Print Makers Leave Their Mark

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Philanthropy has often been defined as the desire to promote the welfare of others, expressed especially by generous donations to good causes. The Pacesetters quoted below understand the impact that the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine has on individuals, pets, and students, and find true value in its cause.

“Steve and I feel strongly that the veterinary disciplines supported by this College are critical to solving some of tomorrow’s greatest challenges, including how to meet growing global food needs while protecting public health and the environment. We also have a special interest in the sustenance and growth of American animal agriculture, as the ability to feed our own and others is important to national security and global stability. There is of course one more thing! Our pets are something we love, and with the increasing percentage of our worldwide populations migrating to cities and suburbs, there are increasing numbers and types of animals now recognized as pets and members of the family. The health and well-being of these animals has an important impact on the emotional and physical well-being of our society. In summary, we hope for our children and future generations that our gifts will have contributed to a more peaceful world that is committed to healthier people and pets, as well as an adequate supply of safe food worldwide.”

Marianne Ash, DVM (PU DVM ‘77) and Stephen Ash, MD

“Our daughter, Molly, had planned to attend Purdue, but a rare liver cancer had other plans. President Mitch Daniels and Dean Willie Reed made sure Molly got her wish. At her life celebration, two weeks before she passed, Molly was admitted and graduated from Purdue and then admitted and graduated from PVM. Molly was sent her white coat and Dean Reed paid her dues for a lifetime to the Veterinary Society. I cannot imagine any other university with this compassion for a 17-year-old to make her dreams come true. Please give, if you can, to this amazing place on behalf of Molly Widner, DVM.”

The Family of Molly Widner

“As a farm child who bottle fed Holstein calves, I have a great love for animals. This continued throughout my 10-year 4-H career where I showed Angus cattle and Hampshire hogs. In addition, dogs are always a part of my life…starting with my first Suzy, a Brittany Spaniel. This love affair continued with St. Bernards, Border Collies, and a variety of hybrid dogs many of which were named Suzy. Fast forward to a Black Lab, Sammy, who had a wonderful and active life of 13 years thanks to the Purdue College of Veterinary Medicine and Community Practice. Today, two more Black Labs are in the Troutner pack — Billie Sue and Brandy. This love of animals is coupled with a deep admiration and respect for the vets who help provide these companions with healthy, happy, long lives. Of course, I would choose to join the Pacesetters as I look forward to new facilities and teaching options for the future vets educated at Purdue University.”

Joanne Troutner, Longtime Purdue Veterinary Hospital Client and Purdue Liberal Arts Alumna

A Purdue Veterinary Medicine alumna recognizing the global impact of veterinary medicine, the family of a hopeful student given her greatest wish, and a hospital client grateful for the care shown to her beloved pets — these are just a few examples of the countless ways Purdue Veterinary Medicine Leaves A Print on the world. As you contemplate your philanthropic plans, please consider the good cause that is Purdue Veterinary Medicine and Leave Your Own Print in this vital time of need. For the animals, the students, the clients, and the overall global impact of veterinary medicine, make your print today at giving.purdue.edu/leave-a-print.

Writer(s): Amanda Dunkle | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Pacesetters Lead New Hospital Campaign with Major Gifts

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As part of its 60th Anniversary celebration this year, Purdue Veterinary Medicine announced plans to build a new veterinary hospital, combining world-class experts with a premier facility and advanced technology. In order to set a strong foundation for the related Leave A Print fundraising campaign, PVM has been searching for 60 Pacesetters to make lead major gifts of $25,000 or more to the project. Each Pacesetter will receive permanent recognition in the new facility. The Leave A Print campaign goal is $8.1 million – the amount needed to bring the project to fruition. Learn more at purdue.edu/vet/leave-a-print.

Investing in new facilities to enable the hospital to thrive is both necessary and strategic for Purdue and the state of Indiana. The Purdue Veterinary Teaching Hospital is a priceless resource that produces a stunning return on investment for the people of Indiana, while also functioning as a catalyst for vital areas of research across the Purdue campus, ranging from cancer drug discovery to the development of treatments for paralysis.

