(September 9, 2009 Stillwater, OK) – Two students from Oklahoma State University’s (OSU) Center for Veterinary Health Sciences recently participated in the 58th Annual International Veterinary Students’ Association (IVSA) World Summer Congress. Jennifer Lu (’11) of Edmond, Okla., and Natalie Rankins (’11) of Coweta, Okla., were among 80 veterinary student delegates from around the world who attended the meeting, which was held in Poland.

“We spent 10 days in Poland working in meetings. It was interesting to learn how other countries and cultures practice veterinary medicine,” says Lu. “And there was time allotted for touring some historical points in Poland such as Auschwitz, which was an eye-opening experience.”

“My favorite part of the congress was talking with other veterinary students from around the world,” adds Rankins. “And it was also great to experience the Polish culture firsthand.”

The IVSA exists to benefit animals and people of the world by promoting the international application of veterinary skills, education and knowledge. The association has members all over the world, including South Africa, South Korea, and the United Kingdom among others, and is constantly seeking to engage non-member countries to encourage the exchange of ideas and values.

Lu will complete her delegate term in December 2009 and in January 2010, she will assume her new role as publicity officer for the IVSA World Executive Council. Sixty members of the IVSA will participate in the 58th IVSA Symposium, which will be held in Grenada at St. George’s University from Jan. 3-12, 2010.

The Oklahoma State University Center for Veterinary Health Sciences is one of 28 veterinary colleges in the United States and is fully accredited by the Council on Education of the American Veterinary Medical Association. The center’s Boren Veterinary Medial Teaching Hospital is open to the public and provides routine and specialized care for small and large animals. It also offers 24 hour emergency care and is certified by the American Animal Hospital Association. For more information, visit www.cvhs.okstate.edu or call (405) 744-7000.

###