Page 5 - RUSVM 2023 Commencement Program

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

JANET D. DONLIN, DVM
Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer,
Dear Graduates, American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
Congratulations to our newest members of the Ross University School of Veterinary
Medicine Alumni Association. We want to take this opportunity to welcome you to Dr. Donlin was Chief Executive Officer of AVMA Professional
the start of your career in the world of veterinary medicine. Today, you are joining Liability Insurance Trust (AVMA PLIT) since April 2013. Dr.
the RUSVM Alumni community, a group of over 6,000 graduates, and you are an Donlin’s hiring marks her return to the AVMA for which she
important part of your alma mater’s history. You have chosen a career path with many first started working in 1991 as an assistant director in what
opportunities to serve animals, humans, and our environment–a path that may be was then the AVMA Scientific Activities Division.
difficult and challenging, yet extremely rewarding. The Alumni Association is here to Over the course of the next 17 years, she served as an Interim
provide support, encouragement and guidance. Division Director, Associate Executive Vice President and
Assistant Executive Vice President at American Veterinary Medical Association. From 2000 to
The mission of the Alumni Association is to foster a robust community of active alumni 2001, Dr. Donlin served at AVMA as interim Chief Executive Officer of the National Commission
through encouraging lifelong relationships with each other and with RUSVM. We aspire on Veterinary Economic Issues, where she oversaw the establishment of the commission as a
to be the primary provider of an immersive experience by connecting alumni, students, nonprofit organization.
faculty, and staff in valuable and meaningful ways.
From August 2007 to March 2013, Dr. Donlin served as Chief Veterinary Officer of the Global
We are always searching for active and enthusiastic volunteers to join in assisting us with Veterinary Business Channel of Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. There she provided veterinary insights
our goals, and we encourage you to become an active participant by contacting the to drive development of innovative products and services to meet the evolving needs of the
Office of Alumni Relations. You can also find a lot of helpful information by visiting our veterinary profession and pet owners.
website at veterinary.rossu.edu/alumni.
Dr. Donlin has professional membership in several associations, including AVMA, the American
We hope that you will embrace our mission of supporting the personal and Animal Hospital Association, the American Association of Bovine Practitioners, the American
professional development of RUSVM alumni, networking among graduates, and Association of Equine Practitioners, the American Association of Swine Veterinarians, the Illinois
recognizing career achievements and distinguished service to the University. Your State Veterinary Medical Association, the American Society of Association Executives, and
successes are a tribute to RUSVM, and our alumni community is crucial to our reputation the American Association of Industry Veterinarians. She was a board member of the American
as a quality teaching institution for future veterinarians, veterinary researchers, and Association of Corporate and Public Service Veterinarians. She was a Trustee of the AVMA’s Group
other veterinary-related professionals. We look forward to staying connected with you Health Life Insurance Trust (now AVMA Life).
and wish you the best of luck as you embark on your veterinary career.
She is a licensed veterinarian in Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Dr. Donlin is the first veterinarian
Sincerely, to earn the Certified Association Executive credential from the American Society of Association
Executives.
Erik Peterson, DVM, MSc
Associate Professor - Clinical Sciences She received both her DVM and her Bachelor of Science degree in medical technology from the
Division Head - Essential Veterinary Skills Program University of Minnesota. She is also a graduate of the veterinary technician program at the Medical
Assistant Dean of Alumni Relations Institute of Minnesota.
As AVMA CEO, Dr. Donlin serves the needs of AVMA members as they face new challenges and
Mark Salemi, DVM ‘87
Alumni Action Council President opportunities. She works closely with AVMA leadership, staff and veterinary colleagues to advance
the AVMA’s mission “to lead the profession by advocating for our members and advancing the
science and practice of veterinary medicine to improve animal and human health.”

CONGRATULATIONS
CLASS OF 2023!

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