Thank you to our Pacesetters so far who have joined this leadership group as of November 26, and are providing $2.089 million of our need, while encouraging others to Leave A Print on Purdue Veterinary Medicine!

1. Dr. David & Mrs. Brenda Brelage
2. Dr. Donald J. McCrosky
3. Dr. Kurt Mychajlonka & Dr. Deborah White
4. Dr. Larry & Mrs. Gail Rueff
5. Dr. Robert & Mrs. Jo Ann Ferguson
6. Drs. Marianne & Stephen Ash
7. Mr. Harry & Mrs. Freida Latshaw
8. Mr. Richard & Mrs. Beth Adduci
9. Mrs. Barbara Graegin
10. Mrs. Patricia Fessler
11. Dr. Peter G. Fisher
12. PVM Class of 1965
13. Dr. Andrew J. Lischin
14. Dr. Daniel & Mrs. Angela Markwalder
15. Dr. Jerry & Linda Rodenbarger
16. Ms. Joanne Troutner
17. Dr. Kevin A. Hahn, Class of 1987
18. Alice Jean Phillips
19. Drs. Michael & Stacey Lent
20. Dr. Robyn & Dr. Gregory Kurtz
21. Dr. William O. & Annette Iverson
22. In Honor of Molly Widner, DVM
23. PVM Class of 1976
24. Timothy J. Mullican, DVM
25. Drs. Lisa & David Grasso
26. Dr. Kevin Kennedy, DVM
27. Dr. Leonard & Carol Chastain
28. Dr. Merlyn & Mrs. Susan Lucas
29. Susan L. & Craig L. Wardrip, DVMs
30. Dr. & Mrs. Kevin Shanley
31. Kerry Keffaber & Betsy Keffaber
32. Mr. Frederick Norman & Dr. Sandra K. Norman
33. Dr. Chih-Ming “Jimmy” Yu & Mrs. Fu-Mei Kao, Taiwan
34. Dr. Ralph & Linda Stauffacher
35. Dr. Raj Singh & Melissa Singh
36. Dr. Gervas Schafer, Mrs. Ann Schafer, Dr. Kenneth Schafer, Dr. Siobhan Schafer, & Dr. Debra Schafer
37. Dr. Bob & Drue King
38. Dr. Scott & Mrs. Elizabeth Thompson
39. Dr. David & Kathleen Haviar & Family
40. Carole Bezat
41. Dr. Philip & Jill Borst
42. Dr. Tom Goodwin
43. Dr. Glenn M. Pullen
44. PVM Class of 1978
45. PVM Class of 1967
46. Dr. Laura Howard Strong & Mr. David H. Strong
47. Dr. Jennifer Anderson & Adam Schmeltz
48. Dr. Martin G. Stotelmyer
49. Dr. Steve & Leisa Sunbury
50. Dr. Phil & Stephanie Farber
51. Dr. Cynthia F. Schaefer
52. Dr. H.R. Gough & Mrs. Karen S. Gough
53. In Honor of Dr. Hedley Marks
54. Dr. Raechel Willard & Mr. Christopher Ormsby
55. Dr. Roger & Mrs. Nathalie Schrock
56. Dr. Michael & Kris Huber
57. David & Vicki Grove
58. The Dr. L. Dale & Mickey Olson Fund for Animals
59. Dr. John & RPh Barbara Schnarr
60. _________________________________

To help us finish our 60th Anniversary year by becoming a Pacesetter, contact the Advancement Office at 765-494-6304 or PVMgiving@prf.org.

Writer(s): Amanda Dunkle | pvmnews@purdue.edu

PVM Ever True Campaign Achieves Record Results

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The Purdue University Ever True campaign concluded June 30, resulting in the largest and most successful fundraising initiative in the University’s history. Launched in 2012, and publicly announced in 2015, the campaign generated $2.529 billion, exceeding its goal of $2.019 billion by 25%. The campaign ending coincided with the University’s sesquicentennial celebrating “150 Years of Giant Leaps,” the 50th Anniversary of alumnus Neil Armstrong’s walk on the moon, and 60th Anniversary of the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine. Ever True inspired more than one million gifts from donors across 113 countries and all 50 states.

