An Arkadelphia native was one of 110 graduates to finish veterinary school in Louisiana.

The Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine celebrated its 48th annual Veterinary Medicine Commencement on Friday, May 17, 2024, conferring 110 Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees. The ceremony, presided over by Oliver A. Garden, BvetMed, PhD, DACVIM, DECVIM-CA, dean of the school, was graced by the presence of esteemed individuals, including former LSU Baseball Coach Paul Mainieri as the commencement speaker.

Giselle Doucet, who was killed in a plane crash that week, along with her brother Jean-Luc and father Lucius, was honored at the LSU Vet Med commencement ceremony with a moment of silence, and her hood was draped over her seat. Her name was called along with each of the other graduates. Jean-Luc, a chemical engineering graduate, was also honored at the LSU College of Engineering commencement ceremony with a moment of silence and his was the first name called when the chemical engineering graduates were announced.

Laurie Lipsey Aronson, representing the LSU Board of Supervisors, conferred the degrees, and Rachel Dufour (Class of 2024) opened the ceremony. Program speakers also included Adrianna Smith, DVM, president of the Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association. N’Dea Stewart, DVM (LSU 2024), closed the ceremony.

Graduates were from Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Arkansas students who received Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees, senior awards, and internships and residencies are listed below alphabetically:

Alexandria Mary Breashears, from Arkadelphia, received the American Association of Feline Practioners Proficiency Award. Dr. Breashears is pursuing a career in small animal medicine in Glen Carbon, Ill.

Victoria Ann Tarkington, from Beebe, received the Arkansas Veterinary Medical Award. Dr. Tarkington is pursuing a career in small animal medicine in Pineville, La.

Tara Lee Stepp, from Clarksville, is pursuing a career in mixed animal medicine and small animal emergency in Fort Smith.

Autumn Rae Gregg, from Fayetteville, is pursuing a career in poultry production medicine in Arkansas.

Frances Ann Fitts, from Jonesboro, received the Dechra Award for Excellence in Equine Sports Medicine. Dr. Fitts is pursuing a career in equine medicine in Benton, La.

Noah Christopher Black-Ocken, from Little Rock, received the IDEXX Proficiency in Companion Animal Medicine Award, the American College of Veterinary Surgeons Proficiency Award, Oncology Certificate of Merit, and the Arkansas Veterinary Medical Award. Dr. Black-Ocken is pursuing a career in small animal medicine in College Station, Texas.

Rose Marie Mencer, from Monticello, received the Companion Animal Medicine and Surgery Certificate of Merit Award and the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Certificate of Clinical Excellence. Dr. Mencer is pursuing a career in mixed animal medicine in Monticello.

Kaylee Dawn Chambers, from Russellville, received the Arkansas Redman Outstanding Senior Award. Dr. Chambers is pursuing a career in small animal medicine in Las Vegas.