Vet Class Notes Winter 2024
Updates from fellow alumni
Joe Lunt (BVSc 2016) settled into pig practice after graduating, gaining experience in both the indoor and outdoor pig industry as well as animal nutrition. He currently works for pig industry consultant Swinco and is a guest lecturer on pig husbandry for first-year students here at Liverpool Vet School. Joe was named Young Farm Vet of the Year at the National Pig Association Awards 2024, and has shared the following with us: "It was a great honour to be recognised by my clients, colleagues and friends for my contributions to the pig industry. I am glad to be able to help shape the future of the industry, and also ultimately bring home the bacon!". Well done on your well-deserved recognition, Joe!
Andrew O’Donnell (BVSc 2010) completed his ultramarathon! He successfully completed the Gower Ultra Bach, which follows 34-miles of coastline from Llandimore to the Mumbles. This massive achievement was on the back of major surgery in February 2024 and raised over £1,800 for the Katie Piper Foundation. Read more on Andrew’s story. A big congratulations from the University of Liverpool Veterinary Alumni Association, Andrew!
Professor Rob Smith (BVSc 1989) took part in the Liverpool ECHO’s “How it used to be” series, to celebrate the School of Veterinary Science, its history, and how it has changed over the years as the School celebrates turning 120 in 2024. A fascinating exploration of how the School has changed over the years, including Rob’s personal insight. Thanks for sharing, Rob!
Tony Bradley (BVSc 1963) reflects on how Liverpool Vet School gave him a good background in several subjects to be able to develop his career from veterinary practice through to research in pharmaceutical drug development and reviewing non-medical evidence for submission to regulatory authorities around the world for potential authorisation for public use. Tony semi-retired in 1997 and fully retired 2009. Thanks for sharing with our newest graduates how your studies prepared you for your career, Tony!
Calling all BVSc Class of 2015 alumni
You are invited to your 10-year Reunion Weekend in August 2025!
Date: 9-10 August 2025
Location: The Wirral, exact location tbc
The weekend will be an opportunity to reconnect, share memories of your time at Liverpool Vet School, and take part in a CPD session in support of lifelong learning (details to follow).
This event is being organised by your former classmates Nicola Rolph, Anna Mawston, and Rachel Steele (née Darlow).
Please reserve your spot at the reunion weekend now via Eventbrite, which will notify Nicola, Anna and Rachel of your intention to attend: Liverpool Vet School Class of 2015 Reunion Tickets, Sat 9 Aug 2025 at 12:00 | Eventbrite.
You can also join and follow the BVSc Class of 2015 Facebook group to stay updated and connect with your classmates.
Vet School Scarf memories
With weather that is encouraging us to wrap-up warm, we’re still loving the story of Mike Hayes (BVSc 1964) who was reunited with his vet school scarf after 60 years. The story of Mike’s missing scarf became immortalised in family legend, not only as a story but as a quest for his daughter Julia. Julia, with the help of Liverpool University Veterinary Society, was able to specially make a replacement scarf for her father after so many years.
The vet school scarves hold memories for many of us, so we recently asked the ULVAA Facebook community to share their own:
Mark Bennett (BVSc 1966) “I had a scarf like the one described by Mike’s daughter in his story, purple stripe flanked with black and white, it was widely available, and I had to buy it in 1966. Other Faculties had their own scarves.”
Jennifer Williams (BVSc 2012) “I had a scarf, and still love it! I was given it for being final yar rep and organising Graduation Ball and Graduation Holiday. I am now a lecturer in Veterinary General Practice at Harper & Keele Veterinary School.”
Jane Langton Burnell (BVSc 1985) also remembers having to buy the scarf, while John Blackwell (BVSc 1985) remembers a tie instead!
Thanks to alumni who swapped memories on the Facebook post. You can read Mike’s story on the LivUni Alumni blog and join us on Facebook to stay connected with the veterinary alumni community.
School of Veterinary Science 120th Anniversary
The University of Liverpool School of Veterinary Science marked its 120th anniversary in 2024 with a grand celebration at St. George's Hall, Liverpool. Organised and hosted in part by ULVAA, the event also featured the annual Barrie Edwards Memorial Lecture by Niall Connell FRCVS.
ULVAA committee member, Nicola Beesley (BVSc 2009), reflected on the evening: "It was a pleasure to return to Liverpool to celebrate the 120th anniversary of the School of Veterinary Science. St George’s Hall was the perfect setting for such a momentous occasion. The ball was a wonderful opportunity to dress up, reconnect with fellow alumni, reflect on the shared experiences that tie us together, and discuss the diverse career paths we have pursued. One standout example of this was Danny Chambers, a fellow alumnus who has recently been elected as an MP. Danny, who spoke during dinner, highlights the remarkable impact that graduates of our vet school are making in the world. Throughout the evening, I found myself recalling the centenary celebrations that were held during my time as a student. These two milestones, one at the start of my veterinary journey and the other as an alumna, are testament to the enduring legacy of our vet school. As a student, I felt very honoured to be invited to the centenary event, so it was a privilege to be involved in organising this year’s ball. I was especially pleased that current students could join us and share their insights into what vet school life is like today. Here’s to the next milestone for the greatest vet school in the world!"
Dean of the School of Veterinary Science, Professor Paul Lunn, expressed his gratitude to attendees: “Thank you for joining us! We hope you had a wonderful evening reconnecting with old friends and celebrating this milestone with us. If you ever want to learn more about the School, please don’t hesitate to get in touch, for a chat or for a tour of the Liverpool or Leahurst facilities”.
Photos from the event can be found here.
If you have your own memories from your time at the School of Veterinary Science, share them with us so we can continue to celebrate the milestone.
Pain Awareness Month
September was Pain Awareness Month, and to acknowledge the month we invited five alumni working in Anaesthesia and Analgesia to highlight the importance of improving pain recognition and treatment in animals. They shared insights into the need for compassionate care and better pain management.
Thank you to Elizabeth Leece (BVSc 1994), Rosemary Perrett (BVSc 2019), Mary Tonge (BVSc 2007), David Bardell (BVSc 1998) and Natalie Duffy (BVSc 2012) for contributing. Read their alumni profiles here:
Elizabeth, Head of Anaesthesia and Analgesia at Paragon Veterinary Referrals
Rosemary, Resident Anaesthetist at Lumbry Park Veterinary Specialists
Mary, European Specialist in Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia
David, Professor of Veterinary Anaesthesia at the University of Liverpool
Natalie, European Specialist in Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia