URBANA – William Widick, son of Eric and Suzanne Widick of Rochelle, graduated from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree on May 16.
The college is one of only 30 veterinary schools in the United States.
Dr. Widick and his fellow graduates in the Class of 2020 were educated under an innovative veterinary curriculum pioneered at Illinois. The Illinois curriculum focuses on integrating the clinical skills and basic sciences relevant to veterinary practice throughout the four-year doctoral degree program. Students in the Illinois program, unlike those in other veterinary curricula, spend 15 weeks during the first two years of study embedded in veterinary practice areas and practicing clinical skills in an extensive learning center equipped with models and simulations.
In March, when on-campus experiences were replaced with virtual ones due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Class of 2020 had already completed their clinical rotations. They completed the spring semester taking “professional development” courses, primarily through online learning.
Dr. Widick graduated from Rochelle Township High School in 2012. He is also a graduate of Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, earning a bachelor of science degree in biology in 2016.