The College of Veterinary Medicine received $54,388,447 in contributions from over 2,300 generous individuals and businesses during this historic campaign, exceeding the College’s goal by 36%. This amazing outpouring of support will have a lasting impact in the areas of:

Student Support – to maintain and grow the amount of scholarships available to veterinary students, making a Purdue education more affordable

Goal: $5,000,000 | Raised: $9,447,158 | Exceeded Goal By: $4,447,158

Faculty Support – to engage, recruit, and retain high-quality faculty members to our university and community, improve academic longevity, and expand the academic experiences available

Goal: $6,000,000 | Raised: $16,515,781 | Exceeded Goal By: $10,515,781

Program Support – to enhance teaching and specialty areas of study for future veterinary professionals; improve and expand hospital and mobile clinical services; carry on critical research in cancer, disease, and the human-animal bond; increase understanding of One Health, which refers to the global interdependent system of humans, animals, and their environments; and much more

Goal: $7,000,000 | Raised: $16,596,816 | Exceeded Goal By: $9,596,816

Facility Support – to support current facility needs throughout the College of Veterinary Medicine

Goal: $18,000,000 | Raised: $6,291,585 | Unmet Amount: $11,708,415

General Support – to ensure the College will be able to meet its most urgent and important needs as they arise in the years ahead

Goal: $4,000,000 | Raised: $5,537,107 | Exceeded Goal By: $1,537,107

Writer(s): Amanda Dunkle | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Retirements Conclude Careers for Three PVM Faculty

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After years of teaching, research, and service at Purdue University, three Purdue Veterinary Medicine faculty members retired over the summer and were named professors emeriti.

Dr. Stephen Lenz (PU DVM ‘81), professor emeritus of veterinary pathology, retired effective September 1. Dr. Lenz earned his Purdue DVM degree in 1981 and his PhD in 1991. He served as a faculty member at Auburn University before joining the PVM faculty in 2006. In 2017, he was appointed as interim director of the Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (ADDL) and served in that capacity until June 1.

Dr. Jean Stiles, professor emerita of ophthalmology, retired effective June 30. Dr. Stiles earned her DVM and master’s degrees at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. In 1992, she completed a small animal internship and residency in ophthalmology at the University of Minnesota and became board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists. After working in private practice in California, she returned to academia as an assistant professor at the University of Georgia. In 1999, she joined the Purdue Veterinary Medicine faculty as associate professor of ophthalmology and was promoted to full professor in 2009. She received the Zoetis Award for Veterinary Research Excellence in 2018.

Dr. Patricia Wakenell, professor emerita of avian pathology, retired effective September 1. Dr. Wakenell earned her DVM degree at Michigan State University and then worked in private practice before returning to Michigan State to pursue graduate studies. She earned her PhD in 1985 and became board-certified as a veterinary clinical pathologist in 1988. After working in avian vaccine development in Kansas, Dr. Wakenell accepted an appointment as assistant professor in poultry medicine at UC Davis. She came to Purdue in 2008 as associate professor and head of Avian Diagnostics at the Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory. Dr. Wakenell also came to be known by the endearing unofficial title of “Poultry Princess” – a reflection of her unabashed and genuine enthusiasm for all things poultry, including poultry-themed fashion and accessories. In 2012, Dr. Wakenell established the Purdue veterinary poultry residency program, securing support from a donor to make it an endowed teaching program in poultry medicine. She was promoted to full professor in 2016. In honor of her career accomplishments, including her pivotal role in efforts to contain the 2015 avian influenza outbreak in Indiana, Dr. Wakenell received the Frederick L. Hovde Award of Excellence in Educational Service to Rural People of Indiana in 2017.

Writer(s): Kevin Doerr | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Welcome New PVM Faculty

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The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine welcomed the following faculty members during the 2019 academic year. Please join us in welcoming them to the PVM family.

