One of the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine’s long-time faculty members, Professor Emeritus John Stump, passed away July 23, 2022, at Westminster Village in West Lafayette, Indiana. He was 88.
Dr. Stump was raised in Galion, Ohio and earned his DVM degree in 1958 at the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, graduating as the valedictorian of his class. He then went into private veterinary practice in Bucyrus, Ohio before moving to West Lafayette in 1961, when he accepted a faculty appointment in the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine. He earned his Ph.D. in 1966.
A faculty member in what is now the Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Dr. Stump retired in 1992. He was honored by being inducted into the Purdue “Book of Great Teachers” in 1999. Beyond his Purdue career, Dr. Stump enjoyed working in his garage, tending to his yard, watching sports, and spending time with his family.
In Lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Covenant Presbyterian Church or Westminster Village. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff and nurses at Westminster Village, as well as St. Elizabeth Hospice. Click here to view the complete obituary and to leave condolences and memories.
Participants in the 2019 Dr. Skip Jackson Dog Jog enjoy the opportunity to take a trek around the Purdue campus with their favorite canine companion.
What scene could be more heartwarming than dozens of runners and their canine companions embarking on a 5k Fun Run/Walk on a Saturday morning in front of Lynn Hall at the conclusion of the Purdue Veterinary Conference? Next month, for the first time since the pandemic, that scene once again will come to life as faculty, staff, students, alumni and members of the local community, and their dogs, participate in the Dr. Skip Jackson Dog Jog.
Organized by Purdue Veterinary Medicine students, the event, to be held Saturday morning, September 24, in front of Lynn Hall, will raise funds for two programs, PetSafe and Priority 4 Paws, while offering people and their canine companions an opportunity to get exercise and participate in some friendly competition for a chance to win prizes and a place in the history of the Purdue Veterinary Conference’s longest-running event. The Fun Run/Walk is named in honor of Dr. Horace (Skip) Jackson, PVM professor emeritus of veterinary physiology and biochemistry.
“After a two-year hiatus, we’re so happy to host the Dog Jog again,” said veterinary student Hannah Wedig of the DVM Class of 2024, who is one of the event co-chairs. She added, “It’s a long-standing, beloved event that supports a very important cause: ensuring the well-being of people and other animals. It’s a great way for people to embrace their health, community, and love of dogs.”
The two programs supported by the event are focused on meeting needs in the community related to the human-animal bond. PetSafe is a community service offered by the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine to meet the short-term housing needs of pets whose owners are temporarily unable to provide care. Priority 4 Paws (P4P) is a shelter medicine program providing surgical services free-of-charge to participating Indiana animal shelters.
Dean Willie Reed gives Dr. Skip Jackson a lift along with his wife and PVM alumnus and longtime Dog Jog participant and supporter Dr. Larry McAfee during the 2019 Dog Jog.
Hannah also emphasized that the Dog Jog involves another heartwarming component. “Local shelters will be bringing adoptable dogs that people can run/walk with at the Dog Jog,” Hannah explained. “In previous years, many of those canine participants found their forever homes within weeks after the race!”
Sharing the responsibility of organizing this year’s event are Hannah’s fellow co-chairs, veterinary students Allison Holahan and Morgan Watkins, both of the DVM Class of 2025, and Maxine White, of the DVM Class of 2024. Among their biggest needs at this point are sponsors for this year’s event. Click here for more information about becoming a Dog Jog sponsor.
Going forward, funding help is on the way for future Dog Jogs, as a result of a major milestone achieved this year. Thanks to the generosity of long-time event participants and supporters, as well as Dr. Jackson’s own family, plans to create an endowment to help support future Dog Jogs came to fruition. Dr. Jackson’s son, Dr. Mark Jackson, and alumnus, friend and long-time race participant and sponsor Dr. Larry McAfee (PU DVM ’73), led the way in establishing the Dr. Skip Jackson Dog Jog and Fun Run Endowment in order to provide support for the race in perpetuity.
