LSU School of Veterinary Medicine Confers 110 Degrees

The Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine proudly celebrated its 48th annual Veterinary Medicine Commencement on Friday, May 17, conferring 110 Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees. The ceremony, presided over by Oliver A. Garden, BvetMed, PhD, DACVIM, DECVIM-CA, dean of the school, was graced by the presence of esteemed individuals, including former LSU Baseball Coach Paul Mainieri as the commencement speaker.

Giselle Doucet, who was killed in a plane crash this week, along with her brother Jean-Luc and father Lucius, was honored at the LSU Vet Med commencement ceremony with a moment of silence, and her hood was draped over her seat. Her name was called along with each of the other graduates. Jean-Luc, a chemical engineering graduate, was also honored at the LSU College of Engineering commencement ceremony with a moment of silence and his was the first name called when the chemical engineering graduates were announced.

Laurie Lipsey Aronson, representing the LSU Board of Supervisors, conferred the degrees, and Rachel Dufour (Class of 2024) opened the ceremony. Program speakers also included Adrianna Smith, DVM, president of the Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association. N’Dea Stewart, DVM (LSU 2024), closed the ceremony.

Students who received Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees, senior awards, and internships and residencies are listed below alphabetically by state/country, hometown, and then last name:

ARIZONA

Andrea Delilah Barnes, from Phoenix, Ariz., is pursuing a career in small animal medicine in Las Vegas, Nev.

Aspen La-Riene Settle, from Tucson, Ariz., received the Wildlife Hospital Award. Dr. Settle is pursuing a career in wildlife, avian, zoo medicine and exotics in Columbia, Mo.

ARKANSAS

Alexandria Mary Breashears, from Arkadelphia, Ark., received the American Association of Feline Practioners Proficiency Award. Dr. Breashears is pursuing a career in small animal medicine in Glen Carbon, Ill.

Victoria Ann Tarkington, from Beebe, Ark., received the Arkansas Veterinary Medical Award. Dr. Tarkington is pursuing a career in small animal medicine in Pineville, La.

Tara Lee Stepp, from Clarksville, Ark., is pursuing a career in mixed animal medicine and small animal emergency in Fort Smith, Ark.

Autumn Rae Gregg, from Fayetteville, Ark., is pursuing a career in poultry production medicine in Arkansas.

Frances Ann Fitts, from Jonesboro, Ark., received the Dechra Award for Excellence in Equine Sports Medicine. Dr. Fitts is pursuing a career in equine medicine in Benton, La.

Noah Christopher Black-Ocken, from Little Rock, Ark., received the IDEXX Proficiency in Companion Animal Medicine Award, the American College of Veterinary Surgeons Proficiency Award, Oncology Certificate of Merit, and the Arkansas Veterinary Medical Award. Dr. Black-Ocken is pursuing a career in small animal medicine in College Station, Texas.

Rose Marie Mencer, from Monticello, Ark., received the Companion Animal Medicine and Surgery Certificate of Merit Award and the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Certificate of Clinical Excellence. Dr. Mencer is pursuing a career in mixed animal medicine in Monticello, Ark.

Kaylee Dawn Chambers, from Russellville, Ark., received the Arkansas Redman Outstanding Senior Award. Dr. Chambers is pursuing a career in small animal medicine in Las Vegas, Nev.

CALIFORNIA

Mariana Flores, from Palmdale, Calif., is pursuing a career in small animal medicine in California.

Angela D. Lorenzo, from Paso Robles, Calif., is pursuing a career in small animal medicine in Olympia, Wash.

CONNECTICUT

Delaney Romaniello, from New Milford, Conn., received the Dr. Eugene Zeller Leadership Scholarship. Dr. Romaniello is pursuing a career in small animal medicine (with emphasis on behavior, internal medicine, and imaging) in Torrington, Conn.

Stefanie Duda, from Niantic, Conn., is pursuing a career in small animal medicine in Connecticut.

FLORIDA

Emma Jeanne G. Wilkin, from Apopka, Fla., is pursuing a career in small animal medicine in Edgewater, Fla.

