The dedication and impact of DVM student Megan Gates’ leadership have earned her recognition from the University of Minnesota Office of the President.

Gates has been named a recipient of the President’s Student Leadership and Service Award, given each year to honor the accomplishments and contributions of outstanding student leaders at the UMN Twin Cities campus. It is presented to students for their exceptional leadership and service to the UMN and the surrounding community.

Gates, a fourth-year student at the College of Veterinary Medicine, serves as president of the Student Initiative for Reservation Veterinary Services (SIRVS), a veterinary student organization providing surgery and wellness services for pets on tribal lands. 

In a nomination letter submitted to the award’s selection committee, the College’s Community Medicine team notes that Gates is a natural leader who manages peer officers and clinic functions while working with partners in six communities as part of her role with SIRVS.  

“Megan is reliable, consistent, empathetic, flexible, and collaborative, and she is immediately respected by all who work with her,” the team writes. 

The letter also commended Gates on her problem-solving, goal-setting, and communication skills. She is credited with organizing and leading two new clinics with two new partner communities. Prioritization of patient care also is included as another of Gates’ strengths, exemplified through her actions at a busy SIRVS clinic event. 

“During a recent clinic, we saw more patients than we prepared for—over 100 patients in less than two days,” the nomination letter says. “In her respectful, flexible, and problem-solving way, Megan prioritized elder community members and triaged sick patients, while making the difficult decision to turn away other clients.”

Gates will be honored as part of a reception on Wednesday, April 12 at McNamara Alumni Center.