PVM Chief Development Officer Tanya Finkbiner said Drs. Jackson and McAfee were instrumental in the success of the endowment drive, calling on family, friends, and former race participants to assist in supporting the fund. As a result of the Jackson family’s final push at the beginning of 2022, the endowment reached its $25,000 mark in time for Dr. Skip Jackson’s 99th birthday on April 14. “Dr. Mark Jackson and his wife Lisa drove all the way from Texas to Indiana to present a letter from Dean Reed as a birthday present celebrating the establishment of the endowment,” Tanya shared. With the endowment in place, earnings generated will be used to support future Dog Jogs.
Tanya adds that it’s not too late to contribute additional funds to the endowment. Click here to make a gift directly to the Dr. Skip Jackson Dog Jog and Fun Run Endowment and/or to Pet Safe, Priority 4 Paws or other related funds.
A feature story in the current issue of Todays Veterinary Business, the official journal of the NAVC, spotlights female veterinarians “…blazing a path for the next generation.” Among them is Dr. Ellen Lowery, director of the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital and clinical professor.
Entitled “22 Extraordinary Women,” the article by authors Robin Brogdon and Linda Kaplan shares the stories of how the outstanding female veterinarians became driving forces in their areas of expertise. “The remarkable women profiled here might work in varied areas of veterinary medicine, but their shared determination and commitment to innovate, open doors and elevate everyone around them caught our attention as worthy of public acknowledgment and praise, to say the very least,” the authors wrote. They continued, “With any ‘Best’ list, we had to be selective, and it was a challenging task. Anyone forging a path in veterinary medicine in today’s complex world is heroic in our eyes. We hope our choices inspire you.”
In introducing Dr. Lowery, the article explains that, before assuming various faculty positions and her current role as hospital director at the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, she worked 23 years at Hill’s Pet Nutrition, where her increasingly important leadership positions included director of North America professional and veterinary affairs. The article also notes that, as an advocate of personal leadership and professional development, Dr. Lowery served on the Hill’s Veterinary Leadership Task Force and helped establish the Hill’s Women Empowered Network.
A DVM graduate of the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine who went on to earn her PhD there and her MBA and the University of Kansas, Dr. Lowery also serves as the director of the Veterinary Oral Health Council and in the American Veterinary Medical Association’s House of Delegates, representing the American Association of Industry Veterinarians. Additionally, Dr. Lowery also volunteered as the president of the American Veterinary Dental Society and on boards such as the Kansas Veterinary Medical Association, Partners for Healthy Pets, the Veterinary Innovation Council and PRIDE Veterinary Medical Community.
The article then presents a question-and-answer discussion in which Dr. Lowery explains how she balances work-life responsibilities. “I spend time doing what I love to do,” Dr. Lowery is quoted as saying. “Throughout my career, my work has provided many opportunities to solve problems, lead change and make connections. I have learned that work often comes in a series of waves. There are times of intense and often long days to meet critical needs or lead change initiatives. I intentionally and purposefully carve out time to balance work — I really enjoy it — with personal time and activities that fill my bucket. Open communication and a shared calendar are two tools that I have used with my wife and family to support that balance and meet commitments.”
Asked what her best advice is for younger veterinarians about reaching their goals, Dr. Lowery said, “Invest time in defining and understanding your core values, and then purposefully choose work and life activities that align with your core values. Cultivate a growth mindset and develop your emotional intelligence, which are two critical skillsets that provide a strong foundation for a successful personal and professional life.” She also stressed, “…you do you. Do not strive to be something that others expect you to be. Create your vision of the person you want to be, and then make the choices that get you to that goal.”
The last question asked in the article is, “If you could start all over again, what would you do differently?” Dr. Lowery responded, “I would ask more questions, and I would’ve said ‘Yes’ to new adventures earlier in my life.” She added, “I discovered the power of being my authentic self and that failing forward was a part of the journey.”
Congratulations to Dr. Lowery for being included on this esteemed list of influential, accomplished and trailblazing women veterinarians! Click here to view the complete article.
