. I have taken retirement as an opportunity to fulfill my underlying wish to pursue the fiber arts and am dyeing fabric using natural dyes or indigo, doing botanical printing, sewing, and I continue to do hand embroidery. One of my pieces was recently chosen to appear at a show in Mankato, Minnesota at the Carnegie Art Center starting in January of 2024 and another piece is currently hanging at the Minnesota Textile Center. After 1 hip and 2 knee replacements, I can tend my garden again! In addition to organically grown vegetables, I have added indigo and madder to supply some of my dye materials. Next year it’s on to woad and weld! One of the ways Curt and I have found we can keep our farmette and still be free to travel is to welcome our daughter and her wife into our household. Both Cayley and Lily work “remotely” and, because of job location requirements, needed to move back to Wisconsin. Having them move in with us has required adjustments to our living space, but we now have someone to rely on to help us take care of our home, grounds, and critters and it’s great to have new voices around for conversation.
Peter Janssen
I retired from practice on September 15, after 33 years at the Janssen Clinic for Animals in Middleton, WI. Sale of the practice to a group of 3 young veterinarians, (all of whom are UW-SVM alumni) ensures continued care for the patients and clients that trusted me with their beloved furry family members. I wish to express my deep gratitude to the UW-SVM, the staff there, and the colleagues that helped and informed me and enabled me to practice for so many years. I’m also hopeful that the many former Janssen Clinic for Animals staff members, who have now graduated, or will soon graduate, from the UW-SVM will experience similar long and satisfying careers. My wife of 39 years, who has been practice manager since 2004, is also retiring. We hope to spend more time with our family, as well as explore the state, country and world.
Lisa Lindesmith
(Photo on page 5)
I joined the ranks of the retired at the end of August this year. I have picked up some shifts at a rescue hospital to keep my toes in a bit and I may yet set up to do some mobile or referral acupuncture. For now I am enjoying more travel and time at home with Toni. I was lucky enough to be in Montana on a night with clear skies and the Northern Lights over the Crazy mountains out my bedroom window, so I’ve also enjoyed practicing my photography skills a bit.
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[1990] Mary Kraft-Lee
(Photo below)
My wonderful husband of 35 years, Tom Lee, and I are so happy and proud to share the marriage of our beautiful daughter, Michele to Alex Rink on July 8, 2023! Michele and Alex, along with their adoring Golden Retrievers, Ellis and Zooey, live in Rochester Hills, MI. They also have two sweet kitties, Cinna and Dave, along with 12 chickens!
It is so great to see people at tailgates, alumni reunions or WVMA events. And it’s really cool having a ‘legacy’ student who is now a second year DVM student here! At home, Jim and I have another 1.5 years before we are empty nesters. Our oldest, Elliot, is a junior majoring in linguistics at Washington University in St Louis. Althea is a junior in high school with no idea yet of what she wants to major in (except she knows she does not want to be a veterinarian). As our kids get older, so do all our non-human family members. We are down to 2 dogs, 2 turtles, 2 chickens, 1 Gray parrot and 1 corn snake. We hope you all have a holiday season that is filled with peace (wishing the same would happen globally) and love.
Donna Krochak
(Photos below and on page 5)
Wow 2023, it’s hard to believe 40 years ago I graduated high school and was worried I would never fulfill my dream of being a veterinarian. I have been blessed with so many opportunities in Vet Med and really enjoy my current position in industry. My favorite part is mentoring students and practitioners on the aspects of medicine but more importantly around the self care required to keep us all in this career trying to help the animals. It takes realizing that we are all so much more than veterinarians.
[1991] Ron Biese
My wife, Michele, retired 4 years ago, but I am still working full time, because I still enjoy it and now more than ever. I am no longer owner or boss, so I get to just practice veterinary medicine...the reason I went to vet school. It’s been fun. This past November my daughter Kayla and her husband blessed us with our 8th grandchild. That was her third and our son Kevin and his wife have 5 children. We have 4 of each which is otherworldly and awesome.
