Summer 2004 - University of Minnesota College of Veterinary ...

CORPORATE SPONSORSHIPS ■ CORPORATE SPONSORSHIPS6Corporate ProgramsBenefit Veterinary StudentsCVM students sell discounted Science Diet and other Hill’s products to faculty, staff, and students tosupport SCAVMA, a student veterinary organization.At the College of VeterinaryMedicine, students have benefitedfrom corporate givingprograms for many years.Corporations such as Hill’s and Purinadonate time, money, and resources tosupport veterinary students.“Corporate-sponsored programsand donations are a win-win for bothparties involved,” says LauraMolgaard, D.V.M., associate dean ofacademic and student affairs. “Studentsget experience working with businessand earn money for activities, while thecorporations get great exposure andeducate students about their products.”Currently, the University participatesin a college feeding program withHill’s. Hill’s provides pet food at nocharge to the college. Veterinary studentssell the food at a discounted priceto faculty, staff, and students. Moneyfrom the sales supports almost all ofthe Student Chapter of the AmericanVeterinaryM e d i c a lAssociation’s(SCAVMA) programsand activities.“The MinnesotaUrolith Center issupported by aneducationalgrant fromHill’s,” says Heather Damico, Hill’sstudent representative. “This is a greatway for the University as a whole tobenefit from this corporate donation.”Purina sponsors special programs andeducational opportunities for students.Each year, freshman students receive a“Students get experienceworking with businessand earn money for activities,while the corporationsget great exposure andeducate students abouttheir products.”fully paid, daylong course in grief management,pet loss issues, and emotionalintelligence by Carolyn Butler ofColorado State University’s ArgusInstitute.“This full-day course provides studentswith training in one of the most difficultareas—emotional interaction withclients,” says Michelle Rider, Purinastudent representative.Each corporation designates studentsto represent their company on campusfor one to two years. During this time,the representatives assist in the managementand oversight of their corporation’sprograms on campus. Studentrepresentatives’ duties include distributinginformation and materials, representingthe corporation at events, andcommunicating with the corporaterepresentatives. As compensation fortheir work, students receive a stipendeach semester and free pet food.“Being a rep is one of the most funthings I havesigned up for as avet student,” saysKara Nelson,Purina studentrepresentative. “Ireally believe inthe corporation Irepresent and I amexcited aboutsharing theirproducts with studentsand answering their questions.”For more information on corporateprograms, call the Development Officeat 612-624-6744.