Dr. Regina Kreisle, Purdue Professor Emerita of Pathobiology, receives a recognition gift in honor of her retirement from Dr. Sanjeev Narayanan, head of the Department of Comparative Pathobiology.
A career dedicated to veterinary and human medical education came to a close this summer for Dr. Regina Kreisle, professor in the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine’s Department of Comparative Pathobiology and former associate dean and director of the Indiana University School of Medicine – West Lafayette. Dr. Kreisle retired from Purdue effective at the end of June following a faculty tenure that spanned 33 years. She was recognized during a special ceremony and reception Monday, July 25 in the Veterinary Medical Library in Lynn Hall.
Attended by staff and faculty colleagues, the program and reception celebrated Dr. Kreisle’s accomplishments during her Purdue career and provided the attendees with an opportunity to wish her future success and happiness in retirement.
After earning her Bachelor of Arts degree at Kalamazoo College in 1977, Dr. Kreisle came to Purdue University to accept a research position in what is now the Department of Comparative Pathobiology. In 1985 and 1986, respectively, she earned her Doctor of Medicine and PhD degrees at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, and then completed an internship in internal medicine and a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Wisconsin.
During her Purdue tenure, Dr. Kreisle progressed through the academic ranks, receiving promotions to associate professor in 1996 and full professor in 2004. In 2014, Dr. Kreisle was asked to serve as interim director of the IU School of Medicine – West Lafayette. Then, in 2016 she was named the new permanent director and remained in the position until retiring from it in 2021.
At her Purdue retirement reception this week, Dr. Kreisle was recognized by several of her colleagues who gave remarks. The speakers included Head of the Department of Comparative Pathobiology Sanjeev Narayanan, who praised Dr. Kreisle for her contributions to the college and her notable tenure as a mentor and educator. Additionally, Dr. Matthew Tews, the current associate dean and director of the Indiana University School of Medicine – West Lafayette, commended Dr. Kreisle for her successful tenure as his predecessor, and credited her for having a superior reputation as a lecturer.
Then Purdue Veterinary Medicine Dean Willie Reed commented on Dr. Kreisle’s many years of service to the College in various roles. He also noted how her reputation as an outstanding instructor made her the envy of the IU School of Medicine – West Lafayette, and figured prominently in her selection to head the program once Dr. Gordon Coppoc, now professor emeritus, retired from the role. Dean Reed also highlighted the multiple awards that Dr. Kreisle received for her instruction, pointing out in particular that she was presented with the Indiana University Trustee Teaching Award in 2007, 2009, 2010, 2012, and 2014.
Dean Reed concluded by saying, “On behalf of Purdue and the Indiana University School of Medicine, Thank you! We will miss you and wish you well.” He also read a letter from Purdue Provost Jay Akridge announcing Dr. Kreisle’s designation as Professor Emerita of Pathobiology. The program concluded with the presentation of a recognition gift in honor of her retirement by Dr. Narayanan.
As the annual Purdue Veterinary Conference returns to an in-person format for the first-time since the pandemic, a Purdue alumnus, Dr. Todd Eric Driggers (PU DVM ’94) will give one of the keynote presentations on the topic, “One Vet’s Adventure: Koala Medicine and Burn Management During the Australian Brush Fires.” A 1994 DVM graduate of the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Driggers is internationally recognized as a specialist in avian and exotic animal medicine. He will give the Dr. Jack and Naomi Stockton / Class of 1971 Lecture at 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 21.
Dr. Driggers’ talk will be one of many continuing education sessions for the entire veterinary team that are offered along with traditional networking and special events during the conference September 20-24 on the Purdue campus. The conference will feature continuing education tracks on Veterinary Nursing, Small Animal, Ruminant, Swine, and Practice Management and Communication, as well as industry presentations and USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) modules.