Melinda Anderson, PharmD

Melinda “Mindy” Anderson, PharmD joined the Department of Basic Medical Sciences as a visiting assistant professor of pharmacology effective July 1. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree at Purdue in 2018 and most recently completed the one-year Wasson Veterinary Pharmacy Residency program in the Purdue Veterinary Teaching Hospital. A familiar face in the College, she earned her Associate of Science degree in veterinary technology at Purdue in 2003, and then served as chief instructional technologist in the hospital before earning her PharmD degree.

Natalie Bullard, DVM

Natalie Bullard, DVM became a member of the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences upon her appointment as clinical assistant professor of mobile surgery/shelter medicine September 3. Dr. Bullard serves as a veterinarian for the Priority 4 Paws mobile surgery unit. She earned her DVM degree at the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. Before coming to Purdue, she owned and operated a low cost, limited service practice focused on surgical and dental procedures, as well as serving as a shelter veterinarian for Eagle County, Colo.

Emily Curry, DVM

Emily Curry, DVM joined the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences as visiting assistant professor of mobile surgery/shelter medicine effective February 4. Dr. Curry is a mobile unit veterinarian for the Priority 4 Paws mobile surgery unit. She earned her DVM from Purdue University in 2014. Before returning to Purdue, she worked as a small animal veterinarian at an animal hospital in Ohio. She also served as a veterinary surgeon, performing spay and neuter surgeries on shelter animals, while teaching veterinary nursing students anesthetic and surgical skills.

Sriveny Dangoudoubiyam, DVM, PhD

Sriveny Dangoudoubiyam, DVM, PhD was appointed as assistant professor of veterinary parasitology in the Department of Comparative Pathobiology effective August 12. Dr. Dangoudoubiyam earned her DVM degree in 2000 at Pondicherry University in India followed by a master’s degree at the Indian Veterinary Research Institute in 2002. She later earned a PhD at Purdue University in 2009. Dr. Dangoudoubiyam is board-certified through the American College of Veterinary Microbiologists in parasitology.

Caroline Gillespie Harmon, DVM, MS

Caroline Gillespie Harmon, DVM, MS joined the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences as clinical assistant professor of equine community practice effective March 1. Dr. Harmon earned her DVM degree at Kansas State University in 2012. She later came to Purdue where she completed a large animal surgery residency and master’s degree in 2016. She then continued as a post-doctoral research assistant and staff veterinarian for Equine Community Practice. Dr. Harmon is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons.

Christoph Konradt, Dr rer nat

Christoph Konradt, Dr rer nat became a faculty member in the Department of Comparative Pathobiology upon his appointment as assistant professor of immunology August 12. Dr. Konradt earned his Dr rer nat degree (PhD equivalent) in 2011 from the Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg in Germany. He then completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Konradt’s research focus includes the role of endothelial and T cells during infections of the vascular compartment and immune responses at the maternal-fetal interface during infection.

Geoffrey Lossie, DVM, MS

Geoffrey Lossie, DVM, MS joined the Department of Comparative Pathobiology as clinical assistant professor of pathology and avian diagnostician for the Indiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory effective October 14. A graduate of Purdue, Dr. Lossie earned his DVM in 2014. He then stayed on to complete a master’s degree and avian diagnostic medicine residency program. Dr. Lossie most recently served as a faculty instructor and poultry health specialist at The Ohio State University. He is a diplomate of the American College of Poultry Veterinarians.

Masahiro Murakami, BVSc, PhD

Masahiro Murakami, BVSc, PhD became a member of the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences upon his appointment as assistant professor of diagnostic imaging July 15. Dr. Murakami earned his BVSc degree at Rakuno Gakuen University followed by a PhD at Hokkaido University – both in Japan. He spent several years working in private practice in both Japan and in the U.S. He most recently completed a diagnostic imaging residency program at Purdue this summer. Dr. Murakami is board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Radiology.

