Canine Welfare Science Forum Aims to Build Bridges to Improve Dog Welfare

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Bringing people together who have differing views about issues like canine welfare and dog breeding is a passion for Dr. Candace Croney, Purdue University professor of animal behavior and well-being, who holds a joint appointment in the colleges of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture. That’s because she sees the potential impact of collaboration between people who look past differences to recognize the vital importance of the common ground they share and the power they have to foster meaningful change by working together constructively.

As a result of Dr. Croney’s vision, Purdue University will host a first-of-its-kind collaborative meeting between dog breeders and animal shelter leaders as part of the 2022 Canine Welfare Science Forum, to be held June 24-25 at the Beck Agricultural Center in West Lafayette, Indiana. The in-person event will focus on the theme “Building Bridges to Improve Canine Welfare.” Additionally, a related but separate Research Mini-Symposium that Friday morning, will involve presentations of research findings about the welfare of dogs in commercial breeding kennels. And Friday evening’s schedule will feature a celebration of the first 100 Canine Care Certified Dog Breeders.

“The demand for dogs continues to grow fueled by numerous factors, including the myriad benefits of the human-animal bond and recently, by social distancing policies resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic,” Dr. Croney says. “High demand for dogs has led to the emergence of diverse markets for them, many of which raise significant new animal welfare concerns and potentially worsen existing ones. Growing demand combined with constrained supply is likely to drive up costs of dog procurement and indirectly exacerbate human health and quality of life disparities that already exist as a function of socio-economic status.” Dr. Croney concludes, “It is therefore urgent for thought leaders and influencers in various pet industry sectors and in animal sheltering and rescue to discuss how to address the need for ethical and sustainable supply and sourcing of dogs and collaboratively identify potential solutions.”

The Canine Welfare Science Forum is being hosted by the Croney Research Group and features a variety of speakers who are specialists in various aspects of animal welfare. Dr. Croney will lead-off the program by introducing the topic of “Sustainable Pet Supply and the Role of Animal Welfare.” Attorney Mark Cushing, the founder and managing partner of the Animal Policy Group, LLC, then will speak on the role of the veterinary community and other stakeholders, before Dr. Andrew Rowan, of Animal Well-being International, gives a presentation about understanding dog supply/demand statistics and their welfare implications. 

The afternoon agenda concludes with a panel/roundtable session bringing together thought leaders in veterinary medicine, animal welfare, and dog breeding to discuss the topic, “Sustainable, Ethical Dog Supply: What Does the Future Hold?” Panel members will include Jim Tedford, of The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement; Dr. Andrew Rowan, of Animal Well-being International; Dr. Kendall Houlihan, veterinarian and assistant director of animal welfare at the American Veterinary Medical Association; Chris Fleming, co-owner of Pinnacle Pet; and Janet Donnelly, of Wyndham Kennels.

The Saturday program begins with a session led by Dr. Bret Marsh, Indiana State Veterinarian and head of the Indiana State Board of Animal Health, who will speak about challenges, progress, and opportunities for U.S. commercial breeding. Veterinarian Denise Katz, of The LOVE Pet Project, then will give a presentation entitled, “Biosecurity for Commercial Kennels 101: Protecting Canine Health and Minimizing Disease.” Dr. Meghan Herron, senior director of behavioral medicine, education and outreach at Gigi’s Behavior Service, will conclude the morning agenda by leading a session on “Behavioral Wellness in Breeding Kennels and Shelters.”

The Saturday afternoon programming will feature a talk by Dr. Kari Ekenstedt, Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine assistant professor of anatomy and genetics, on “Genetics, Health, and Welfare: What Are You Testing for and How Should That Information Inform Breeding Decisions?” That session will be followed by a roundtable discussion on “Rehoming Responsibly:  How to Create and Implement a Program That Yields Positive Dog Welfare Outcomes.” Panel members will include Abbie Moore, chief operating officer at Petco Love and former CEO at Adopt-a-Pet.com; Dr. Denise Katz, of The LOVE Pet Project; Traci Shreyer, applied animal behaviorist at Animal Behavior Counseling Services and consultant to the Croney Research Group at Purdue; and Myron Yoder, of the Indiana Council for Animal Welfare.