Dr. Todd Driggers
In addition to the Stockton Lecture, there will be three other plenary sessions. The Wellness Keynote at noon Wednesday, September 21, will feature Makenzie Peterson, DSW, MSc, director for wellbeing at the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC), who will speak on the topic “Addressing Organizational Culture and Wellbeing in Veterinary Medicine.” At noon on Thursday, September 22, the AAVMC’s senior director for institutional research & diversity, Dr. Lisa Greenhill, will address the topic, “Developing Your Sense of Agency to Promote Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion in the Workplace.” Kicking off the conference on Tuesday evening, September 20, will be the Elanco Human Animal Bond Lecture featuring Gail Melson, Professor Emerita with the Purdue Department of Human Development & Family Studies, speaking on the topic, “The Other End of the Leash: Why Animals are Important for Human Development.”
As the speaker for the annual Stockton Lecture, Dr. Driggers brings a wealth of expertise and experience in the field of avian and exotic animal medicine. After earning his Purdue DVM degree in 1994, he interned at the Avian and Exotic Animal Clinic in Indianapolis before starting Arizona’s first exclusive exotic animal practice in 1995. Currently, he has both a mobile and stationary four doctor practice named “The Avian and Exotic Animal Clinic of Arizona.” He also is president of the Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians and of the Oasis Sanctuary that stewards over 800 birds.
A 2016 finalist for the Ted Lafeber Practitioner of the Year, Dr. Driggers has spoken internationally at Association of Avian Veterinary Conferences, Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians conferences and Unusual Pet Australian Veterinary conferences. In addition, he has authored several chapters in the publication Veterinary Clinics of North America: Exotic Animal Practice, and has presented webinars.
Dr. Driggers advocates for ethical stewardship of exotic animal care and for animal welfare. He raised more than $75,000 for Australian wildlife during the Australian wildfires and is licensed to practice in three Australian territories as well as the state of Arizona. Dr. Driggers also serves as medical director for mission trips to the Dominican Republic conducted through Food for the Hungry. His other interests include herping, birding and photography.
Another 2022 Purdue Veterinary Conference feature will be a special track presented Friday, September 23 by speakers from the Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory. The week of continuing education also includes special events involving three longstanding traditions. The 50th Class Anniversary Celebration for the DVM Class of 1972 will take place Wednesday evening, September 21. The following night, Thursday, September 22, the five year anniversary classes will be honored at the Alumni and Friends Reception, when members of the Class of 1972 will be individually recognized and receive their commemorative 50th Anniversary medallions. Then Saturday, September 24, will feature the return of one of the conference’s longest-running events, the Dr. Skip Jackson Dog Jog, which will start at 8:00 a.m. in front of Lynn Hall, after a two year hiatus due to the pandemic.
Dr. Malathi Raghavan, clinical associate professor in the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, is looking for DVM practitioners who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents to participate in an interview-based study about life as a veterinarian (in Indiana and other states). This study is designed to understand how (Indiana) veterinary practices can remain competitive and attractive to a veterinary workforce that is projected to grow in numbers and relevance nationally. The research team is interested in learning from veterinarians’ insights about veterinary opportunities, veterinarian needs and lifestyle amenities whether they work in Indiana or elsewhere. Each interview is expected to last approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
Any veterinary practitioner interested in participating or hearing more about the study (IRB protocol number IRB-2022-559), should contact Dr. Raghavan at 765-494-8547, or by e-mail to raghavm@purdue.edu, or the project research assistant Sydney Taylor, of the DVM Class of 2025, at taylo694@purdue.edu. Thank you for considering this unique opportunity to help improve understanding about veterinary opportunities and veterinarian needs in the veterinary medical profession.
The life of a Purdue Veterinary Medicine alumnus, Dr. Roger Lee Symensma (PU DVM ’74), was remembered during a Celebration of Life service July 14 in New Paris, Indiana, where he was raised. Dr. Symensma grew up on a dairy farm and after graduating from New Paris High School in 1961, enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Serving during the Vietnam War, he voyaged around the world to locations including Hong Kong, New Zealand and Antarctica.
Following his service in the Navy, Dr. Symensma pursued his dream of becoming a veterinarian, earning his Purdue DVM degree in 1974. Upon graduation, he began a career in large animal veterinary practice in Illinois, Wisconsin and with the USDA in Iowa and Indiana.
