On June 12, the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) celebrated the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Class of 2026 at Convocation, recognizing the achievements, growth and contributions of this year’s graduating class.
Following the formal University of Guelph Convocation ceremony, DVM graduates and their guests gathered for a special OVC celebration. The ceremony included the recitation of the Veterinarian’s Oath, led by Dr. Jeff Wichtel, Dean, the presentation of faculty and staff awards, a tribute to the Honorary Class Presidents, Dr. Claire Johnston and Dr. Caitlyn Murchison, a valedictory address by Dr. Dakota Lee, closing remarks from Dr. Cate Dewey, and a reception for graduates and guests.
Known as the Turquoise Tigers, the DVM Class of 2026 left OVC prepared to enter the veterinary profession across a wide range of pathways, including companion animal medicine, equine practice, food animal medicine, emergency care, outreach, research and community-focused practice.
In Their Own Words: Reflection from the Class of 2026
Several graduates reflected on the paths that brought them to OVC, the experiences that shaped them during their time at the college, and the next chapters they were preparing to begin.
OVC does so much more than teach medicine; it teaches you about yourself and how to be a better teammate, communicator and person.
Dakota Lee, from Singhampton, Ontario, said his path to veterinary medicine was shaped by his childhood years in Panama, where he saw countless stray dogs and cats in need of care. Those experiences stayed with him and continued to guide his interest in outreach, shelter medicine, wildlife conservation and improving access to veterinary care. After graduation, Dakota plans to pursue small animal emergency medicine on a relief basis, allowing him to remain flexible for outreach work locally and abroad. Selected as valedictorian for the OVC Class of 2026, ranked first overall in the graduating class, and chosen as OVC’s nominee for the W.C. Winegard Medal, Dakota’s time at OVC strengthened his commitment to collaboration, service and using veterinary medicine to make a meaningful difference.
Graduating from OVC one decade after deciding to pursue this career is extremely rewarding. I am filled with pride, gratitude and excitement for what is to come.
Jacqueline Marie Stalker, from Listowel, Ontario, took a non-traditional path to veterinary medicine. After studying music, teaching and beginning a master’s in music composition, Jacqueline realized veterinary medicine was the career she wanted to pursue. Over the next several years, she explored different areas of the profession and found her place in food animal medicine, particularly working with cattle. Following graduation, she is returning to her rural hometown community as an associate food animal veterinarian at Heartland Veterinary Services in Listowel. Her time at OVC also included a major personal milestone: becoming a parent during Phase 2. With support from OVC, her family and her classmates, Jacqueline continued her studies while learning what balance, resilience and grace would mean in her future career.
Veterinary medicine has never been just a career for me — it has always been a calling.
Sarah Powaska, from Mississauga, Ontario, said becoming a veterinarian was a dream that began in childhood. From caring for stuffed animals with a toy doctor cart to building shelters for stray cats and helping injured wildlife, Sarah said veterinary medicine had always felt like part of her identity. Before OVC, she completed an Honours Bachelor of Science in Animal Biology at the U of G, with OVC as her first and only choice for veterinary school. During her time at OVC, experiences with OVC Pet Trust and the Kim & Stu Lang Community Healthcare Partnership Program deepened her interest in community-focused care, outreach medicine and the human-animal bond. After graduation, Sarah will practise as a small animal general practitioner, with long-term goals of expanding her surgical skills, supporting access to care and one day owning her own veterinary practice.
My presence is proof that we are here, that we belong, and that we can succeed.
Selam Ogbaslase, from Toronto, Ontario, said her path to veterinary medicine was shaped by the many individual connections she formed with animals throughout her childhood, from caring for neighbours’ pets to learning about wildlife and nature. After completing her undergraduate degree in Animal Biology at the U of G, Selam took a gap year during the pandemic, gaining hands-on experience as a veterinary assistant while volunteering at a dairy farm and a therapy horse riding centre. Those experiences gave her a deeper understanding of the realities of veterinary medicine and confirmed that OVC was the right path for her. During her time at OVC, Selam found strength in the friendships, mentors and communities that supported her, especially The Canadian Veterinary Professionals Instilling Black Excellence (VIBE) Network, which helped her find connection, mentorship and a sense of belonging in the profession. After graduation, she returned to Toronto to work in a small animal general practise and urgent care centre, while continuing to stay engaged with her community and volunteer work.
Never lose sight of why you started.