Rafael Neves, DVM, MSc, PhD

Rafael Neves, DVM, MSc, PhD joined the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences as assistant professor of food animal production medicine effective May 14. Dr. Neves earned his DVM degree in 2008 at the Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais in Brazil. He then completed a master’s degree at the University of Guelph’s Ontario Veterinary College in 2011 and went on to earn a PhD at Cornell University in 2017. Dr. Neves comes to Purdue from Texas Tech University where he served as assistant professor in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.

Writer(s): Allison Carey | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Purdue Alumnus Bret Marsh Recognized with American Veterinary Medical Association Award

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The American Veterinary Medical Association selected Dr. Bret Marsh (PU DVM ’84), Indiana State Veterinarian, to receive its Public Service Award, which was presented during the 2019 AVMA Annual Convention held in Washington, D.C. Established in 1968, the award recognizes an AVMA member for outstanding public service or unusual contributions to the practice or science of public health and regulatory veterinary medicine. Selection is based on a nomination process, with the recipient chosen by the Council on Public Health and Regulatory Veterinary Medicine.

After earning his Purdue DVM degree in 1984, Dr. Marsh began working in the public sector as a veterinary medical officer for meat and poultry inspection with the Indiana State Department of Health. He moved to the Indiana State Board of Animal Health two years later when he accepted the position of director of Swine Health Programs. He was appointed as the Indiana State Veterinarian in 1994, at which time he became the youngest state veterinarian in the country.

Dr. Marsh is responsible for all statewide animal health programs as well as providing inspection services for the meat, poultry, and dairy products produced in Indiana. In addition to administering Indiana animal health laws and implementing statewide and national animal disease control and eradication programs, Dr. Marsh has worked to develop strategies to inform the public about zoonotic diseases, food safety concerns and impending animal disease threats. He also acts as an advisor for many boards and committees in Indiana, including the Indiana State Board of Animal Health, and Indiana State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. He received national recognition for his oversight of the highly pathogenic avian influenza disease event in southeast Indiana in 2016.

A recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus Awards from both Purdue’s College of Veterinary Medicine and College of Agriculture, Dr. Marsh also has actively served in organized veterinary medicine, including six years as AVMA treasurer. Additionally, he represented Indiana in the AVMA House of Delegates and is a past president of the Indiana Veterinary Medical Association and the United States Animal Health Association. He received the AVMA Public Service Award during a reception August 5, following the Global Health Summit at the 2019 AVMA Annual Convention.

Writer(s): Kevin Doerr | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Faculty and Alumni Honored at Annual Awards Celebration

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The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine recognized two Distinguished Alumni and ten faculty members during the annual Awards Celebration held September 18 during the 2019 Purdue Veterinary Conference. The event was a high point of the conference week.

The College’s prestigious Distinguished Alumnus Awards were presented to Dr. Tom Gillespie (PU DVM ’79) and Brig. Gen., retired, Timothy Adams (PU DVM ’86).

Dr. Gillespie received the award on the 40th Anniversary of his class – the Class of 1979. After earning his Purdue DVM degree, Dr. Gillespie joined a general veterinary practice in northern Illinois. But his background in livestock, dating back to his days as an Indiana farm boy growing up on a grain and hog farm, as well as his mentor, fellow Purdue Veterinary Medicine alumnus and now professor emeritus, Dr. Kirk Clark, wooed him back to Indiana to join a general practice in north-central Indiana. While in private practice, Dr. Gillespie focused more and more on pigs and in 1991, he and his wife, Denise, started their swine-only practice in Rensselaer, Ind.

As he became established in his career as a top-notch swine practitioner, Dr. Gillespie was soon asked to travel abroad and throughout the United States to educate other herd health providers. He has consulted and given invited presentations across the U.S. and in nearly a dozen other countries. In particular, he is an internationally renowned expert on PRRS – Porcine Respiratory and Reproductive Disease and is sought out to perform research, write papers, and give lectures on this costly disease.