Regarded as a respected veterinarian and Sunday school teacher, Dr. Symensma is remembered as a loving father and husband with a deep faith in God, a kind smile and a gentle soul, who always provided for his family, told great stories and showed tremendous compassion to people and animals. He most recently had relocated to Valencia, California, where he died December 28, 2021, at the age of 78.
The Celebration of Life held at New Paris Church of the Brethren Thursday, July 14, was followed by internment with Military Honors at Whitehead Cemetery.
“How do we get rid of these fleas?” That’s the question that begins an Indianapolis Star article by reporter Karl Schneider published July 12. The answer includes advice from Dr. Paulo Gomes, clinical assistant professor of dermatology in the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine’s Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences.
The news story begins by noting how fleas begin invading homes across the state from mid to late summer. The article goes on to answer the question, “How can I keep fleas out of my house and yard and what are some of the complications the pests can cause?” The story points out that wildlife and strays bring fleas to peoples’ backyards from raccoons, possums and squirrels and other small mammals that all provide good hosts for fleas. Quoting Dr. Gomes, the article then explains that stopping flea infestations before they start involves reducing the pets’ contact with these animals or the places where they are commonly found, as well as not feeding strays.
Once a flea infestation is identified, the article goes on to say, the work begins. Dr. Gomes and the other expert quoted in the story, Indiana University Emeritus Professor and medical entomologist Marc Lame, both emphasize the importance of more frequent vacuuming to help get rid of flea eggs and the younger stages of fleas. “Vacuuming is very important,” Dr. Gomez is quoted as saying. “Dispose the dirt in a sealed plastic bag or trash bag.”
The story goes on to explain that the next step is applying some kind of pesticide to the pets, quoting Dr. Gomes as advising pet owners to remember to apply it to all pets, not just the one showing signs. Dr. Gomes noted there are active ingredients in some over-the-counter applications that work well, including pyriproxyfen, pyrethrins and permethrin, but he emphasized the importance of reading the labels and following them carefully, explaining that kittens and puppies will require extra caution, and some of the ingredients can be toxic to cats. “You need to be careful with cats because they are naturally more susceptible to toxic effects,” Dr. Gomes said. “Permethrin is very toxic for cats so should be avoided.”
Dr. Gomes also pointed out that, when pets owners notice fleas on their pets, they’re only seeing about one to five percent of the population living in the home. “The other 95 percent are immature stages of the flea lifecycle in the form of eggs, larvae and pupi,” Dr. Gomes said. “What you don’t see on the animal is in the environment.”
An adult flea can lay 40-50 eggs per day, or up to 3,000 eggs in its lifetime, which can make a small problem big in a short period of time, the article notes, as it also relays Dr. Gomes’ characterization of fleas as very efficient reproductive machines. “That’s why cleaning indoors is important,” Dr. Gomes said. “Removing immature stages from the environment and trying to avoid them becoming adult fleas.”
Once fleas enter the house, it can take up to 12 weeks to completely get rid of the infestation, so vigilance is important, the story pointed out, while also noting that fleas also can carry infections and some types of typhus. Dr. Gomes explained that typical symptoms in a pet may include fever, lack of appetite, depression, lameness and coughing.
Actuator took top honors as the winner of the Indiana Derby, and was recognized in the Winner’s Circle, which was officially sponsored by the Caesars Entertainment Equine Specialty Hospital.
Purdue’s Caesars Entertainment Equine Specialty Hospital took center stage last weekend as the distinguished Winner’s Circle sponsor for the 28th running of the Indiana Derby at Horseshoe Indianapolis in Shelbyville. Commonly known as Indiana’s biggest horse-racing event of the Year, Indiana Derby Day was created to build a premier racing event for the young Indiana Thoroughbred racing program, and the race has since exceeded all expectations, achieving prestigious Graded Stakes status following the 2001 running of the event.
Dean Reed with bugler Garry Lauziere, who performed “Back Home Again in Indiana” for the Indiana Derby Day.
