Alumni Spotlights
Viola Pagnani 2024
Employer
Business Development Coordinator at Vetr Health
LinkedIn Profile
https://www.linkedin.com/in/viola-pagnani-8347b7224/
1. Tell us about your journey since graduation.
Since graduating from GVSU, I returned to my hometown to
begin a full-time role at a veterinary hospital where I had previously
interned. It didn’t take long for me to realize the position wasn’t
the right fit. In February, I made my way back to Grand Rapids to
moderate the Meijer Lecture, featuring the founders of Vetr Health—a
local startup redefining veterinary care through in-home services.
That moment sparked a career shift, and shortly after, I joined the
Vetr team. I’m now back in West Michigan, working my dream job
alongside an innovative, mission-driven team, helping make
high-quality, accessible pet care a reality.
2. Share a favorite Grand Valley memory.
One of my favorite GVSU memories comes from the friendships
and connections I made through the Cook Leadership Academy. I’ll never
forget orientation during junior year move-in week—sitting at a table
of complete strangers who became lifelong friends within minutes. As
we went around sharing our names, hometowns, and fun facts, I realized
I had some strange, unexpected connection to nearly everyone at the
table. It was such a clear reminder of how small the world is and how
strong the Laker community can be. That group became not only some of
my closest friends, but also my greatest support system.
3. What's the best piece of advice you've ever
received?
The best advice I received came on the very first day of my
freshman year. My biology professor told our class to use the
resources we were paying for—and he was right. That professor went on
to become my academic advisor and a key mentor, encouraging me to take
full advantage of everything GVSU had to offer. Because of that, I
built strong relationships with my professors, advisors, and
university leaders. It also empowered me to support underclassmen in
the Pre-Veterinary Club who felt unsure about their path. The truth
is, the resources are always there, but you have to take the
initiative. Your college experience will always reflect the effort you
put into using the help available to you.
4. List three words you would use to describe your
Grand Valley experience.
Unpredictable, inspiring, impactful
5. What difference would you like to make in the
world?
Veterinary medicine has always been a small but mighty field,
and I feel incredibly grateful to be part of this close-knit
community. My goal is to make high-quality veterinary care more
accessible while also advancing the work of service animal
organizations. Many people don’t fully understand the life-changing
role service animals play for individuals with disabilities. Growing
up just down the road from the Leader Dogs for the Blind headquarters,
I saw their impact firsthand—it was never a mystery to me. I hope to
educate my community about the importance of service animals and help
ensure they receive the accessible, compassionate veterinary care they
deserve.
July 2025
Interest Area(s)
Biology, Pre-Veterinary
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