College of

Veterinary Medicine

Two Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine students were recently honored at the National Student American Veterinary Medical Association Symposium .

James Grein, third-year veterinary student and class president, was installed as national SAVMA secretary. Grein was previously serving as the national SAVMA secretary‑elect. He will be responsible for taking and distributing meeting minutes, maintaining records and governance documents, and organizing logistics and reports, including preparation of the House of Delegates binder for SAVMA Symposium and American Veterinary Medical Association Convention sessions.

“I’m incredibly excited to step into the role of national SAVMA secretary,” Grein said. “During my year of service, I hope to use my organizational skills and timely communication to ensure that all 20,000-plus SAVMA members have access to the information and resources they need.”

In addition to Grein’s installation, Sydney Veldhuizen, third-year veterinary student and current OSU SAVMA vice president, was named the recipient of the national SAVMA Local Leader Award, one of the organization’s most prestigious student honors. The award recognizes outstanding leadership, advocacy and dedication to amplifying student voices within their local school and SAVMA chapter.

“I’m extremely grateful to have received the national SAVMA Local Leader Award,” Veldhuizen said. “It was a pleasant surprise to learn that one of my fellow peers nominated me for this award. It was an even bigger surprise that I was selected out of all the nominations from other veterinary schools. I strive to make OSU and our SAVMA chapter a place that students want to be a part of, and I’m very thankful for this recognition.”