Dr. Gillespie also has modeled leadership in the swine industry through his involvement with the American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV). During his tenure as AASV president in 2005 and 2006, Dr. Gillespie led efforts to curb the rampant cases of Porcine Circovirus Associated Disease (PCVAD). In 2010, the AASV named him Swine Practitioner of the Year, and more recently, he was honored as a 2018 Master of the Pork Industry.
Brigadier General, retired, Timothy Adams earned his Purdue DVM degree in 1986 and shortly afterward entered military active duty. He served in combat operations both as a captain in the 483rd Medical Detachment in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and as a lieutenant colonel when he commanded the 72nd Medical Detachment in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Dr. Adams continued his education at Harvard University where he earned his Masters of Public Health degree in 1992. A diplomate in the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Dr. Adams also received a PhD in Toxicology from Duke University, and is board-certified by the American Board of Toxicology.

Dr. Adams’ accomplishments include being selected as the 24th Chief of the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps – the only Purdue graduate to be chosen for that role. Dr. Adams also served as the Assistant Surgeon General for Force Projection in the Office of the Surgeon General. His military career culminated in his selection as the Commander of the U.S. Army Public Health Command, with responsibility for more than 3,000 personnel and an annual operating budget of $200 million.

Dr. Adams has received numerous U.S. military decorations and badges including the Legion of Merit Award for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements, and the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious achievement in a combat zone. He retired from the U.S. Army as a Brigadier General in 2012 and lives with his family in Martinsville, Ind.

The Awards Celebration also spotlighted the accomplishments of Purdue Veterinary Medicine faculty members, who were honored for excellence in teaching, research, and service.

Two awards presented during the celebration are new. Dr. Darryl Ragland, associate professor of food animal production medicine and section head of Production Medicine, received the inaugural Faculty Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award. The award is for faculty members who have demonstrated emerging or sustained excellence in diversity and inclusion endeavors. Dr. Janice Kritchevsky, professor of large animal internal medicine, received the first Resident Mentor Award, sponsored by Drs. Catharine Scott-Moncrieff and Wally Morrison. The award honors a Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences faculty member who has been committed to excellence in mentoring residents, interns, or students.

The Raymond E. Plue Outstanding Teacher Award, one of the College’s most prestigious longstanding teaching awards, was presented to Dr. John Christian, associate professor of veterinary clinical pathology and lab director and section chief of Clinical Pathology.

Dr. Stephanie Thomovsky, clinical associate professor of veterinary neurology, received the Zoetis Distinguished Teacher Award.

The Excellence in Service Award was presented to Dr. Steve Adams, professor of large animal surgery, who played a vital role as a member of the team that launched the College’s new Equine Specialty Hospital in Shelbyville, Ind., and now serves as the facility’s medical director.

Dr. Larry Adams, professor and co-section head of Small Animal Internal Medicine, received the Alumni Faculty Award for Excellence.

Dr. Jonathan Townsend, clinical assistant professor of dairy production medicine and director of Extension Programs, received the Alumni Outstanding Teaching Award.

The Excellence in Teaching Award was presented to Dr. Joanne Messick, professor of veterinary clinical pathology.

Two research awards were presented to faculty members in the Department of Comparative Pathobiology. Dr. Mohamed Seleem, section head of Microbiology and Immunology and professor of microbiology received the Excellence in Research Award. Dr. GuangJun Zhang, the John T. and Winifred M. Hayward Associate Professor of Genetic Research, Genetic Epidemiology and Comparative Medicine, received the Zoetis Award for Veterinary Research Excellence.

Writer(s): Susan Xioufaridou and Kevin Doerr | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Major National Award Recognizes Purdue Veterinarian for Outstanding Public Service

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A Purdue Veterinary Medicine faculty member and administrator gained national recognition this summer at Multiplying Good’s national Jefferson Awards Gala, when she was recognized for her work aimed at broadening diversity in the veterinary medical profession. Dr. Sandra San Miguel, associate dean for engagement and professor in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, received a Jefferson Award for Outstanding Public Service by an Employee, for creation of the after-school program named This is How We “Role.” The program shows grade school children what veterinary medicine is like to inspire their interest in science.

