“I knew I had to join the Veterinary Medical Center when, on the day I interviewed, I saw how comfortable staff members were when handling intensive procedures. The doctors also went out of their way to make sure I understood what was happening just as much as the veterinary medicine students.

“At the VMC, I discovered my passion for cardiology, and the VMC supported me as I obtained my VTS in cardiology. I use my advanced training to teach residents and interns within the VMC, and I also travel across the U.S. and Canada to give lectures.

"Last year I was honored to receive the Technician Excellence in Teaching Award from the VMC, and I look forward to continuing to teach vet and tech students, residents, and interns.”—Kristin Hohnadel, AH Pro 1-Clinical Vet Care, Civil Service

“I started at the Veterinary Medical Center (VMC) 19 years ago and discovered that I’m a neuro nerd! I love working on intriguing neurology cases and building client relationships. The University has also provided a supportive environment for me to start a family and get my VTS in neurology, giving me time off to study and money toward taking the test. 

“In addition to the great benefits and the central location, the caliber of technicians I work with keeps me at the VMC. It’s a great group of people that I’m happy to be a part of.”—Anna Engrem, Animal Care Technician Specialist, AFSCME Unit 7 - Technical

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“Before I started working at the University of Minnesota nine years ago, I didn’t know how important recycling was. My time at U Services has made me passionate about recycling and helping the University do better. I know that I can make a difference here, and I value the vacation and sick time I get as a University employee.”—Joe VanGuilder, Delivery Service Driver, Teamsters Local 320

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“I fell in love with Minnesota while working with the Conservation Corps. I was able to take classes in indigenous studies, forestry, and ecological restoration at the University through the Conservation Corps, and now I’m applying what I learned at the University to care for its campus. 

“As the natural areas gardener, I’m diversifying what we plant and incorporating hardy native species into our landscaping. Right now I’m working with partners and student interns to take 40 acres owned by the University and restore it to a natural area.

“The University offers great benefits, especially the Regents [Tuition Benefit Program]. I’m hoping to take advantage of reduced price classes to continue learning about ecology and the history of this area. That way, I’ll be able to better use the land’s history to inform its future.”—Alex Wegrzyn, Natural Areas Gardner, Teamsters Local 320

Favorite tree: red cedar

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“I came to horticulture in a roundabout way. After a stint in the Marine Corps, I served as a professional welder. Then I went back to school at the University to study environmental horticulture, worked in the private sector for a while, and came back to the University as a gardener.

“I never thought I’d wind up at the U, but I’ve enjoyed working here so much that I’ve been here for 10 and a half years. It’s gratifying to see students and visitors appreciate our work, taking pictures of our flowers and studying on the lawn.

“Outside of my job I volunteer as a Master Gardener in Anoka county through University of Minnesota Extension. I love sharing my passion for plants and also learning from other master gardeners across the state.”—Todd Knowler, Senior Gardener, Teamsters Local 320

Favorite tree: pin oak

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“Over my 17 years at the Veterinary Medical Center (VMC), I’ve worked with great supervisors and coworkers in radiology, the intensive care unit, the emergency room, and now primary care. The benefits at the University can’t be beat, and I’ve been able to grow my knowledge through continuing education opportunities and onsite experience. Being able to apply what I’ve learned to help teach interns and students is another reward of working at the VMC.

“But with all that in mind, my absolute favorite part of my job is helping animals and their humans.”—Kelsey Brown, Animal Care Tech Specialist, AFSCME Unit 7 - Technical, pictured here with Grace White (L), a veterinary medicine student 

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“We’re the best of the best, and I’m happy to be part of it. Working at the Veterinary Medical Center (VMC) means that I’m surrounded by experts in the field who can help me with any questions I have. 

“There’s also always room to grow at the VMC. You can cross-train in multiple services or specialize in your favorite area of medicine. Since I joined six years ago, I’ve been able to focus on providing basic dental care to help animals live long and healthy lives.”—Katie Clapp, Animal Care Tech Specialist, AFSCME Unit 7 - Technical

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“I love my job. In addition to learning something new every day, I get to work with new veterinary students and interns each year. Helping them grow as professionals and seeing them continue to succeed after they graduate is incredibly rewarding. Our alumni go on to make a difference in animals’ lives across the country—or in some cases, around the world.

"Add in the amazing benefits, the pension plan, and the discounts on treatment and food for my pets, and that’s why I’ve been here for eight years and counting.

“If you’re looking for an environment where learning is prized and with lots of enriching opportunities (including everything from continuing education to discounted tickets to University opera shows), then you’ll fit right in at the VMC.”—Jodi Stafford, Animal Care Tech Specialist, AFSCME Unit 7 - Technical

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"I joined the VMC in 2000 for my clinical internship and have been here ever since! My primary interest is reducing pain and discomfort for animals, so specializing in anesthesia and physical rehabilitation has allowed me to follow my passion every day. 
 
"While working at the VMC, I've been able to earn several advanced certifications, including a VTS (Veterinary Technician Specialist) in anesthesia, a CCRP (Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner), and CVPP (Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner). The VMC has supported me every step of the way.
 
"I love working with little dogs like pugs and Bostons—I call them goblin dogs—so being able to help a pug learn how to walk again is one of my favorite memories of working here. He took his first steps on his owner's birthday, and she said it was the best birthday present ever. Helping people by helping their pets is incredibly rewarding."—Siri Rea, AH Pro 3-Clinical Vet Care, Civil Service

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"What I love most about working at the Veterinary Medical Center (VMC) is that I've been able to learn what I'm passionate about and improve my knowledge in internal medicine every day. I can also make decisions about our equipment due to my expertise. Vet techs at the VMC do much more than take orders—we play active roles in shaping our clients' care.
 
"The benefits at the University are amazing. I've taken advantage of the free Employee Assistance Program to improve my mental health and to help me be the best team member I can be, and I've also used the free financial counseling to help me manage budgeting and student loans. Getting paid sick and vacation time off is wonderful too.
 
"In the future, I want to teach other vet techs, and I know that the University will support me as I keep learning and growing as a vet tech."—Madison Ellis, Senior Veterinary Technician, AFSCME Unit 7 - Technical

Learn about vet tech positions at the VMC.