Nicolette Taylor Michelli, from Margate, Fla., received the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Certificate of Clinical Excellence. 

Vidhi Gurjar, from Miami, Fla., received the Companion Animal Surgery Certificate of Merit. Dr. Gurjar is pursuing a career in small animal medicine/shelter medicine in Miami, Fla.

Cherese Raymond, from Miramar, Fla., received the Oncology Certificate of Merit and the Dr. Mary Boudreaux and the Class of 1979 Scholarship. Dr. Raymond is pursuing a career in small animal medicine in Miramar, Fla.

Milica Saba Courtenay, from Orlando, Fla., is pursuing a career in small animal medicine in Atlanta, Ga.

Tayla Ashley Regenbaum, from Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., is pursuing a career in small animal medicine (neurology and neurosurgery) in Florida.

Michelle Bourguignon, from Pensacola, Fla., is pursuing a career in small animal medicine in Florida.

Lillian Summer Smith, from Winter Haven, Fla., is pursuing a career in small animal emergency medicine/exotic and wildlife medicine in Baton Rouge, La.

GEORGIA

Julia Lazo, from Alpharetta, Ga., is pursuing a career in laboratory animal medicine in Atlanta, Ga.

Shelby N. Parks, from Valdosta, Ga., received the Avian Research Award, Merck Academic Excellence Award and the Calcasieu Kennel Club. Dr. Parks is pursuing a career in avian and exotic animal medicine in Pittsburgh, Pa.

IOWA

Gabrielle N. Abbott, from Decorah, Iowa, received the American College of Veterinary Surgeons Proficiency Award - Large Animal, the Arkansas Redman Outstanding Senior Award, and the Merck Academic Excellence Award. Dr. Abbott is pursuing a career in equine surgery in Ellensburg, Wash.

LOUISIANA

Jennifer Lynn Windham, from Addis, La., received the Louisiana Cattlemen's Association Clinical Proficiency Award, the Merck Academic Excellence Award, and the Robert C. Lorio Children Memorial Scholarship. Dr. Windham is pursuing a career in large animal medicine in Tennessee, Louisiana, Texas.

Giselle Amélie Doucet, from Baton Rouge, La., received the American College of Veterinary Radiology Award and the Merck Academic Excellence Award. 

Vivienne Susannah Johns, from Baton Rouge, La., is pursuing a career in small animal emergency, wildlife and conservation medicine, and zoological medicine in Texas or the Pacific Northwest.

Amelia Aline Talbot, from Baton Rouge, La., is pursuing a career in small animal medicine in Opelousas, La.

Keneshia Douglas, from Benton, La., is pursuing a career in small animal medicine in Louisiana.

Allison Belle, from Berwick, La., is pursuing a career in small animal medicine in Louisiana.

Hannah Grace Kennady, from Bossier City, La., is pursuing a career in small animal medicine in Bossier City, La.

Alexandra A. Mitchell, from Bossier City, La., received the Benjamin C. Greene Make a Difference Scholarship. Dr. Mitchell is pursuing a career in zoological medicine in Tallahassee, Fla.

Erin Guillory White, from Carencro, La., is pursuing a career in small animal emergency and critical care in Houston, Texas.

Patrick Joseph Tullier, from Chalmette, La., is pursuing a career in small animal medicine in Columbia, Mo.

Payton Ashley Tripp, from Covington, La., received the Companion Animal Medicine and Surgery Certificate of Merit Award. Dr. Tripp is pursuing a career in small animal medicine in Baytown,Texas.

Laura J. Stevens, from Crowley, La., is pursuing a career in small animal medicine in Broussard, La.

Leah Prudhomme, from DeRidder, La., is pursuing a career in small animal medicine and traditional Chinese veterinary medicine in Washington, D.C.

Lindsey Catherine Newton, from Dry Prong, La., is pursuing a career in small animal, exotic and zoological medicine, and wildlife conservation in Las Vegas, Nev.

Macy Ceasar, from Eunice, La., received the Companion Animal Medicine and Surgery Certificate of Merit Award. Dr. Ceasar is pursuing a career in small animal medicine in Las Vegas, Nev.