“When I was a kid and messed up, there was always someone — a teacher, guidance counselor, coach, physical therapist — who showed me how to be a better human being instead of giving up on me,” Dr. San Miguel said. “We created This is How We ‘Role’ to serve as a way to continue this type of mentoring.”

This is How We “Role” was launched in 2015 with support from the Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) program of the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health. The funding allowed the Purdue team to develop a science and math curriculum for kids that would be delivered by veterinary student role models.

The long-term goal of This is How We “Role” is to diversify the veterinarian-scientist workforce. The program has reached hundreds of children and will continue to reach more. Already, This is How We “Role” has expanded across the country as 19 other U.S. veterinary schools and colleges have adopted the program with the support of the SEPA grant.

Multiplying Good, formerly known as the Jefferson Awards Foundation, is a national nonprofit dedicated to powering and celebrating public service. Purdue participates in Multiplying Good’s Champions program, joining various businesses and educational institutions nationwide who partner with the organization to engage in meaningful public service and celebrate their communities with Jefferson Awards.

Watch a video of Dr. San Miguel receiving her award at: purdue.vet/sanmiguel-jefferson-video

Writer(s): Kevin Doerr | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Vet Up! College: Inaugural Graduation Celebrates Achievements

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This summer, the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine welcomed its first class of Vet Up!® College students. Vet Up! College is a six-week program for undergraduate students who are serious about going to veterinary school. Participants experience first-hand what it is like to be a veterinary student. Each of the six weeks during the program simulates a different part of the four-year DVM curriculum.

The program concluded with a graduation celebration on June 28 in the Veterinary Medical Library. Dean Willie Reed started the ceremony by acknowledging the obstacles the students have to overcome in their journey to becoming veterinarians and reminding them that they have a PVM family to help support them in their endeavors. “You all are very special. You’re the first Vet Up! College graduating class, a little like our first DVM Class of 1963,” Dean Reed said.

Dean Reed was followed by Dr. Latonia Craig, assistant dean for inclusive excellence and director of the Vet Up! program, who gave some insight into the goals of Vet Up! College and the experiences that it provides to the participants. “This six-week program was designed to address two critical health professional disparities: one, a national and state of Indiana shortage of veterinarians in public health and in rural or food animal practice; and, two, a significant lack of underrepresented individuals entering the veterinary profession,” Dr. Craig said. “Students took a series of examinations and participated in mock interviews among many other things that are part of vet school to give them a real idea of what it is like.” During their stay on campus, all of the students also completed the Center of Excellence for Diversity and Inclusion in Veterinary Medicine certificate program.

One of the Vet Up! College participants, Victoria Johnson, who is a rising senior studying agriculture with an animal sciences concentration at Prairie View A&M University in Texas, also spoke during the ceremony, explaining what the program meant to her. “We learned so much in regard to different aspects of veterinary medicine, such as animal behavior and animal welfare, as well as the importance of mental wellness in this field,” Victoria said. “We were taught how to prioritize learning material in the DVM curriculum, because there is a lot of information and not a lot of time to digest all of it. I really enjoyed our interactions with the professors and visiting the off-campus swine and dairy facilities.”

Vet Up! Program Manager Marisol Uribe thanked the teaching assistants (TAs) who helped the students through all six weeks of the program. The TAs provided support and assistance with coursework and presentations and planned extracurricular activities for the students to unwind.

Dr. Craig then recognized five outstanding Vet Up! students, who were selected based on their professionalism, attitude, academic record, and emotional investment in the program. They each received a certificate of recognition and a personal copy of Stedman’s Medical Dictionary. Finally, all of the graduates were called forward one by one to receive a certificate of completion of the Vet Up! College program and a Vet Up! white coat, mirroring the White Coat Ceremony conducted for Purdue DVM students when they enter their clinical year, which is the final year of veterinary school.

