As Edinburgh Napier University and The College of Animal Welfare prepare to honour their latest veterinary nursing graduates today (Thursday 29 June 2017), our thoughts turn to the friends and family of Meghan Ambrozevich-Blair, a high flying student who was tragically killed on the A1 near Dunbar last December as she drove to work the day after her final examination.
The loss of Meghan devastated classmates and staff; 26 year old Meghan was described by teaching staff as, not only a bright and popular student, but an inspirational role model for all veterinary nurses and was on track to be one of the most outstanding students in the history of the programme.
Edinburgh Centre Manager at The College of Animal Welfare, Karen Hibell, who taught Meghan said “Meghan was a unique individual whose compassion and empathy truly touched those that she came into contact with. It was a privilege to have known and taught Meghan; she will be deeply missed, but never forgotten for what she had already achieved in her too short a time with us.”
In 2015, Megan was part of a team of eight student veterinary nurses and four academic staff who visited Kerala (India) to help educate and develop awareness of animal welfare and veterinary nursing. The ‘Send a VN to India’ project allowed Meghan and her classmates to share their knowledge and skills with staff in veterinary clinics across Kerala; showing how simple changes, such as human contact, environmental enrichment, and effective nursing techniques can make a huge difference to the lives of animals in their care.
Meghan will, not only, be awarded a posthumous First Class Honours Degree during the Edinburgh Napier University Graduation Ceremony, but also Registered Veterinary Nurse status by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons; an accolade that all student veterinary nurses aspire to.
Dr. David Smith, Life Sciences Programme Leader, said: “The slogan Meghan provided for the School of Applied Sciences pop up banner – ‘Edinburgh Napier gives you the opportunity to become the best veterinary nurse you can be’ – sums her up well. She was always on the front row, eager and willing to go. Above all, Meghan was compassionate; both to animals and humans and will be sadly missed by the staff of Edinburgh Napier University and The College of Animal Welfare.”
Meghan and classmates during their visit to Kerala, India