A plethora of quality horses have poured into the event over the decades, and this year’s Indiana Derby Day, which was held on Saturday, July 9, proved to be no different. With eight stakes races featuring purses in excess of $1.1 million, the event drew large crowds that flocked to the apron to see firsthand some of the nation’s best race horses running in 12 total races throughout the afternoon.
In true derby fashion, numerous trackside activities helped to enhance the race day atmosphere, including the Indiana Derby Hat contest, Cigar rolling station, strolling entertainment, and a performance of “Back Home Again in Indiana” by bugler Garry Lauziere.
In conjunction with the Caesars Entertainment Equine Specialty Hospital being the Winner’s Circle sponsor, Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine Dean Willie Reed hosted a group of some 30 guests who came to see the Indiana Derby Day races, from the first race posting at 12:20 p.m., all the way through the afternoon to the grand finale race, the Indiana Derby, at 6:40 p.m. “As a proud provider of services to equine athletes throughout the country with state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging, revolutionary sports medicine, and surgical expertise, we were pleased to celebrate these equine athletes, trainers, and owners at the summer’s biggest racing event of the year,” Dean Reed said.
In addition to the estimated 5,200 fans in attendance, many others saw the Indiana Derby televised live by FOX Sports 2. The big winner of the day was Actuator, who scored a tenacious half-length victory fighting off Best Actor late and surviving an objection to claim the $300,000 Indiana Derby prize.
Winning jockey in the Indiana Derby, James Graham, who rode the horse Actuator to victory, joined Purdue Veterinary Medicine Dean Willie Reed and his wife Dorothy (third and fourth from right) along with other PVM guests in the Winner’s Circle after the race.
Assistant Dean for Inclusive Excellence Latonia Craig with participants in the 2022 Vet Up! College program as they pose with their newly-received stethoscopes and white coats in the new David and Bonnie Brunner Small Animal Hospital.
The excitement was palpable as members of the 2022 Vet Up! College cohort gathered for a ceremony and reception recognizing their success in completing four weeks of intensive study at the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine. The celebratory event was hosted by the college’s Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Joy M. Matson Multi-purpose Room in the David and Bonnie Brunner Small Animal Hospital Friday, June 17.
Geared toward rising college juniors and seniors, Vet Up! College is a residential summer program for educationally and economically under-resourced college undergraduates to help prepare them to be competitive in the DVM applicant pool for admission to veterinary school. Designed as a six-week learning experience, the 2022 Vet Up! College program began Monday, May 23 in Lynn Hall with a variety of educational and informational sessions and hands-on labs. The farewell ceremony and reception marked the close of the students’ time in Lynn Hall, and the start of their clinical experiences, which they went on to complete during the final two weeks of the program at locations in their home communities.
Logan DeSchepper, who spoke on behalf of his fellow participants during the ceremony, received the Most Dedicated Award, which was presented by Dr. Latonia Craig.
Dr. Latonia Craig, assistant dean for inclusive excellence, began the ceremony by explaining that this is the third time the college has conducted the Vet Up! College program. A total of 23 students from more than 20 universities participated. With an average GPA of 3.67, the students came from across the country, representing New York, Puerto Rico, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Hawaii, Indiana, Oregon, Ohio, Louisiana, California, Florida, Georgia, and Michigan.
Dr. Craig shared how the students benefitted from a variety of learning experiences and activities, including sessions covering anatomy, physiology, animal behavior, parasitology, clinical skills, large animal skills, emergency and critical care, neurology, pathology, and foreign animal disease case studies. Additionally, the students engaged in group projects and visited several farms and the Indianapolis Zoo. They also volunteered at a local animal shelter, engaged in career development, interacted with Purdue veterinary students, and completed the Diversity and Inclusion Certificate program.