Kalie Frances Beckers, from Folsom, La., received the Benjamin C. Greene Make a Difference Scholarship. Dr. Beckers is pursuing a career in research in Folsom, La.

Christian Jayson Fortner, from Folsom, La., received the Kaytee Outstanding Senior Award in Avian and Exotic Animal Medicine. Dr. Fortner is pursuing a career in small animal and avian/exotic animal medicine.

Christian Sells, from Hahnville, La., is pursuing a career in small animal medicine in Metairie, La.

Hannah Elizabeth Delger, from Harvey, La., is pursuing a career in small animal medicine in St. Petersburg Fla.

Taylor White, from Jena, La., is pursuing a career in mixed animal medicine in Jonesville, La.

Brigette Johanna Chevalier, from Kenner, La., received the Merck Academic Excellence Award, and the Equine Medicine and Surgery Certificate of Merit. Dr. Chevalier is pursuing a career in equine medicine in North Carolina.

Ashlee Krantz Stanley, from Kenner, La., is pursuing a career in small animal medicine in Las Vegas, Nev.

Olivia Nicole Wells, from Kenner, La., received the Companion Animal Medicine and Surgery Certificate of Merit Award. Dr. Wells is pursuing a career in small animal medicine (ophthalmology or anesthesiology) in Raleigh, N.C.

Victoria Marie Topham, from Lafayette, La., is pursuing a career in small animal medicine in Europe.

Bryant C. Trahan, II, from Lafayette, La., is pursuing a career in mixed animal medicine in Texas.

Lucy Claire Ryder, from Lake Charles, La., received the Companion Animal Medicine and Surgery Certificate of Merit Award and the Dr. Steven D. Everson and Dr. Bradley S. Everson Honorary Endowed Scholarship. Dr. Ryder is pursuing a career in mixed animal medicine in Dallas, Texas.

Haley Nicole Tucker, from Leesville, La., received the Companion Animal Medicine and Surgery Certificate of Merit Award. Dr. Tucker is pursuing a career in small animal emergency and critical care.

Caroline Morgan Camp, from Mandeville, La., received the Texas Equine VMA, Merck Academic Excellence Award. Dr. Camp is pursuing a career in equine medicine in Lexington, Ky.

Ashley Theresa Crespo, from Mandeville, La., received the Merck Academic Excellence Award. Dr. Crespo is pursuing a career in mixed animal medicine in Fayetteville, N.C.

Layne Elizabeth Freeman, from Mandeville, La., is pursuing a career in lab animal medicine in Pennsylvania.

Britney Mattea Neal, from Many, La., is pursuing a career in small animal medicine in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Mark Golay, Jr., from Metairie, La., is pursuing a career in aquarium and zoological medicine in Louisiana.

Coby John Ney, from Metairie, La., is pursuing a career in emergency and critical care.

Jordan Miller Carelock, from Morganza, La., is pursuing a career in small animal medicine in New Roads, La.

Hannah Elizabeth Metoyer, from Natchitoches, La., received the Companion Animal Medicine and Surgery Certificate of Merit Award. Dr. Metoyer is pursuing a career in small animal medicine in Houston, Texas.

Joseph Michael Warren Reynolds, from Natchitoches, La., is pursuing a career in mixed animal medicine in Natchitoches, La.

Cameron Howard, from New Orleans, La., received the Merck Academic Excellence Award. Dr. Howard is pursuing a career in mixed animal medicine in Wylie, Texas.

Kaitlynn Willis, from Pitkin, La., received the Companion Animal Medicine and Surgery Certificate of Merit Award. Dr. Willis is pursuing a career in feline medicine in Houston, Texas.

Lauren Little Fruge, from Prairieville, La., is pursuing a career in small animal medicine in Prairieville, La.

Ashton Marie Dupuis, from Rayne, La., is pursuing a career in small animal medicine in Rayne, La.

Christian Cole Morgan, from Rayne, La., received the Audrey Engelhart Scholarship in Shelter Medicine. Dr. Morgan is pursuing a career in mixed animal medicine in Rayne, La.