William Ibbott, from Haldimand County, Ontario, will began a one-year rotating equine internship at Burwash Equine Services in Cochrane, Alberta, following graduation. The internship will allow him to build experience in equine ambulatory care, referral-level medical and surgical care, sports medicine and podiatry and equine reproduction. Afterward, William plans to practice as an equine ambulatory veterinarian, with a particular interest in sports medicine and advanced equine reproduction, including embryo transfer. During his time at OVC, Phase 4 stood out as a defining part of his training, offering him the opportunity to take responsibility for patient care while learning alongside clinicians, residents, interns and classmates. His work with Dr. Janet Beeler-Marfisi’s equine asthma research team also deepened his understanding of equine respiratory disease and introduced him to the connections between equine and human asthma research. Through clinical learning, mentorship and research, William said OVC helped him grow into the veterinarian and future mentor he hopes to become.
Faculty Messages to the Graduating Class
Faculty members also shared messages of congratulations, encouragement and pride for the graduating class.
Dr. John Barta, Department of Pathobiology
You may not have believed it yourselves at the time, but I was pretty sure you'd all survive POD! It was my honour and privilege to have you in my class. I know that you'll take the same enthusiasm and determination that you demonstrated in POD with you as you embark on the varied adventures awaiting you. Congratulations Turquoise Tigers and all the best in all your futures!
Dr. Brigitte Brisson, Department of Clinical Studies
Dear Class of 2026,
Watching you grow into veterinarians and surgeons has been one of the greatest privileges of my career. From your first tentative knot throws to confidently performing surgical procedures, it has been remarkable to witness your growth, resilience and dedication.
As you enter this next stage of your careers, trust your training, trust your values and remember that you are more prepared than you think. Stay curious, keep learning and never underestimate the difference you can make for your patients, clients, colleagues and communities.
And one final surgical reminder: when life gets complicated, slow down, take your time and take it one step at a time. The same principle applies far beyond the operating room.
We are incredibly proud of you and all that you have accomplished. Congratulations, Class of 2026! The profession is fortunate to have you, and I cannot wait to see where your journeys take you.
Dr. Janet Beeler- Marfisi, Department of Pathobiology
A quote for the Tigers... We're really just lucky to get to teach such a high-achieving group as DVM students, in general. But specifically for the Turquoise Tigers? The fact that they are such a solid group of human beings, decent, kind, caring and compassionate is what makes them stand out especially - and is what makes me feel especially lucky to call them my friends.
Dr. Pavneesh Madan, Department of Biomedical Sciences
Dear Turquoise Tigers,
As you prepare to walk through the doors of OVC one last time as students, know that you leave behind far more than memories - you leave a legacy of resilience, compassion, friendship and excellence. Over the past four years, I have watched you navigate challenges with determination, support one another with kindness and grow into talented veterinary professionals ready to make a difference in the world.
It has been a privilege to witness your growth and accomplishments. I am immensely proud of all that you have achieved and excited to see where your careers and lives take you next. As you begin this new chapter, may you carry forward the curiosity, compassion and sense of purpose that have brought you to this moment. Congratulations and wishing each of you success, fulfilment and happiness in the years ahead!
Celebrating Student Achievement
Student award recipients were recognized during the ceremony, celebrating excellence in academics, clinical skills, leadership, service, research and contributions to the OVC community.
AAEP/Frank J. Milne Memorial Prize: William Kenneth Ibbott
Andrew Smith Memorial Prize: Dakota William Lee
Avaliegh Yelen Memorial Prize in Shelter Medicine: Jade Cassidy Weir
Beef Farmers of Ontario DVM Convocation Award: Jacqueline Marie Stalker
Beloved Friends Prize: Samantha Norrie-Anne Crawford, Sophie Leticia Tieu and Narcisse Maurice
Boehringer Ingelheim Canada Ltd. Prize of Merit in Feline Medicine: Alyssa Marie Boyd
Charles Duncan McGilvray Prize: Dakota William Lee
College of Veterinarians of Ontario Prize: Claire Marie Johnston
Dr. Bob Hayes Memorial Prize: Jacqueline Marie Stalker
Dr. D.J. McLellan Prize: Alexandra Rose Lytasz