Ruthanne Chun
The view from my office window is of the new building (we call it the North building) construction. It’s been exciting to see the walls literally going up, and a little disturbing (and comforting at the same time) to feel the vibrations of the ground as the foundations were drilled. I’m really looking forward to being able to use the space in 2024!
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SVM ALUMNI CLASS NOTES | 2024
So 2023 brought my first opportunity to get to Alaska, a cruise, and my oldest son is expanding our family getting engaged to a beautiful, smart and kind women soon to become my daughter! (not a fan of the in-law phrase). Several other small trips and lots of fun times with my new dog Ollie, a two year old black lab. I would love to catch up at VMX alumni events or anytime. Hope you are all doing well and enjoying the moments life has to offer.
Above: Lisa Lindesmith (UW DVM 1988), enjoys photography in her retirement. The Northern Lights in Montana shown.
Above: Donna Krochak (UW DVM 1991) Left: Donna Krochak (UW DVM 1991) at the White House. Below: Barry Hartup (UW DVM 1993) says goodbye to ICF’s Hope.
Below: Class of 1993 at this year’s reunion picnic.
vetmed.wisc.edu/svm-alumni-class-notes
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[1993] Barry Hartup
[1996] (Photo below and on page 5)
The past year was filled with big changes, none bigger than retirement after 30 years in the field. I am so grateful for having been able to combine my interests in wildlife, conservation, and veterinary medicine, especially since 2000 when I was hired to work with the International Crane Foundation (ICF) through a contract with the SVM. I have continued to consult part-time with ICF since March, and helped coordinate a small conference this past fall – the 16th North American Crane Workshop – for 90 US and Canadian colleagues. I was floored to be honored with the L.H. Walkinshaw Crane Conservation Award during this event, along with another veterinary colleague who worked with cranes for many years at a federal facility. Needless to say, I am happy we made an impact over the years! 2024 and beyond will include winding down research projects with ICF, co-editing a Proceedings from the crane workshop, working with our local land trust and bike advocacy groups, travel (including a visit to my Master’s project field site in Belize 35 years later), hanging out with our three cats, and bicycling the Baraboo Hills every chance I get.
Mark Thompson
In September of 2023 I started my year as the president of AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association). I will be the second president in the history of the organization from Wisconsin. Dr. Raymond G. Pahle served from 1981–82 and was from New Berlin, WI. I have been on the AAHA board of directors since 2019 and have served as vice-president and president elect. This year will be filled with travel. In addition, I purchased my second small animal practice in Waupun, WI.
[1997] Susan McMillan
(Photo below)
We are in the process of transferring our Old North End Veterinary Clinic over to the local humane society. We’ve provided affordable basic veterinary care since 2006 and it’s time to merge with our shelter’s community pet clinic. We’ll also let go of most house calls, thus shrinking the scope of our mobile practice (Vet To Pet Mobile) to end of life visits, keeping inventory at a minimum. I was just ordained a deacon in the Episcopal Church so, officially, it’s Rev Susan McMillan now! My partner Kit and I just met up with Ames Grobstein and partner Deb in Chicago for another fun weekend.
Above: Dale Bjorling (left) and Barry Hartup’s (UW DVM 1993) (right) at retirement picnic at SVM.
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SVM ALUMNI CLASS NOTES | 2024
[2003] Adam Staff (Photo right)
I was planning on building a new clinic but had the opportunity to purchase an existing 7,200 sqft building previously used as a human medical clinic. I bought it and opened Cameron Veterinary Clinic in Oct 2022. I now have two veterinary clinics to operate. The new building is amazing. So much space, so much potential. It has reinvigorated my spirit and I should be good to go for another 20 years!
[2005] Becky Krull (Photo right)
Above: Adam Staff (UW DVM 2003) opened Cameron Veterinary Clinic in October 2022.