The mini-symposium Friday morning, which will be conducted virtually, features several presentations about what already has been learned from scientific studies, including “Establishing Science-based Standards for the Care and Welfare of Dogs in U.S. Commercial Breeding Facilities,” by Dr. Croney; and, “Socialization and Stress; Implications for Rehoming,” by Dr. Judith Stella, of Good Dog, Inc. and former Purdue post-doctoral researcher and USDA APHIS Science Fellow. Additional talks will be given by members of the Croney Research Group, including: “Welfare Metrics and Rehoming Outcomes,” by Dr. Aitor Arrazola, postdoctoral research associate; “Caretaker Interactions,” by Joanna Rogowski, graduate research associate; and, “Maternal Care and Puppy Transport,” by Aynsley Romaniuk, PhD student. The morning program will conclude with an international speaker, Dr. Gareth Arnott, of Queens University, Belfast, who will address the topic of ”Collaboration as a Means to Address Challenges in Europe.”

Click here for more information and to register for the forum, the mini-symposium, and the Canine Care Certified First 100 Breeders Celebration. There are registration fees, but students and legislators are invited to participate for free in the mini-symposium. Students also are eligible for a reduced registration fee for the forum. There is no charge for participants in the Canine Care Certified First 100 Breeders Celebration.

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

In Memory: Dr. Max Rodibaugh (PU DVM ’77)

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The veterinary medical profession lost a renowned swine practitioner with the passing of Dr. Max T. Rodibaugh, of Frankfort, Indiana, who died at his home Thursday, May 19. He was 69. 

A native of Rensselaer, Indiana, Dr. Rodibaugh grew up on a pig farm where he developed his passion for swine veterinary medicine and learned the value of hard work. After his graduation from Rensselaer High School in 1970, Dr. Rodibaugh enrolled at Purdue University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in agriculture in 1974 and his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1977. In each case, he graduated at the top of his class. He also was a member of Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity, served on the Livestock Judging team, and completed a term as the Indiana FFA State President.

With his new DVM degree in hand, Dr. Rodibaugh began one of the nation’s first swine-only veterinary practices in 1980, which he operated out of a former fast-food restaurant in Frankfort. His wife, Carol, who he married just after graduating from the College of Veterinary Medicine, helped him greatly, even working as his first office assistant as he got the new practice up and running. Over time, the practice grew to serve clients across the country and internationally. Known today as AMVC Swine Health Services, the practice now is located in newly renovated office space in an old Frankfort bowling alley.

Dr. Rodibaugh’s professionalism, veterinary ethics, and commitment to prioritizing the best interests of his clients, fostered his reputation as an expert in the field of swine medicine and trusted advisor to peers and pork producers everywhere. A sought-after speaker, mentor, and leader in numerous industry organizations, Dr. Rodibaugh one time even received a surprise phone call from former IU basketball coach, Bobby Knight, who was seeking counsel for a pork producer friend of his. A deeply loyal Boilermaker, Dr. Rodibaugh loved to retell the story, which became one of his favorite anecdotes. 

Dr. Rodibaugh’s dedication to his profession led to him receiving numerous awards, including Distinguished Alumnus Awards from the Purdue colleges of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture. His awards and honors culminated most recently with the American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) Heritage Award, which is a peer-nominated recognition of lifelong outstanding achievements in swine medicine. Dr. Rodibaugh became only the sixth recipient of the award in the history of the AASV.

Dr. Rodibaugh provided a lifetime of service to the AASV, serving on multiple committees, on the board of directors, and as the association’s president in 1995. In 2001, he was recognized as the AASV Swine Practitioner of the Year. He also presented the Howard Dunne Memorial Lecture at the 2001 AASV Annual Meeting. His personal and inspirational story, “Life Upside Down: Is it Possible to be Prepared for a Personal Crisis?” received the top prize during the practice tip session at the 2021 AASV Annual Meeting.

Dr. Rodibaugh is remembered as one who admired his parents and benefitted from their loving example and instruction in how to treat others well and serve his community. Growing up, he was known as a fast long-distance runner, rising leader in his 4-H and FFA activities, and a bright thinker who had an even brighter personality.

Dr. Rodibaugh was generous in giving back to his community, serving on Clinton County’s United Way Board of Directors and as Board President. A decades-long member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Frankfort, he faithfully participated on several committees and the church’s leadership council. Aside from his professional and community service, Dr. Rodibaugh was known as a fun-loving, positive, smiling, and ever-present force in the lives of his three children and seven grandchildren, teaching them to never stop learning and live each day to the fullest.