Vet Up! College is one of three programs that are part of Vet Up! The National Health Careers Opportunity Program (HCOP) Academy for Veterinary Medicine, a federally funded initiative aimed at furthering access to the veterinary profession for talented students from disadvantaged backgrounds and addressing the need for more veterinarians serving rural areas and protecting food safety. The other programs are Vet Up! Champions, which is geared toward high school students, working adults, and first- or second-year undergraduate students; and Vet Up! DVM Scholars, which supports veterinary medical students at Purdue throughout their professional degree program.

Vet Up!® The National Health Careers Opportunity Program (HCOP) Academy for Veterinary Medicine received the 2019 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine – the largest and oldest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education. The award honors colleges and universities that encourage and assist students from underrepresented groups to enter the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Purdue Veterinary Medicine was featured, along with 49 other Inspiring Programs in STEM Award recipients, in the September 2019 issue of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine.

Writer(s): Maya Sanaba, PVM Communications Intern | pvmnews@purdue.edu

First-year DVM and Veterinary Nursing Students Bring Diverse Perspectives

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Purdue Veterinary Medicine welcomed the DVM Class of 2023 and the Veterinary Nursing Class of 2022 this fall, quickly introducing them to life in the PVM family. From their respective Stethoscope Dinners to celebrating the culmination of the 60th Anniversary of the College of Veterinary Medicine, the students already have experienced a number of PVM traditions.

Members of the DVM Class of 2023 were selected from more than 1,400 applicants. The class numbers 87 students who represent 21 states as well as Puerto Rico. Other countries are represented as well, with students hailing from Mexico and India. Almost 20% of the class consists of first-generation students and over 25% come from minority backgrounds.

Zenobya Clarke, a Brooklyn native who earned her undergraduate degree in international studies, said her experiences doing research abroad allowed her to recognize her passion for animal medicine and health. “In Barbados, I conducted research on green monkeys and presented the results at two conferences,” she said. Zenobya also started the pre-veterinary society at Spelman College, where she did her undergraduate studies.

Olivia Consoli, a former cheerleader on Purdue University’s co-ed cheer team and student worker at the Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (ADDL) says she always knew Purdue Veterinary Medicine was where she wanted to go. “There is such a strong emphasis on inclusion and the feeling that you have a family at PVM,” said Olivia.

The first-year DVM students have diverse backgrounds and a breadth of experience. The class incudes students who have served in the Armed Forces, one who has worked as a licensed veterinary technician, and another who competed as a nationally-ranked golfer, just to name a few of their varied experiences. “The DVM Class of 2023 continues to work hard and focus on learning and growing as a class,” said Dr. Jim Weisman, assistant dean for student affairs. “We are excited about their progress and look forward to what is yet to come.”

The Veterinary Nursing Class of 2022 is made up of 29 second-year students from around the United States. Students must first complete their basic coursework in their first year of college, then they begin the clinical phase of their veterinary nursing education.

“It is uncommon for veterinary nursing programs to introduce the clinical phase this early in our education, which makes Purdue unique,” said Veterinary Nursing Class of 2022 student Marina Gray. “I visited other schools and Purdue stood out because of the abundance of opportunities that it offers.”

Another member of the Veterinary Nursing Class of 2022, Ariel Casillas, who hopes to eventually work with exotic animals, also spoke of how beneficial Purdue’s approach to learning is for her. “I’m a very hands-on learner, so coming to Purdue was my natural inclination.”

“The start of the fall semester is always an exciting time for us in the Veterinary Nursing Program,” said Dr. Bianca Zenor, director of the Veterinary Nursing Program. “In addition to the Veterinary Nursing Class of 2022, the Purdue Veterinary Nursing Program welcomed 18 new first-year students and 90 new students to the Veterinary Nursing Distance Learning Program. It’s an exciting time to be in the veterinary profession and its growth is reflected in our increase in student enrollment.”

With their first semester at the College wrapping up, the students from both classes were excited to be making progress toward the goals that their PVM degrees will help them achieve.

Writer(s): Maya Sanaba, PVM Communications Intern | pvmnews@purdue.edu