Alumni and Friends Society

AFS board with Goldy the Gopher

All graduates of the College of Veterinary Medicine are members of the Alumni and Friends Society. The purpose of the Alumni and Friends Society (AFS) is to promote, stimulate, and encourage interest and support, including financial, for the benefit of the College, its faculty, students, and alumni. The society seeks to encourage communication and cooperation between alumni, the College, the University, the University of Minnesota Alumni Association, and the community.

AFS Board

If you're interested in joining the AFS Board send your name, email address, and phone number to [email protected].

AFS Board Roster


 

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Michon Ames, '14 DVM
Board Member

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Alexandria Armeni, '22 DVM
Board Member

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Joe Armstrong, '15 DVM
Board Member

KelliAnn Bowman headshot

Kelli Ann Bowman, '20 DVM
Board Member

Bio
Dr. Bowman is a 2020 graduate of the U and after a 2 year stint as a mixed animal vet in SW MN is now practicing small animal medicine in the south metro area. Dr. Bowman was an advocate for student quality of life and opportunities when in veterinary school, and is excited to be able to continue this as a member of AFS.

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Dr. Jessi Coryell '21
Board Member

Bio
Dr. Jessi Coryell is a Minnesota native and a c/o 2021 graduate of the University of Minnesota CVM. She was also a dual degree DVM/MPH student, completing her Master of Public Health degree in 2024. Immediately following graduation, she completed a small animal rotating internship at BluePearl Pet Hospital in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Following her internship, she began working for Medtronic Physiological Research Laboratories as a laboratory animal medicine veterinarian and preclinical medical device veterinary surgeon. She enjoys being involved in veterinary community outreach, spending time with her partner & their 5 pets, and exploring the food/drink scene of the Twin Cities!

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Chandra Dahlke, '20 DVM
Board Member

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Nikko Grossapoulos, '15 DVM
President

Bio
Dr. Nikko Grossapoulos (aka Dr. G) is a Senior Professional Services Veterinarian for Zoetis and is the current sitting president for the Alumni and Friends Society at the University of Minnesota's College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. G started his professional education with a dual undergraduate degree in Theater Arts & Biology Sciences before pursuing a career in veterinary medicine. Before becoming a veterinarian, he created his own pet-care company, growing it into a thriving business with 20 employees and well over 1500 clients in the Chicagoland area. He sold his successful company upon acceptance into the veterinary school of medicine at the University of Minnesota, graduating in 2015. He continues to practice several days a month, is involved with event planning for student scholarship fundraising events with the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Foundation and is involved in educating/mentoring many colleagues in our field.

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Carrie Howe, '17 DVM
Board Member

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Mary Luebbers, '09
Board Member

Bio
Dr. Mary Luebbers is a 2009 graduate of the University of MN CVM where her focus was large animal medicine. Prior to Veterinary school Dr. Luebbers worked for 3M doing research as part of the Pharmaceutical Division. After graduating from veterinary school, Dr. Luebbers practiced in Wisconsin and Minnesota with a focus predominantly on cattle, sheep, alpacas and goats. Dr. Luebbers returned to small animal medicine in 2014 where her focus has been on management/operations and the coaching/development of teams. Dr. Luebbers is the current Vice President of Medical Operations for WellHaven Pet Health.

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Abigail Maynard, ' 17 DVM
President-Elect

Bio
Dr. Abi is an experienced and compassionate veterinarian with an unwavering commitment to animal well-being and a relentless drive to advance veterinary care. With a passion for surgical excellence and a reputation for navigating intricate medical cases, Dr. Abi has dedicated her career to making a meaningful impact in the field of veterinary medicine.
Beyond the surgical suite, she excels in primary and urgent care settings, providing immediate, life-saving support in emergencies. Mentorship also holds a special place in her heart. Guiding and nurturing the next generation of veterinarians brings her immense joy, and she’s passionate about sharing her experiences and knowledge to pave the way for aspiring professionals.
Originally from Barbados, Dr. Abi graduated from St. George’s University in 2017 and completed her clinical year at the University of Minnesota. Her childhood involved traversing between Barbados and Minnesota due to family connections. Her two canine companions, Sirius Strider, a Cairn Terrier, and Rigel Ross, a Pitty mix, affectionately referred to as Two Terrific Terriers, add joy to her life.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Dr. Abi was awarded the Emerging Leader Award by the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association in 2023. Additionally, she was appointed by Governor Tim Walz to the Board of Animal Health as a member of the Board of Directors, where she currently serves as the Veterinarian Specializing in Companion Animals.