I had an eventful and exciting year! After I became sole owner of Green Bay and Allouez Animal Hospital in April 2021, I felt called to elevate and expand my mission. I renamed the business to Buddy’s Vets, in honor of my dog Buddy who was my inspiration to become a vet and reminds me and my staff daily to be a “Buddy” and keep caring for pets and their people at the forefront of everything we do. Buddy’s Vets has grown significantly, especially through the pandemic when we made sure veterinary care remained essential. The business growth led to the need for bigger and improved care facilities. Buddy’s Vets built a new 8,200 square foot clinic on Green Bay’s east side and expanded into a new facility on the west side. The new buildings offer fearfree spaces that elevate the care and provide a home-like, spacious atmosphere for people and Above: Becky Krull (UW DVM 2005) renamed her practice to Buddy’s their pets. Vets in honor of her late dog Buddy and grew significantly this past year. Buddy’s Vets is seeing on average 145 new patients a month and has launched various “Buddy Up” community initiatives that include supporting local sports teams, animal shelters, donation drives, as well as hosting community events to promote wellness and other businesses. I’ve also hired on a team of Executive Coaches who help ensure our team remains happy and healthy and the business is successful. I also contract with a physical therapist to come into the clinic to take care of the human team, realizing that veterinary medicine is a physical job and if we aren’t feeling well we won’t perform well. I am on a personal mission to promote the veterinary field and am pleased to see that Buddy’s Vets is seeing an increase in inquiries from veterinary students. I offer mentorship and travel across the country sharing my experience of becoming a high performing veterinarian in hopes to help others do the same.
vetmed.wisc.edu/svm-alumni-class-notes
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[2006] Maria (Ozarowicz) Krenz
Lorin Shearburn (Photos below)
I own ZimmVet in Zimmerman, Minn. and recently completed an expansion and remodel to expand to nine exam rooms, seven doctors and the addition of urgent care services. Purchased in 2008, I’ve grown the practice from a one doctor practice to a multi-doctor practice that has been recognized as a top clinic in North America by AAHA (2021 AAHA Practice of the Year Winner).
(Photo on page 9)
I took a new job close to home at Shorewood Animal Hospital. Better for my health and the planet that I can walk to work now. I finally rescheduled my canceled 2020 trip to Germany to July 2023. Visited my bestie, classmate Karen Arras (UW DVM 2006), practicing in Bavaria.
[2008] Melissa Kubai
(Photo on page 9)
I made a career shift in the Spring of 2021 and moved back to my Midwestern roots by accepting a position as Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at Iowa State University. I have been enjoying providing positive mentorship to veterinary students, interns and residents. I enjoy eliciting those “light bulb” moments in veterinary students and being a part of the development of our ophthalmology residents. I have also appreciated the opportunity to pursue clinically relevant research striving to improve disease resolution and overall patient care. When I am not looking through a slit lamp biomicroscope, I enjoy being outside gardening and remaining active with water sports, hiking, cycling and running.
The clinic has also been recognized for our innovative veterinary technician training program and has been featured in several news articles. I was also accepted into the Veterinary Management Groups (VMG) in 2022. With the new clinic expansion, we are looking for compassionate, work-life-balance focused teammates to join our team. Contact me at doctorkrenz@zimmvet.com to learn more about any of our programs, or to join our team.
My furry kids, Eyeris (Papillon), Nigel (gray DMH) and Sequoia (Siberian Forest cat) keep me in line the rest of the time.
[2009] Adam Bauknecht
After 13 years helping to grow Madison Cat Project, I’ve accepted a job as Spay/Neuter Consultant Vet at San Diego Humane Society and will be moving to California in early 2024. I’ll be traveling with a medical team to various shelters in Southern California, performing spays and neuters, and helping improve their surgical efficiency and safety.
Suzanne McKichan
I am still a solo equine practitioner in Wisconsin Dells, and I am loving it more and more all the time. The exciting update is that my husband, Ryan, built me a beautiful clinic facility here at our house, which has drastically improved the care I can provide and my quality of life. (continued on page 10)
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SVM ALUMNI CLASS NOTES | 2024
Above: Lorin Shearburn (UW DVM 2006) visiting with Karen Arras (UW DVM 2006) at Schloss Linderhof.
