Every year, the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine opens its doors to the public for a day of learning, hands-on activities, and fun for the whole family. This year’s Vet Med Open House will take place on Sunday, October 5, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It promises to be an unforgettable event for all ages showcasing animals and science.
Third-year veterinary student Teigan Glenke, one of the student organizers of Open House, says her own journey with the event has come full circle. (In the photo above, Glenke poses with the student organizers for the 2024 Open House. She is on the left in the back row.)
“I went to U. of I. for undergrad, so I went to the event and really loved it. Open House made me fall in love with Illinois vet med in the first place,” she recalls.
The Open House highlights the many ways veterinary medicine touches both animals and people. “Every student-run organization in vet med has its own booth,” Glenke explains. “We have a public health association and clubs that focus on both animal and human health. It’s a great way to see the connections between the two.”
Vet Med Comes to Life
This year’s theme, “Night at the Museum,” adds an exciting twist. Booths will take on a museum-like feel as booth leaders compete for prizes with their most creative ideas.
Visitors can expect fan favorites to return, such as farrier demonstrations and interactive booths run by veterinary students, alongside a demonstration from the Illini Service Dogs program. For prospective veterinary students, there will also be admissions talks hosted by the Student American Veterinary Medical Association.
Families with kids will find plenty to keep young learners engaged. From the always-popular Kids’ Tent—featuring crafts tied to this year’s theme—to hands-on games, there’s no shortage of activities. Children can also take part in a bingo-style scavenger hunt that guides them through the exhibits and ends with a prize.
Peek Behind the Scenes
One unique aspect of the event is the chance to step inside areas normally closed to the public. Visitors can tour the Large Animal Clinic and meet the horses, cows, and sheep that help train future veterinarians. The Clinical Skills Learning Center will also be open, offering a look at the models and simulators veterinary students at the University of Illinois use to gain proficiency in activities such as suturing and drawing blood.
For first-time guests, the event is simple to explore. “There will be a welcome booth right by the parking lot,” Glenke explains. “Visitors can grab a brochure with demonstration times and a map of the campus. Event organizers will also be available all day to answer questions.”
What makes the event so special is the energy and creativity of the veterinary students themselves. “Most of the space is for club booths, and the students are the ones who make the event fun and interactive,” Glenke says. “It really is a team effort, and everyone does a great job of connecting with the community.”
Whether you’re curious about animal health, considering a career in veterinary medicine, or simply looking for a fun family outing, the Vet Med Open House is a chance to see the College of Veterinary Medicine at Illinois, and its students, in action.
As Glenke hopes, attendees will leave with “an idea of what a day in the life of a veterinarian may be like.”
By Julia Bellefontaine