Dr. Jerome Katchin Surgical Proficiency Prize: Kyra Neve Kavanagh
Dr. Jim Bell Prize: Sydney Avaleigh Nicole Doucette
Dr. Jim Mitchell Prize: William Kenneth Ibbott
Dr. Jack Lange Memorial Prize: Tyler Stiggers
Dr. Jonathan Bloom (OVC ’93) Ambassadorial Prize: Lauren Amelia Hennessey
Dr. Samuel Downing Stirk Memorial Prize: Alexandria Abby Langford
Dr. Tee (Thera) Fox True Grit Prize: Kelly Anna Drescher
Dr. W.J. Stinson Prize: Erica Lynne Gillespie Robertson
Dr. Wendy Parker Prize in Clinical Dermatology (Aventix): Tula Rae Sifling
F.W. Schofield Prize: Yuan Feng Lin
Grey Bruce Farmers’ Week Prize: Jodie Maria Snoek
Jean MacDougall Primary Healthcare Prize: Narcisse Maurice
Katherine Elizabeth Long DVM Memorial Prize: Hanita Kaur Coshal
Mitchell Family Prize: Yuan Feng Lin
Molly Carrington (OVC ’78) Memorial Prize: Sydney Nicole Campbell
Ontario Association of Bovine Practitioners’ Prize: Megan Lorraine Byrnes
Ontario Pork Producers’ Marketing Board Prize: Tula Rae Sifling
Ogilvie Leadership Prize in Food Animals: Jacqueline Marie Stalker
OVC 1986 Memorial Prize: Nathan Alexander Lau
OVC ’75 Access to Care Prize: Meagan Rose Wellon
OVMA-Erie Herd Health and Population Medicine Prize: Jodie Maria Snoek
Peter Conlon Prize for Student Well-being: Adrian Michael Debiasio
Samson Grad DVM Convocation Prize in Neurology: Rachael Susette Nagelberg
Small Ruminant Veterinarians of Ontario Prize: Alexandria Abby Langford
Snape Prize for Surgical Excellence: Noam Einy
W.J.R. Fowler Prize:Yuan Rong Lin
Yvonne Balysky Prize: Ashley-Ann Rutherford
Zoetis Large Animal Medicine Prize: Yuan Feng Lin
Zoetis Small Animal Medicine Prize: Yuan Rong Lin
Recognizing Faculty and Staff Excellence
The ceremony also recognized faculty and staff members whose teaching, mentorship, research, support and service made a meaningful impact on OVC students and the broader college community.
Boehringer Ingelheim Award of Excellence in Clinical Teaching
Recipient: Dr. Janet Beeler-Marfisi
Canadian Veterinary Medical Association Teacher of the Year
Recipient: Dr. Brigitte Brisson
The third-year class selects the faculty member who has inspired them the most through their approach to a subject taught in second year.
Carl J. Norden Distinguished Teaching Award
Recipient: Dr. Sarah Lepage
Sponsored by Zoetis, recipients are chosen by a vote of the second, third and fourth-year classes based on preceptorship and teaching ability, moral character and leadership.
Carlton L. Gyles OVC Support Staff Excellence Award
Recipient: Ms. Alicia Lorch
This award recognizes genuine excellence and is presented to a staff member who exemplifies characteristics associated with Dr. Carlton L. Gyles, including being an exemplary role model, creating a positive effect on those around them, being thoughtful and compassionate, accepting responsibility beyond their job function, striving for high quality and contributing to a positive and supportive community.
K. M. Bhatnagar Memorial Humanitarian Award
Recipient: Dr. Janet Beeler-Marfisi
Presented by the third-year students, this award recognizes an OVC faculty member who best portrays the attributes of the late Dr. Kumar Bhatnagar, OVC 1968, a dedicated teacher, respected researcher and faculty member from 1968 to 1989. The recipient is involved in U of G affairs, supports students outside the classroom as both a friend and counsellor and demonstrates genuine concern for the well-being of veterinary students.
Ontario Veterinary College “Year 68” Award for Teaching Excellence
Recipient: Dr. Janet Beeler-Marfisi
This award recognizes a faculty member of the OVC community who has been identified by the class as exemplary in teaching, supporting and caring for students throughout their four years at OVC.
OVC Class of 2001 Outstanding Support Staff Award
Recipient: Ms. Sue Kinsella
This award recognizes a member of the support staff who has gone above and beyond their job description to help the learning process of third-year DVM students and/or helped make OVC a special, enjoyable working and learning environment.
Zoetis Faculty for Research Excellence
Recipient: Dr. Luis Arroyo Castro
This award fosters innovative research, on which the scientific advancement of the profession depends, by recognizing outstanding research effort and productivity.
Congratulations to the DVM Class of 2026
Convocation marked the end of one chapter and the beginning of another for the DVM Class of 2026. OVC congratulates the DVM Class of 2026 and celebrates the faculty, staff, mentors, family members and friends who supported them along the way. As these graduates begin the next stage of their careers, they join a profession rooted in compassion, service and lifelong learning ready to make meaningful contributions to animal, human and community health.
