2005 Alumna Always Focused on Veterinary Surgeon Career

She was also inspired during an “epic tour of the Galapagos Islands with Dr. Beitch and other biology students in 2002, which also sparked my love of photography,” remembered Lori.

 

From Hamden Hall to Tufts University, Lori’s educational journey extended to Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine followed by an additional eight years of surgical internships and residency before becoming board-certified as a veterinary surgeon.

 

“I love the challenge of being able to physically touch and fix problems for patients that can’t speak for themselves,” reflected Lori.

 

During Lori’s surgical residency, her mother, Maria Agulian, former Mathematics Department Chair, got news of a cancer diagnosis in her final year at Hamden Hall, after 26 years of teaching math at the school (and 41 total years of teaching).

 

“I took a leave of absence, and my now-husband and I moved in with my parents leading up to her passing in May 2022,” said Lori. “Even though she so badly wanted to see me finish out my residency, I know she was there with me every step of the way as I returned and finished my program in 2023.”

Lori made good on her promise, and her dream, as she is currently working as a veterinary surgeon at an emergency and specialty referral hospital in Massachusetts.

“I focus on small animals with a professional interest in surgical oncology, emergency soft tissue surgery, and laparoscopic surgery,” said Lori. “Patients come in different shapes and sizes, and each day has its own unique set of challenges.”

After moving many times over the years for training, Lori said she’s looking forward to putting down roots in the Foxboro area with her husband, Mike, whom she married in September 2024.

“I’m excited to move into our new home and have a better work-life balance,” said Lori. She is also excited to travel this summer to Armenia with her whole family. Lori’s niece, and Maria Agulian’s granddaughter, Nazeli Beg, Hamden Hall Class of 2029, will also be joining Lori on this summer adventure. Lori and her husband are also planning a fall trip to Japan, one of their favorite places to visit.

 

When Lori returned to campus this past June for her 20th reunion, she and 25 of her classmates visited her mother’s classroom while on an alumni tour. In 2022, Hamden Hall dedicated the Maria Agulian Math Center in Maria’s former classroom. 

“One of my mom’s final wishes was to have an interactive space for students to explore their love of math with books, puzzles, and games at Hamden Hall,” said Lori. “This dream was brought to reality when her Math Center was unveiled in her classroom.”

 

Returning to the campus she grew up on and having a classroom dedicated to her mom made Reunion 2025 that much more special and rewarding. 

 

“That was a moment I’ll never forget,” recalled Lori. “It brought me to tears to have everyone there with me to remember her together. I’m so thankful for the continued love and support of the Hamden Hall community; from all the teachers, staff, parents, past students, and classmates – you all continue her legacy and for that, my family and I are so grateful.”