Graduation speech by Ben Kaye, 2009 President of the Veterinary Students Society of Victoria
A transcipt of the validictory speech delivered by Ben Kaye at the 2009 graduation ceremony.
Deputy Chancellor, Deputy Vice Chancellor, academic staff of the University of Melbourne, graduands and their families and friends.
Today marks arguably the most significant milestone of our lives so far, and to all of us is particularly poignant as it is the culmination of a dream that for many started in our childhood or early adolescence. No matter what degree we have just completed, almost certainly everyone of us "dreamed large" before it was just a catchy University slogan.
Like all of the University of Melbourne graduates, the Bachelor of Veterinary Science students have all come from such diverse backgrounds, but we are unified in a conviction that is often difficult to express, and cannot just be passed as a "love of animals".
All the graduands sitting here today, irrespective of their new profession, want to contribute to our society, to make a difference, each in their own way. Perhaps for vet students, we realise that animals play such an integral role in our society, and it is not possible to separate our attitudes or belief in the welfare of animals from that of society as a whole.
I actually think that this important role that animals play in society is quintessentially demonstrated in the remote regions of the Northern Territory, Australia. I was fortunate enough to visit the "dog dreaming" country in Arnhem Land with Dr Liz Tudor, and experienced the extraordinary, and probably spiritual interaction between the indigenous community and their dogs. But also all the animals that make up their environment – each was given a respect that reflected their innate importance to the lives of the people and their overall wellbeing.
We have been extremely fortunate in our veterinary course. The veterinary science degree has offered both diversity and depth, not only in detailed teaching of animal pathology and physiology, but also in exposing us to a critical evaluation of so many of the ethical issues confronting today's society. We have been a particularly fortunate in that this, our final year, was also the veterinary school's 100th anniversary. We have certainly been the beneficiary of a century of development and refinement of an outstanding curriculum. Our first lecture in biology was from Peter Doherty, a Nobel Prize winner, and we have since been exposed to a staggering variance, which from year to year of the course has gone from strength to strength.
All of the University of Melbourne graduates here today are about to set out on an exciting journey … "the stars have set and the caravan set out". Santiago Cajal, the Spanish anatomist who formulated the neurone doctrine and won the Nobel Prize in 1906, stated at that time that "with present knowledge we have no ability to predict the future", but I am sure that over the coming years each of us will find a gratifying path, each somewhat differently in our professions, but nonetheless in our own way.
Whatever the field of our endeavors in the future we know that inevitably any society is judged by how it cares for those that cannot look after themselves, and especially for the vet graduates, the animals. Whether we are looking after sick elephants in a reserve in Laos, working in a mixed animal practice in Lilydale, or teaching the next generation of veterinary students in Werribee, we will be leading rich and fulfilling lives.
And of course, in conclusion for this we must thank our parents and loved ones who are here for their support, and again, our outstanding teachers in all the faculties of the University of Melbourne.
Classes of 2009, bon voyage, good luck and let us hope that in our own unique way, whether big or small, whether near or far, we all are able to make a difference.
For further information please contact Hinalei Johnston, Marketing & Communications Manager, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Melbourne, Tel: 8344 7844 or email: h.johnston@unimelb.edu.au