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Gabrielle Minter, '20 DVM
Board Member

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Helena Montin, '21 DVM
Board Member

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Sarah Neuser, '19 DVM
Board Member

Bio
Dr. Sarah Neuser graduated from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, where she pursued her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine by way of the "Mixed Animal" track with an emphasis in Public Health. During her time at the university, she was actively involved in organized veterinary medicine, serving first as the Minnesota Delegate and later as President of the National Student American Veterinary Medical Association (SAVMA). Through these roles, she discovered her aptitude for leadership and advocacy for veterinary students, veterinarians, and the animals they serve.
In 2019, Dr. Neuser moved to Tucson, Arizona, to join a small animal general practice. There, she received excellent mentorship and developed a passion for preventive medicine, dentistry, and feline care. In 2021, she transitioned to the Humane Society of Southern Arizona (HSSA), focusing on high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter services and participating in an Access to Care program for the Tucson community. It was through this role that Dr. Neuser's passion for public health aligned with providing accessible veterinary care. She currently serves as the Medical Director at HSSA.
Outside of her professional commitments, Dr. Neuser enjoys spending time with her husband and pets, reading, exploring new cuisines, traveling, and soaking up the Southwest sunshine.

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Kelsey Bertamus Ruth, '16 DVM
Board Member

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Kayla Sample, '18 DVM
Board Member

Bio
Dr. Kayla Sample grew up in San Diego, California where her dog's name was her first word! Growing up, she volunteered with rescue organizations and served as a puppy raiser for Guide Dogs of America. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of California Davis and received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota. Throughout her education, Dr. Sample worked extensively with community outreach programs and shelters. She is now completing her Community Medicine Residency at Tufts at Tech Community Veterinary Clinic and continues to work to improve access to veterinary care.

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Dr. Marjorie Schleper, '19 DVM
Board Member

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Chris Thomson '15 DVM, DACVS
Board Member

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Kait Reinecke
Class of 2026 Student Representative

Bio
I am a current 3rd year veterinary student at the University of Minnesota, but I am originally from Houston, Tx. I am interested in mixed animal practice and also have found a love for dentistry. I currently have 2 cats that are called Maple and Leaf as well as 2 huskies back home called Oakley Blu and Thor. At the school I am involved in SIRVS, VeTouch, Sled Dog Medicine Club, VBMA, and Student Ambassadors.

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Morgan Rocks-Dempsey
Class of 2026 Student Representative

Bio
Morgan Rocks-Dempsey is a current 3rd year DVM student at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. Originating from coastal Maine, she has diverse field experience from rural small animal general practice to large scale dairy production. In the future she hopes to work back home in New England in an Emergency Medicine setting. She is very passionate about her dog Opie and baking for her family and friends.

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McKenna Kimmerle
SDSU Class of 2026 Student Representative

Bio
My name is McKenna Kimmerle, and I am a third year at the University of Minnesota CVM. I am originally from central Minnesota, and I am planning on tracking large animal/mixed. I graduated undergrad from the University of Minnesota Crookston with a double major in Animal Science and Equine Science.

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Abby Bennit
Class of 2027 Student Representative

Bio
Abby is a second year veterinary student interested in small animal emergency medicine. She is originally from the suburbs of New York City and went to Bowdoin College, so her whole life was spent on the East Coast before vet school. Now, when not at school, Abby enjoys getting to explore the cities!

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Destiny Smith
Class of 2027 Student Representative

Bio
Hello, my name is Destiny Smith and I am going to be a second-year vet student here at the UMN. I am originally from Mandan, North Dakota but have spent the last couple of years in Hutchinson, MN. Small towns are my favorite and I love to connect with everyone I can. I have a a tortoiseshell cat named Maggie who came to school with me and three horses back home in ND. I grew up on horseback and enjoy working with cows. I love spending my free time horseback riding, hiking, camping, socializing, and being with family. I enjoy being involved and taking advantage of every opportunity I can. My dream is to own my own mixed practice in small town ND or MN.

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Morgan Fosdick
Class of 2027 SDSU Student Representative

Bio
Morgan Fosdick grew up in Springfield, IL and attended the University of Illinois where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She later attended the University of Missouri graduating with a Master of Public Health degree. She spent several years working in public health before starting veterinary school in the 2 +2 Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine at South Dakota State University (SDSU)/ University of Minnesota (UMN). Morgan is completing a Master of Science degree at SDSU, and she is a UMN DVM candidate for the class of 2027.She has a special interest in veterinary public health and food animal medicine. After graduation, she plans to stay in Southwest, MN.

University of Minnesota Alumni Association

The Alumni and Friends Society encourages membership in the University of Minnesota Alumni Association. Membership brings you Minnesota magazine, access to online databases and publications, discounts on cultural activities and Gopher merchandise, and many other benefits. Discover the benefits and membership options. The promotion code NP4VM will ensure that the College of Veterinary Medicine Alumni Society benefits from your membership. 20 percent of every new alumni membership comes directly back to CVM, supporting alumni centered events and funding scholarships.