A memorial service was held this morning (Friday, May 27) at the Goodwin Funeral Home in Frankfort. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Max and Carol Rodibaugh Family Veterinary Scholarship, 403 W Wood St, West Lafayette, IN 47907, or click here to give online; the United Way of Clinton County, PO Box 871 Frankfort, IN 46041; or St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 2029 State Rd 39, Frankfort, IN 46041. Messages for the family may be shared at goodwinfuneralhome.com, where a complete obituary also may be viewed.

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

Purdue Veterinary Medicine Associate Professor Among 2022 Faculty Awards Convocation Honorees

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Associate Professor of Small Animal Soft Tissue Surgery Marije Risselada in the College of Veterinary Medicine’s Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, is one of a number of Purdue University faculty members who were recognized as part of the University’s 2022 Faculty Awards Convocation. After two years of virtual awards, the convocation returned to an in-person format this year as faculty gathered on May 10.

Dr. Risselada is one of 16 faculty members selected as Purdue Insights Forum Fellows. The Faculty Insights Forum involves bimonthly sessions that address the “nuts and bolts” of leadership at a university, including personal leadership styles, traits of successful academic leaders, diversity and inclusion, transparency, building consensus, recognition and appreciation, and mentoring faculty and staff. The sessions alternate with peer group meetings, in which participants interact in small groups to learn more about how different departments and colleges operate and to discuss program content in depth. Each participant also selects an experienced administrator at Purdue as a mentor. Participants and mentors meet three to four times per year to discuss the participant’s goals and personal progress toward leadership aspirations.

The Faculty Insights Forum program is intended to support faculty who are interested in exploring leadership at a university, increase the pool of potential leaders at Purdue, and expand the University’s capacity for leadership development beyond the Big 10 Academic Alliance Academic Leadership Programs. 

Dr. Risselada earned her DVM degree at Ghent University in Belgium, where she also completed her first residency with the European College of Veterinary Surgeons (ECVS), before doing a second surgery residency in Florida through the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS). She passed both her ECVS and ACVS specialty board exams and also defended her PhD in Ghent in 2006.

Dr. Risselada spends up to 50 percent of her time providing either clinical service in the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital or mentoring junior faculty during clinical case management and surgery in the Veterinary Hospital. She also is program director of the Small Animal Surgery Residency program for the ACVS and is responsible for all administrative duties, recruiting, the interview process, and compliancy. In addition, Dr. Risselada serves as associate editor for two journals: Veterinary Surgery (the official publication of the ACVS and ECVS) and the Journal of Small Animal Practice. She also is on the editorial board of the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, and is an ad hoc reviewer for four additional international journals. She has published more than 50 peer reviewed research papers, and her research focus is local delivery systems, more specifically to treat residual local cancer and to treat MDR infections.

To see a list of all of the Purdue Insights Forum Fellows, as well as the names of the other faculty members honored at the 2022 Purdue Faculty Awards Convocation, click here.  To view biographies of the Purdue Insights Forum Fellows, click here.

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

New Facilities Manager Joins Purdue Veterinary Medicine Staff

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The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine recently welcomed Scott Fix as the new facilities manager. Scott started in the position April 25, serving as the college’s point-of-contact for maintenance, building access and security, renovation, safety compliance and new construction.

Scott will interface with department/unit leaders, Physical Facilities, REM, and external contractors on building construction, renovations, and safety-related projects. He also will serve as building deputy for Lynn Hall as well as the David and Bonnie Brunner Purdue Veterinary Medical Hospital Complex, the Equine Health Sciences Building, animal housing and isolation facilities, the veterinary farm, Caesar’s Entertainment Equine Specialty Hospital in Shelbyville, Indiana, and the Heeke Diagnostic Laboratory in Southern Indiana.

Scott previously served as the crew chief for Zone 1 in Operations and Maintenance (O&M) where he was responsible for overseeing a team of technicians that handle quick response maintenance needs for several campus buildings. He also has experience in planning and coordinating work with O&M personnel, engineering, and outside contractors. 

Scott lives just about 20 minutes from campus with his wife, who trains horses and takes classes at Purdue. They also have a great little beagle mix dog that loves truck rides. When Scott is at home, he often can be found working in the garage, but he also enjoys being outside, going for a run, or working on the property. One thing is certain, he has plenty of projects that keep him busy. He also enjoys going to Cars and Coffee events and taking drives in the country. Additionally, with family spread across the country, Scott and his wife typically load up their dog for an annual vacation when they can take advantage of having free places to stay!