Above: MacKenzie Pellin (UW DVM 2011) with her husband and two daughters.
Above: Melissa Kubai (UW DVM 2008)
Above: Laura Beck (UW DVM 2013) with her husband and three children. vetmed.wisc.edu/svm-alumni-class-notes
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Suzanne McKichan (continued)
I am blessed by two outstanding support staff who make the hard days easier and the great days even more fun. The facility has afforded me the ability to collaborate with and host other veterinarians to expand services I offer and bring specialty-level care to this area. I have also been able to host veterinary students here for some learning days at which we all benefit. We have fun as a family, too! Levi (11 yrs) has discovered a love and talent for basketball, and I was shocked to discover that I love being a basketball mom. Rylee (9 yrs) is all about horses and we ride a lot together. She helps me with vet appointments and events and plans to be a vet, too. Both kids are starting 4H and I am excited to see them grow in their project areas and leadership in general. Although the construction has been a huge workload to Ryan, half of the building is a dream-come-true wood shop for him to enjoy his hobby. I got to see and catch up with Adam Bauknecht (UW DVM 2009) recently, and it was so much fun to reminisce about memories of school and classmates. I hope you are all doing well and hope to see some updates on all of you too.
[2010] Michelle McDonough
(Photo below)
Only 3 years after purchasing my practice, we are building a brand new facility. It will be open in June of 2024. We are so excited to have an updated work space, and a lot more room to grow. Below: McDonough’s team in the building for the first time.
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SVM ALUMNI CLASS NOTES | 2024
[2011] MacKenzie Pellin (Photo on page 9)
My big update for the year is that I was promoted to Clinical Associate Professor of Oncology at the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine. Brian and I still live in Madison with our daughters Blaess (5) and Wren (3) and our two dogs Archer (hound mix) and Tulip (terrier mix).
[2013] Laura Beck (Photo on page 9)
My husband and I welcomed our third child, Ingrid Mary, in June. She got to make her first visit to the vet school for our 10 year reunion at just 3 weeks old! I continue to practice shelter medicine at the Oshkosh Area Humane Society and love the variety it brings each and every day.
Erich Roush
(Photo below)
After several years of doctors’ visits, Michelle and I were finally rewarded with the most perfect rainbow baby -- our daughter, Dorothy Hazel! She was welcomed into this world at a whopping 9 lbs, 6.5 oz, and we have been amazed at how quickly she grows. Dorothy is full of smiles and laughter, and a fierce determination to complete any task that she sets her mind to. She is enamored with animals, but our two cats are glad that - for now, at least they can keep her at a ‘safe’ distance.
[2014] Valerie Baumgart (Photo on page 12)
We have prioritized time over the last year to cherish friends! What a blessing it has been to grow in faith and family!
[2015] Kari Musgrave and Tyler Majerus (Photo below)
We welcomed our son, Vernon Lawrence Majerus, to the family in May 2023. Vernon loves trying to stand up, laughing, the outdoors and most of all our cat, Kurby. Kari stayed on as a staff veterinarian at the St. Louis Zoo after completing her residency and passed boards in 2021 to become a Diplomate of the American College of Zoological Medicine. Tyler continues to practice food animal medicine in Breese, Illinois.
Nicole Young
(Photo on page 12)
After 8 exciting years in small animal general practice in the greater Phoenix area, I’ve decided to embark on a new adventure in my veterinary career. I’ve always felt drawn to the field of veterinary dentistry, and in January 2024, I will begin a 3 year Veterinary Dentistry Residency and Training program. A little scary, but super exciting! Wish me luck!
[2017] Alex Powers
(Photo on page 12)
I married Justin Dane on September 16th, 2023! The ceremony was held in Fitchburg. We currently live in Madison, WI with our two dogs Sally and Simba.
Margaret (Courter) Breisch
(Photo below)
Our daughter Isabelle Elise was born 9.29.23.
