Commencement Speakers

Dr. Laura Molgaard became Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine in June of 2021 and acted as the Interim Dean starting in August of 2019.  She worked in veterinary private practice focusing on small animal patients for several years after earning her degree from Iowa State University in 1991. Her interest in education led her to teach at a veterinary technician program for several years before joining the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine in 1997. After developing curriculum and teaching veterinary students for five years, Molgaard was named Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs in 2001. 

Dr. Ann Brownlee is a proud graduate of the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, Class of 1989, and currently serves as the President of the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA). For the majority of her career, she worked as a small animal veterinarian and was the owner of Grand Avenue Veterinary Center in Saint Paul. Dr. Brownlee is now retired from full-time practice but remains active within the ePaws department at Animal Emergency and Referral Practice, where she provides wellness care to employee pets. Her continued work with ePaws, along with her active role in the MVMA, has provided her with an engaging encore career in veterinary medicine.

 Dr. Nikko Grossapoulos (aka Dr. G) is a Senior Professional Services Veterinarian for Zoetis. Dr. G started his professional education with a dual undergraduate degree in Theater Arts & Biology Sciences and ran his own pet-care company for nearly 10 years before returning to graduate school to pursue his degree in veterinary medicine. In addition to his role with Zoetis, he practices within the Twin Cities region with a concentration in small animal medicine, volunteers his time with our state veterinary medical association community outreach programs, as well as acting as the current Alumni and Friends board president. Outside of veterinary medicine, he enjoys spending time with his husband and two daughters. 

Madison Baumgartner is a 4th year vet student with plans to work in Tappen, ND at Heart of Dakota Vet Clinic. At this clinic, she will be working with 50% beef cattle and 50% small animals. She grew up on an angus cow-calf operation in Bismarck, North Dakota where she fell in love with veterinary medicine at a young age. She has earned her B.S. in Veterinary Science at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Upon graduation, she is excited to help alleviate the shortage we have of our mixed/food animal veterinarians. Outside of the veterinary world, she is very passionate about traveling and exploring new places. She’s had the opportunity to travel to Italy, England, Hawaii, Alaska, Chicago, and Washington D.C. If only her cat, Luna could tag along on the adventures!