If you haven’t had the opportunity to do so already, please help extend a warm welcome to Scott!  His office is in Lynn 1200 and he can be reached at 496-8392 or via e-mail at safix@purdue.edu.

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

Team Manager Joins League of VetaHumanz

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The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine Office of Engagement welcomes Brittany Feeney as program administrator for the League of VetaHumanz program effective Monday, May 9. Brittany assumes the responsibilities of veterinary superhero league role model team manager, a position she says brings all her interests full circle.

An animal lover who was born and raised in Lafayette, Indiana, Brittany attended Purdue University with a focus in biology and hopes of one-day pursuing veterinary medicine.  She ended up switching programs, however, and earned a degree suited to another love – early childhood education. Brittany began her career in the classroom as a kindergarten teacher, but soon found her calling working with under-resourced communities. She comes to the College of Veterinary Medicine from Bauer Family Resources in Lafayette, where she had worked for more than ten years, most recently as the family and community engagement manager for Bauer’s Head Start Program.

Brittany said her new job attracted her because it involves all of her interests, “I get to be involved with the College of Veterinary Medicine at Purdue, and provide experiences to under-resourced communities that they may not typically be able to access.” She added, “There is nothing better to look forward to each and every day!”

Married with a daughter in middle school, Brittany also has two bonus grown children – a daughter who is an oncology nurse with IU Health and a son who is a Staff Sargent for the U.S. Army. In addition, Brittany stays busy with an energetic dog named Gracie Mae and a 4-H award-winning Holland Lops rabbit named Wonder. Her family also is excited to welcome a Black Labrador puppy named Midnight Mist this summer. In her spare time, Brittany loves camping, boating, and reading.

Please join us in welcoming Brittany to the College of Veterinary Medicine! She can be reached in her office (Lynn 1191) or by email at: bafeeney@purdue.edu.

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

You and Purdue Community Campaign Spotlights Priority 4 Paws Program

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The Purdue for Life Foundation has launched the You & Purdue Community Impact campaign to celebrate the benefits of living in the Lafayette-West Lafayette community and to give local community members the opportunity to support key Purdue programs that meet needs in the area. One of the specific giving opportunities involves the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine’s Priority 4 Paws program.

The campaign features a crowdfunding page dedicated to Priority 4 Paws (P4P), which is described as a shelter medicine program that provides high-quality, primary medical and surgical care for shelter animals. P4P also offers veterinary students who choose the elective clinical rotation a unique opportunity to gain medical and surgical experience while working with animals from regional shelters. As part of the crowdfunding campaign effort, Dr. Emily Curry, clinical assistant professor of mobile surgery/shelter medicine in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, is featured in a video during which she describes how the program works and the ways in which gifts will help the program cover the cost of operations so its services can continue to be provided without charge to the participating shelters. The video also is great for anyone who loves watching adorable animals!

The campaign goal for Priority 4 Paws is $5,000. Donors already are stepping up to give!  Click here to view the crowdfunding page.  Click here to see the video with Dr. Curry and some of her animal friends.  Other areas being supported through the You and Purdue Community Impact Campaign are Purdue Convocations; Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences; the Susan Nierstheimer Memorial Book Fund; and The Big Read. 

Celebrate Greater Lafayette as a great place to live by making a gift to the You & Purdue campaign to support these programs that serve our local community and enhance the lives of pets, children and adults!  Click here to view the overall campaign crowdfunding page and the overall campaign video.

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

Ethos and VetBloom Partnership Expands Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s Award-winning Diversity Programming

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With multiple efforts toward diversity and inclusion already underway, Purdue University’s College of Veterinary Medicine is extending that commitment with a series of groundbreaking efforts now being enhanced by a new scholarship program from the college’s partners VetBloom and Ethos Veterinary Health.

Click here to read the full story.

Writer(s): Greg Kline, Purdue Online | pvmnews@purdue.edu

College of Veterinary Medicine Showcased as Part of Ag Alumni Fish Fry

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The longtime association between the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine and College of Agriculture was on display during the annual Purdue Ag Alumni Fish Fry, which is considered the unofficial homecoming of Indiana Agriculture. Returning as an in-person function for 2022, the event was held at the Blue Ribbon Pavilion at the Indiana State Fairgrounds Saturday, April 30. 