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Above: Kelsey Ricci (UW DVM 2014) and Valerie Baumgart (UW DVM 2014)
Above: Nicole Young (UW DVM 2015) with her dog Ava (aka Princess Black Toe) the Border collie/Husky dental model extraordinaire.
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SVM ALUMNI CLASS NOTES | 2024
Above: Valerie Baumgart (UW DVM 2014), Janelle Hoffman (UW DVM 2014) and all the babies!
Above: Alex Powers (UW DVM 2017) and her husband Justin Dane.
[2019]
[2020]
Colin Berg
Kate Hartzler
After completing several small animal internships and internships at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, I have accepted an associate veterinarian position at Blank Park Zoo.
Joanna Finstad
(Photo below)
I am excited to announce I will be returning to the badger state in October 2024 to help start Critical Care and Extracorporeal Services at Madison Veterinary Specialists! I recently became a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, am currently completing a fellowship in extracorporeal therapy at Ohio State University and was just accepted into the inaugural class of the American College of Veterinary Nephrology and Urology Residents. I can’t wait to reconnect with so many badgers for all things critical care and nephrology related!
In August of 2023, I moved to Canada and started work as a staff veterinarian at the Toronto Zoo! Living the dream!
Chelsea Stecklein
I finished my residency at Michigan State University and passed my boards to become a veterinary clinical pathologist! I currently work remotely for Antech reading digitally scanned slides. My husband and I bought a house in Belmont, WI and our 1.5 year old son, Parker, loves living close to both sets of grandparents. We are very glad to be back in Wisconsin - MI cheese curds are not the same!
The
Below: Joanna Finstad (UW DVM 2019) showing Badger pride while dialyzing on an OSU game day.
Alisia Weyna
I am looking forward to starting a new position in 2024 as a Clinical Instructor in Anatomic Pathology at UW Madison!
Ian McSweeny
(Photo right)
This year Cassidy Alvarez (UW DVM 2021) and I got married in Madison! We currently reside in Chicago with our three cats. Since graduating I’ve been working in Emergency Medicine and Cassidy is working in general practice.
Above: Cassidy Alvarez (UW DVM 2021) and Ian McSweeny’s (UW DVM 2019) wedding in Madison, WI. October, 2023.
vetmed.wisc.edu/svm-alumni-class-notes
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2023 - A Year in Pictures at the SVM
Class of 2018 at the Alumni Reunion (June 2023)
The UW-Madison Chancellor visited the SVM to tour the skills lab, hospital, new equine arena and more. (November 2023)
The annual tailgate was a success! (November 2023)
Ribbon cutting ceremony for the new north building (November 2023) 14
SVM ALUMNI CLASS NOTES | 2024
Sally and the Class of 2003 at the Alumni Reunion (June 2023)
The Celebration of Excellence (April 2023)
A brand new class of DVMs (May 2023)
All alumni and their families are welcome as we celebrate graduates from the classes of 1989 • 1994 • 1999• 2004 • 2009 • 2014 • 2019
Alumni Reunion JUNE 22, 2024 MADISON, WISCONSIN REGISTER TODAY
www.vetmed.wisc.edu/alumni-reunion
Recognize graduates of the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine who have made significant contributions to society, and whose accomplishments, affiliations, and careers have honored the legacy of excellence at the school.
ALUMNI AWARDS NOMINATIONS DUE MAY 1, 2024 www.vetmed.wisc.edu/svm-alumni-awards
SVM Alumni Class Notes is published by the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine. We welcome your suggestions and contributions, though we reserve the right to edit submissions.
To make a gift, contact: Pat Bowdish, Associate Vice President & Managing Director, UW Foundation pat.bowdish@supportuw.org // 608-332-4750
The printing and distribution of this magazine were funded by donations to the school.
Heidi Kramer, Senior Director of Development, UW Foundation heidi.kramer@supportuw.org // 608-327-9136
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Non-profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID MADISON, WI UMS
2015 Linden Drive Madison, WI 53706-1102
SVM ALUMNI
CLASS NOTES DVM Alumni Updates 16
SVM ALUMNI CLASS NOTES | 2024