Stevie Noyes Bordelon, from Reserve, La., pursuing a career in small animal emergency medicine in Murfreesboro, Tenn.

Jessica Carter Schaumburg, from River Ridge, La., is pursuing a career in small animal medicine in New Orleans, La.

Kyle Pate, from Ruston, La., is pursuing a career in mixed animal medicine in Bossier, La.

Madison Paige Davis, from Shreveport, La., received the Companion Animal Surgery Certificate of Merit. Dr. Davis is pursuing a career in small animal medicine in Overland Park, Kan.

Mary Ella Robison, from Shreveport, La., received the American College of Veterinary Pathologists Award of Excellence in Anatomic Pathology and the Dechra Award for Excellence in Dermatology. Dr. Robison is pursuing a career in small animal medicine and anatomic pathology in Asheville, N.C.

N’Dea Alese Stewart, from Shreveport, La., received the Merck Academic Excellence Award and the Equine Medicine and Surgery Certificate of Merit. Dr. Stewart is pursuing a career in mixed animal medicine in Texas.

Kali Daniele Henderson Swenson, from Shreveport, La., is pursuing a career in small animal medicine in Longview, Texas.

Rachel Ann Elfert, from Slidell, La., received the Oncology Certificate of Merit, the Eleanor Connell Witter of Live Oak at Cedar Lodge Farm, an dthe Companion Animal Surgery Certificate of Merit. Dr. Elfert is pursuing a career in small animal medicine in Pace, Fla.

Mallory Paige McConathy, from Stonewall, La., received the Robert B. Lank DVM Memorial Scholarship, the American Academy of Veterinary Dermatology Award, and the Equine Medicine and Surgery Certificate of Merit. Dr. McConathy is pursuing a career in mixed animal medicine in Louisiana.

Annelise de la Houssaye Alleman, from Thibodaux, La., is pursuing a career in small animal medicine in Thibodaux, La.

Jason Revere Ray, Jr., from Thibodaux, La., received the Robert B. Lank, DVM Memorial Scholarship. Dr. Ray is pursuing a career in regulatory medicine/public health in Chico, Calif.

Reagan McCrary Joiner, from West Monroe, La., is pursuing a career in small animal medicine in Georgetown, Texas.

Camryn Ann Leavitt, from West Monroe, La., received the Wildlife Hopsital Award. Dr. Leavitt is pursuing a career in small animal, exotics, and wildlife medicine in Jacksonville, Fla.

Emily Claire Musso, from Youngsville, La., is pursuing a career in small animal medicine in Lafayette, La.

MAINE

Jacquelyn Marie Meltzer, from Portland, Maine, received the Companion Animal Surgery Certificate of Merit. Dr. Meltzer is pursuing a career in small animal medicine in South Portland, Maine.

MARYLAND

Dalia Rachel Badamo, from Rockville, Md., received the Sheri Ellen Cole Memorial Fund. Dr. Badamo is pursuing a career in Anatomic Pathology.

MASSACHUSETTS

Gregory Nicholas Mansfield, from Shrewsbury, Mass., received the Companion Animal Surgery Certificate of Merit. Dr. Mansfield is pursuing a career in small animal medicine in Florida.

MISSOURI

Alexis N. Reno, from Caruthersville, Mo., received the Companion Animal Medicine and Surgery Certificate of Merit Award and the Equine Medicine and Surgery Certificate of Merit. Dr. Reno is pursuing a career in mixed animal medicine in Tennessee or North Carolina.

Haley Anne McCall, from West Plains, Mo., is pursuing a career in mixed animal medicine (small animal and equine) in the Midwest.

NEW JERSEY

Matthew Joseph Criscione, from Howell, N.J., received the Companion Animal Medicine and Surgery Certificate of Merit Award, the Avian Research Award, and the Companion Animal Surgery Certificate of Merit. Dr. Criscione is pursuing a career in small animal surgery, shelter medicine, and wildlife medicine.

Kirsten Emma Rico, from Norwood, N.J., is pursuing a career in Small animal surgery in Boston, Mass.