As guests arrived Saturday morning for the luncheon, they had the opportunity to visit a number of displays set-up inside the pavilion, including the Purdue Veterinary Medicine booth, which featured information about the new David and Bonnie Brunner Purdue Veterinary Medical Hospital Complex and the Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory. Chief Development Officer Tanya Finkbiner and Assistant Director of Development Julie Bogan greeted visitors along with Dean Willie Reed. Dean Reed also was honored at the event for his role as a member of the Ag Alumni Board of Directors.

After the opportunity to visit the informational booths, guests were invited to take their seats for the meal and program. Among the speakers was Purdue Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Diversity Jay Akridge, who gave a shout out to the College of Veterinary Medicine for the recent dedication ceremony celebrating completion of the veterinary hospital complex. 

The program also featured recognition of the Ag Alumni Association’s Certificate of Distinction winners, and remarks by the keynote speaker, Dr. Jerome Adams, Presidential Fellow at Purdue University and the 20^th U.S. Surgeon General. He made his remarks during a question-and-answer session led on stage by College of Agriculture Dean Karen Plaut. Dr. Adams spoke about health equity, and why it is important to everyone. Dr. Adams is also no stranger to agriculture, having grown-up on a farm in rural Maryland. Talking about why he valued the opportunity to speak at the event, Dr. Adams said, “I want people to understand that even though I am a doctor and former surgeon general, our missions are very closely aligned. What I bring to the table are all lessons learned on our family farm back in the day, all of which helped me get to where I am today.”

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

Outstanding Efforts of PVM Staff Honored at Annual Spring Awards Program

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Recognizing unsung heroes was the theme of the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine’s 2022 Outstanding Staff and Bravo Awards Celebration. Held this year as an in-person event in Lynn 1136 on Wednesday, April 27, the program began with the presentation of two awards for outstanding staff members.

Dean Reed began the program by thanking everyone for attending to help recognize the honorees. Then he explained that the college’s Outstanding Staff Award has been given annually since 1988 to recognize excellent performance by the college’s non-faculty, full-time employees. “Excellent staff members often are the unsung heroes in an organization, with can-do attitudes, a knack for knowing how to get things done, and friendly demeanors that spark energy and enthusiasm, contributing to a positive work environment,” Dean Reed said. Then, he announced that the recipient of the Outstanding Staff Award for 2022 is Janet Rivers, purchasing account clerk in the PVM Business Office. The award recognizes Janet for excellence in service to the students, staff, faculty, and other constituencies of the college.

“Janet, thank you so much for being an excellent resource in our business office,” Dean Reed said. “You are a go-to person who helps in so many ways above and beyond your normal job responsibilities.” Dean Reed continued by praising Janet as a problem-solver whose skills are depended upon in a wide-range of areas. He also emphasized how she has been the person responsible for ordering all the new equipment for the new David and Bonnie Brunner Purdue Veterinary Medical Hospital Complex. “This is an enormous task, but you have taken on these additional responsibilities as you always do – with a smile on your face and a positive attitude,” Dean Reed said. 

The award includes an engraved plaque. Dean Reed shared the inscription on the plaque which commended Janet’s positive attitude, tremendous work ethic, and commitment to service.

Next, Dean Reed presented the PVM Outstanding Research Staff Award, which is given in honor of a non-faculty research staff member. This year’s awardee is Dr. Ekramy Sayedahmed, postdoctoral research associate in the Department of Comparative Pathobiology. The award recognizes Dr. Sayedahmed for his attitude of selfless dedication to the development and growth of research programs and his excellence in research initiative, collaboration, and personal development.

Dean Reed praised Dr. Sayedahmed for his diligent work on the development of the next generation SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidates. “You played a role in demonstrating the superiority of the bovine adenoviral vector vaccine platform over the human version, and you are among a few scientists in the world who have the exceptional expertise to work on the new vaccine platform that you developed in the laboratory of Dr. Suresh Mittal,” Dean Reed said. Dr. Mittal is the college’s Distinguished Professor of Virology. 

Dean Reed continued by recognizing the tremendous progress Dr. Sayedahmed has made on his own research. “You have done outstanding work developing a universal influenza vaccine that protects against all five subtypes of flu viruses,” Dean Reed noted. “In addition, your novel work on the importance of innate lung cells in protection against respiratory viruses is being published, and we enthusiastically await word about your provisional patent!” Dean Reed concluded by praising Dr. Sayedahmed for being an outstanding colleague, helping other graduate students and postdocs regularly on their projects and demonstrating an outstanding work ethic. 

