Thousands of people from the community and University visited exhibits and demonstrations through a self-guided tour of the School of Veterinary Medicine’s 21st Annual Open House Saturday, called “Fun in the Swamp.”
Some students came to preview what the Vet School does.
“Coming here made me realize this is definitely what I want to do,” said Erin Daniels, an animal science freshman. “I want to actually see some of the stuff that I learn in class. I’m learning a lot just from coming here.”
She found the parasites display the most interesting.
Jessica Holliday, a pre-vet senior, came to get her teddy bear repaired and visit the petting zoo.
She liked going to the open house because it showed her what she will be doing for the next few years in veterinary medicine.
More than 300 veterinary students planned, organized and ran the open house on a voluntary basis, said Andrew Daters, open house co-chair and third-year veterinary student.
“We like to have the public have a better understanding of the Vet School,” he said. “A lot of people don’t realize we have the same treatments as human hospitals.”
He said the open house offers a good introduction into the veterinary program.
Angela Vanveckhoven, public relations coordinator, said students gain a sense of pride from showing people what they do and what goes on in the labs.
She said the open house attracts people from all over, including out of state. She met one couple who drove from Arkansas just to come to the open house.
Emily Dahlgran, a second-year veterinary student, worked at the bird display where visitors could pet birds.
She likes the open house because community members can see what goes on in the different aspects of the Vet School.
“Open house gives perspective on why we’re doing what we’re doing, not just taking classes,” said Mary-Claire Holley, a second-year veterinary student. “It’s a great thing for the community and the school.”
A large portion of the open house was geared toward children because many community members brought their children to the open house. The Teddy Bear Repair Clinic attracted many children because they could bring their damaged or healthy stuffed animals and dolls to the exhibit for surgery and bandages.
“Kids associate with animals, so they come in and get their teddy bears fixed,” said Janine Barrett, a third-year veterinary student who worked the exhibit. “It’s fun for kids, and gets them interested in veterinary medicine.”
Patience Newman, open house committee co-chair and third-year veterinary student, said the turnout was good, especially considering the Mardi Gras parade and rain.
Alyce Arnaud, a nuclear medicine/bone scan technician, explained what nuclear medicine — or scientigraphy — was at her exhibit and answered visitors’ questions.
“It’s a blast,” she said. “Not too many people know exactly what nuclear medicine is.”
She said a lot of people are scared of nuclear medicine, but she finds it interesting and enjoys explaining it to others.
This year’s open house also included exhibits by outside organizations including BREC Baton Rouge Zoo, BREC Farr Park Horse Activity Center, East Baton Rouge Animal Control Center, U.S. Army Health Care Recruiting, Southern States Rottweiler Rescue and Greyhound Pets of America.