Anniversary of veterinary education
The Estonian University of Life Sciences celebrates the 175th anniversary of the veterinary profession in Estonia
This year marks the 175th anniversary of veterinary education in Estonia. The Tartu Veterinary School, established in 1848, can be considered the predecessor of today's Estonian University of Life Sciences.
“The first patient was received by Professor Peter Jessen, a German veterinarian, the first director of the Tartu Veterinary School, on 13 October 1848 at the clinic located next to the main building of the University of Tartu. A one-year-old colt was diagnosed with an injury of hoof flexors. The Veterinary School was located in Ülikooli Street for the first eight years of operation until the premises became too small and it was moved to Narva Road, where the first small animal clinic building was completed already in 1888.”
Since May, two life-size horse sculptures woven from wicker greet the passers-by at our campus.
******
Today, teaching and research in the field of veterinary medicine serve as the bedrock for the success and reputation of our University.
We will celebrate the anniversary with events in the fall of 2023 together with our colleagues, students, and partners.
* * * * *
On 6 October, the anniversary celebration will culminate with events for the townspeople and anyone interested. Everyone will be invited to the Tartu Town Hall Square for the festive opening of the anniversary events that take place from 10 a.m. till noon.
We want to introduce the veterinary profession, and give advice how to become a veterinarian. During the event, different animals will be exhibited to the public in the Town Hall Square. Take a closer look what will be the activities during the 6 October in downtown.
A commemorative plaque will be affixed to the wall of the von Bock building of the University of Tartu (16 Ülikooli St.), at the location of the first veterinary clinic.
The celebration will continue with a festive academic convocation of our staff and students.
* * * * *
As a world-class research and teaching institution in the area of veterinary medicine, we certainly look to the future. In November, we will organize a conference of the veterinary schools of the Nordic and Baltic countries in Tartu.
* * * * *
This jubilee is an occasion to look back on our history and pay homage to our predecessors.
- An exciting overview of the history of veterinary medicine can be found at the exhibition, which opens in the library of the Estonian University of Life Sciences on Monday, 2 October at 2:00 p.m. Among other exhibits, you can see what an office of a professor of veterinary science looked like about a hundred years ago.
- The anniversary book of the Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, summarizing the activities of the Institute over time, will be published. We will present the book in the library of the Estonian University of Life Sciences on Tuesday, 3 October at 2:00 p.m.
- On the University’s Memorial Day, 20 September at 3:00 p.m., we will visit the graves of famous veterinary professors. In November, a bas-relief of Eižens Zemmers (1843-1906), a veterinary professor and researcher, will be opened in the Zoomedicum.
******
You are welcome to take part in the events!
The jubilee events are organized by the Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences of the Estonian University of Life Sciences.