Dean Reed then announced the recipients of the college’s spring Bravo Awards, which honor substantial accomplishments achieved by employees that extend well beyond regular work responsibilities. Bravo Awards are for concrete or measurable goal achievement or contribution, for which the employee receives no other honor, award, or compensation. Award winners may be recognized in any of four categories:

• Moving the University Forward — accomplishments or contributions that transform or advance university objectives;
• Innovation and Creativity — innovative work or suggestions well beyond standard job requirements that significantly improve operational efficiencies or introduce new or improved processes;
• Operational Excellence — extraordinary effort during times of critical department need; or,
• Fiscal Stewardship — significant cost saving or cost avoidance realized beyond normally expected or established standards.

The spring awardees are:

• Art Armstrong — recognized for Operational Excellence as Virology Laboratory technician in the Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory
• Dennis Barnett — honored for Operational Excellence as IT senior manager in PVM-IT
• Danielle Buchanan — for Operational Excellence in her role as clinical skills laboratory manager
• Cassie Cords — recognized for Operational Excellence as an instructional technician
• Kevin Draper — honored for Operational Excellence as facilities manager for the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital
• Gabriela Gambirazio — for Operational Excellence as lab technician in the ADDL Molecular Laboratory
• Lisa Hunter — recognized for Operational Excellence as the facilities operations supervisor in the Veterinary Hospital
• Bill Kielhorn — honored for Operational Excellence in his role as PVM-IT senior technician
• Holly McCalip — for Operational Excellence as instructional technologist in the Veterinary Nursing Program
• MacKenzie McIntosh — recognized for Operational Excellence as the manager of the Histology Research Laboratory
• Crystal Rice — for Operational Excellence and Fiscal Stewardship as business assistant in the ADDL
• Michelle Ruedin — honored for Operational Excellence as associate systems engineer in PVM-IT
• Bill Smothers — for Operational Excellence as receiving clerk
• Stephanie Terry — recognized for Operational Excellence as sterile processing technician in Central Supply

Then, Dean Reed presented a group Bravo Award to recognize the outstanding efforts of the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital’s large animal caretakers team, consisting of Sara Green, Brittney Poe, Jenny Day, and Sarah Johnson.

Dean Reed also ensured that during the presentation of each of the Bravo Awards, the audience participated by calling out “Bravo!” for each recipient, a request with which the audience members heartily complied!

Congratulations to all of the award recipients honored at this year’s spring Outstanding Staff and Bravo Awards Ceremony!

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

Purdue Veterinary Medicine Celebrates Graduation of its Class of 2022 This Weekend

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After months of planning, the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine is set to recognize the Class of 2022 during graduation ceremonies tonight and tomorrow.  Additionally, a Purdue Veterinary Medicine Distinguished Professor will take center stage at the Elliott Hall of Music Monday, May 16, as the special guest speaker for the Graduate School commencement ceremony recognizing master’s and PhD degree recipients.

The graduation celebrations begin this evening (Friday, May 13) with an Oath Ceremony for two graduates of the Veterinary Nursing Distance Learning Program who have come to campus for the May commencement exercises. They will be honored during a program to be held in the Continuum Café beginning at 5:00 p.m. The event will include remarks by Dean Reed; recognition of the graduates by Dr. Chad Brown, director of Veterinary Nursing Programs; the presentation of the Associate of Applied Science pins by Instructional Technologist Holly McCalip; and the administration of the Veterinary Technician Oath of Ethical Conduct by Instructional Technologist Jennifer Smith.

Then tomorrow (Saturday, May 14), the College of Veterinary Medicine will hold its annual Graduation Celebration beginning after the conclusion of the University Commencement exercises. The event is estimated to begin at about 11:30 a.m. in the Purdue Memorial Union North and South Ballrooms. The celebration will include recognition of the DVM and Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Nursing graduates, administration of the Veterinarian’s Oath and the Veterinary Technician Oath of Ethical Conduct, and the presentation of student awards. A reception will follow. The Graduation Celebration will be available via livestream for those unable to attend. Click here to view the livestream on YouTube.

On Monday, the University will conduct a graduation ceremony exclusively for recipients of master’s and PhD degrees. The program will feature Dr. Deborah Knapp, Distinguished Professor in Comparative Oncology and director of the Purdue Comparative Oncology Program, as the special guest speaker. 

All of the University Commencement ceremonies will be available via livestream. Click here to watch the Spring 2022 Commencement ceremonies.

Congratulations Purdue Veterinary Medicine Class of 2022!

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