NORTH CAROLINA

Destiny Skyler Lee, from Lenoir, N.C., is pursuing a career in small animal medicine in Gulf Breeze, Fla.

PENNSYLVANIA

Isabella Kathryn Plaza, from Hazleton, Penn., is pursuing a career in small animal medicine in Seattle, Wash.

PUERTO RICO

Yarimar Coralis Castro Vélez, from Bayamon, Puerto Rico, received the American College of Veterinary Opthalmologists Award. Dr. Castro Vélez is pursuing a career in small animal medicine in Keller, Texas.

Natalia Rubi Cid Hernandez, from Camuy, Puerto Rico, is pursuing a career in small animal medicine in Overland Park, Kan.

Tiara Medina-Gonzalez, from Moca, Puerto Rico, is pursuing a career in mixed/equine medicine in Puerto Rico.

Patricia N. Bello Quiñones, from San Juan, Puerto Rico, received the Equine Medicine and Surgery Certificate of Merit. Dr. Bello Quiñones is pursuing a career in mixed animal medicine in Caguas/Puerto Rico.

Nashelys Mariette Ortiz Negron, from San Juan, Puerto Rico, is pursuing a career in small animal medicine/exotics in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Christian Quiles-Torres, from San Juan, Puerto Rico, is pursuing a career in small animal medicine in Austin, Texas.

TENNESSEE

Rachel Elizabeth Dufour, from Memphis, Tenn., received the Dechra Award for Excellence in Small Animal Medicine, the Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association Outstanding Student Award, the Dr. Barry Robert Memorial Scholarship,and the Oncology Certificate of Merit. Dr. Dufour is pursuing a career in research in Ithaca, N.Y.

TEXAS

Elizabeth Evans, from Beaumont, Texas, is pursuing a career in cardiology or radiology in Houston, Texas.

Carrie Nicole Stalling, from Dodd City, Texas, is pursuing a career in small animal medicine in McKinney, Texas.

Emily J. Zamora, from Edinburg, Texas, received the Merck Academic Excellence Award and the Equine Medicine and Surgery Certificate of Merit. Dr. Zamora is pursuing a career in small animal medicine in McAllen,Texas.

Haydee Barajas, from Laredo, Texas, is pursuing a career in mixed animal medicine in Laredo, Texas.

Rebecca Azeneth Fuentes, from McAllen, Texas, received the Robert Rosenthal Senior Student Award for Proficiency in Clinical Oncology. Dr. Fuentes is pursuing a career in in College Station, Texas.

Marina Garcia, from Mesquite, Texas, is pursuing a career in small animal medicine in Dallas, Texas.

Trevar Lawrence Little, from Mesquite, Texas, is pursuing a career in small animal medicine in Dallas, Texas.

Kaley Nichelle Lemoine, from Orange, Texas, received the Merck Academic Excellence Award. Dr. Lemoine is pursuing a career in small animal medicine in Austin, Texas.

Rachel A. Mathy, from Plano, Texas, is pursuing a career in small animal medicine in Houston, Texas.

Taylor Nichole Godwin, from Port Arthur, Texas, received the Equine Medicine and Surgery Certificate of Merit. Dr. Godwin is pursuing a career in pathology in Baltimore, Md.

Paige A. Arenas, from Rosharon, Texas, is pursuing a career in small animal emergency medicine in Houston, Texas.

VIRGINIA

Olivia Baker Powers, from Gate City, Va., received the Oncology Certificate of Merit and the Merck Academic Excellence Award. Dr. Powers is pursuing a career in small animal medicine in Duffield, Va.

Daniella Maria Leite Nobrega Adams, from McLean, Va., is pursuing a career in small animal medicine/emergency medicine in Virginia.

WISCONSIN

Chelsea Rae Veldhuizen, from Green Bay, Wis., is pursuing a career in small animal medicine in Denham Springs, La.

About LSU Vet Med: Bettering lives through education, public service, and discovery

The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine is one of only 33 veterinary schools in the U.S. and the only one in Louisiana. LSU Vet Med is dedicated to improving and protecting the lives of animals and people through superior education, transformational research, and compassionate care. We teach. We heal. We discover. We protect.