Published 4/22/2024
Emma Gober, a fourth-year student in the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, was tapped into the Rollins Society on Friday afternoon. The Rollins Society, established in 1994 by the Mizzou Graduate Professional Council, recognizes graduate and professional students who have significantly advanced the well-being of self-defined communities beyond the scope of their academic work. The society is named after former Missouri Sen. James S. Rollins, who advanced the welfare of Mizzou through financial contributions and legislative efforts, even establishing the Columbia campus as the official university of the state. Each year during Tap Day, the Rollins Society welcomes a select group of graduate and professional students who have exhibited dedication to public service.
Gober, originally from Dallas, Texas, has gone above and beyond to help those around the Columbia community. During her time at Mizzou, she has become involved with the Street Dog Coalition, Missouri Chapter, where she volunteers to provide no-cost medical care to pets of individuals experiencing homelessness. Gober does this not only as a service, but as a passion. “Through my work with the unhoused community, I’ve witnessed the profound depth of the human-animal bond,” Gober said. “I never tire of hearing tales of how a pet transforms lives, providing companionship, safety and love. I am driven to nurture this bond throughout veterinary medicine, ensuring families and their beloved pets remain united.”
Tim Snider, DVM, PhD, DACVP, associate dean for academic and student affairs, nominated Gober for the honor, citing her exemplary commitment to community service, leadership and academic excellence. Snider was not alone in selecting Gober, as her class chose her as the CVM candidate via a student body vote. “Her commitment to raising awareness about the importance of street medicine and accessibility of veterinary care demonstrates her passion for serving the community, especially those who are forgotten and underserved,” Snider wrote in his nomination letter. “Emma Gober’s exceptional academic achievements, community service and leadership make her an outstanding candidate for the Rollins Society at the University of Missouri.”
Gober says she treats others the way she would want to be treated and uses that as the driving force behind her service. “There are many negative stigmas associated with the unhoused population and the institutional and political challenges they face are intricately complex,” said Gober. “From my perspective, at the end of the day, no matter what a person’s story is, everyone deserves clothes on their back, a roof over their head, food in their stomach, and maybe even a dog or cat to keep their heart warm. I encourage everyone to challenge misunderstandings and stereotypes, remembering that behind every face is a person with genuine love for their pets, deserving of compassion and support.”
Gober says it is an honor to be tapped into the Rollins Society, mentioning that the group aligns with her personal values and dedication to leadership, service and faithfulness. “To be honored for something that is so important to me and such a big part of my identity is truly priceless,” she said. “What means the most to me is to have been nominated by my fellow classmates. Just being nominated for induction into the Rollins Society is surreal and something I never thought I would be qualified for, and to end up being officially tapped is the cherry on top and the honor of a lifetime.”
By Nick Childress