Celebrating the journey of veterinary medical school
Forward Together is a crown jewel of our building expansion and renovation project that celebrates the school’s students and alumni, our commitment to compassionate care, and our impact on Wisconsin and the world.
This incredible large bronze sculpture celebrates the four-year DVM educational journey as well as other elements unique to UW-Madison. Created by John Hallett (DVM’90), Forward Together showcases reflections and stories from numerous students, alumni, and faculty and staff. Hallett personally gathered these stories during many hours of interviews with his real-life models, a process designed to ensure every detail represented an authentic, personal experience.
As both a veterinarian and sculptor, Hallett’s one-of-a-kind experience is reflected in every detail of Forward Together. The sculpture embodies the spirit of education, research, and community at the UW School of Veterinary Medicine.
“There couldn’t be an artist more perfectly suited,” says Kristi Thorson, associate dean for advancement and administration. “John’s perspective on the journey students take in their training, combined with his love of science and respect for our researchers, shines through every inch and every element of this beautiful work of art.”
Importantly, Forward Together shows both the challenges and rewards of being a DVM student; celebrates the importance of the relationship between pets and people; and reflects the school’s rich tradition in research and discovery that advances both animal and human health. The sculpture serves as an inspiration and comfort to all who visit the school.
The sculpture is best experienced in person: we challenge you to discover something new each time you see it! And we encourage you to share questions, observations, or reflections about your favorite elements using the “your observations” form on this page.
Our most sincere thanks to Dr. John Hallett for his time, talent, and dedication to this community. The SVM also extends a special thanks to Margo and Jack Edl, whose generous matching gift helped make the sculpture possible and inspired alumni and other friends to cover production and installation costs (read more below.)
For all who contributed gifts and stories, thank you.
Dr. John Hallett, sculptor
On a beautiful morning in September 2025, we were thrilled to unveil Forward Together in the school’s new courtyard – a beautiful space that connects our north and south buildings. The sculpture serves as a crown jewel of the school’s recent multi-year building expansion and renovation project.
About the Sculpture
John Hallett has always loved art as much as animals and science. In keeping with his generous and civic spirit, Hallett offered to create a tribute art piece for the school’s building expansion project – a 3,000-pound bronze sculpture depicting the student experience at the SVM.
Having so many vivid memories from his time as a DVM student ignited his desire to be part of the school’s continuing story: “I have an emotional connection to the school. For me it truly feels like family. The relationships I developed there over the four-year program have turned into lifelong friendships,” he says.
The image at right gives a small glimpse into Dr. Hallett’s process and the significant attention to detail that infuses every element of the sculpture. Check out the videos below to hear more about the vision for Forward Together in Dr. Hallett’s own words.
About the Benefactors
Margo and Jack Edl, long-time clients and friends of the school, provided the lead gift which allowed the school to pursue the Forward Together sculpture. In doing so, they also inspired numerous SVM alumni to support this exciting opportunity to showcase the pursuit of veterinary medical education through a special matching gift program.
“Our love of animals and those who care for them is what inspired Jack and I to share this gift,” Margo said. “We believe that Forward Together will become an iconic symbol of the impact veterinary medical students have on the world and are delighted by the incredible representation that Dr. John Hallett artfully created.”