Dr. Craig then introduced one of the participants, Logan DeSchepper, who spoke on behalf of his fellow participants and thanked all of the people at the college who helped with the program. “I stand before you today as a low income, first-generation college student, who has had to overcome my own sets of obstacles,” Logan shared. “I always knew I wanted to help not only animals but people as well, and after much self-reflection I realized that vet med was the perfect way for me to do just that. I grew up fascinated by life, medicine, and problem-solving and I wanted to readily dedicate the rest of my career to helping those in their greatest times of need, in pushing the limits of what we know and what we can accomplish.”
The success of the 2022 Vet Up! College program was due in significant part to the work of six Purdue veterinary students in the DVM Class of 2024 who served as teaching assistants (pictured left-right): Tyra Jenkins, Daniela Sanchez, Maxine White, Bryttani Watson, Jasmine Stephen, and Keishla Marrero Acosta
Logan continued, “I believe that programs such as Vet Up! are essential to rearing the next generation of veterinarians. Having the opportunity to interact with those from so many cultures and diverse backgrounds this past month has truly been an honor.”
Dr. Craig then expressed appreciation for the faculty and staff who helped with the program, as well as the staff of the Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Purdue veterinary students who served as teaching assistants. Dr. Craig praised the TA’s for going above and beyond in supporting the program, as they lived in the dorms during the program to be available 24/7 and helped in a variety of ways, answering questions, providing encouragement, and assisting the participants in developing study strategies. Congratulations to each of the following veterinary students, all members of the DVM Class of 2024, who received certificates of recognition for their leadership and mentorship as Vet Up! program teaching assistants: Kara Jenkins, Keishla Marrero Acosta, Daniela Sanchez, Jasmine Stephen, Bryttani Watson, and Maxine White.
Dr. Craig also recognized a student who attended this year’s Vet Up! program as one of the first program ambassadors. One of the goals for Vet Up! is to see the program duplicated at another institution. Courtney Ford-Franklin, a past Vet Up! participant, attended this summer to take notes because this fall she will enter the DVM program at Louisiana State University, which plans to start a Vet Up! program on their campus in summer 2023. In her role as an ambassador, Courtney is being sponsored by NVA, which is providing her with a $10,000 scholarship. As Dr. Craig announced that news at the ceremony, a round of cheers and applause erupted.
Vet Up! College participants get hands-on experience in a parasitology lab led by Dr. Sriveny Dangoudoubiyam, assistant professor of veterinary parasitology in the Department of Comparative Pathobiology.Dr. Darryl Ragland, associate professor of food animal production medicine, teaches Vet Up! College program participants about swine production medicine at the Purdue Swine Farm.
Next, Dr. Craig recognized recipients of five awards for participants in this year’s Vet Up! College program.
Logan DeSchepper received the Model Pre-vet Student Award, which is given for exemplary program candidacy through participation, demonstrating discipline, and maintaining a can-do attitude in the Vet Up! College program.
Sebastián López Peña was presented with the Most Dedicated Award, in recognition of his enthusiastic commitment by maintaining a positive attitude and demonstrating an eagerness to learn and excel in spite of any posed challenges in the Vet Up! College program.
Mary-Margaret Niala Ollivierre-Davis received the Most Engaged Award. “No matter what the session, this student had multiple questions and was full of curiosity,” Dr. Craig noted as she explained that the award is given in recognition of the participant’s premier immersion through active participation, curiosity, and commitment in the Vet Up! College program.
Lauren Wilson received the Most CollaborativeAward in recognition of her active listening, logical rationale, respectfulness of others, and helpful participation in the program. “No matter what, Lauren wanted to be a part of everything and wanted to be sure everyone did well,” Dr. Craig said. “The veterinary field is a team profession and this person demonstrated that she was all about the team.”
Yaileen Eysmarie Aponte-Bracero was presented with the Academic ExcellenceAward in recognition of her scholastic distinction by representing the core values of Purdue University’s Vet Up! College program, acing examinations, maintaining a positive attitude, and achieving high standards in her efforts to increase competency skills in veterinary medicine.
Creative selfies were the order of the afternoon for Vet Up! College participants at the reception held in their honor.
Another component of the Vet Up! College program is completing a capstone project. Participants were organized into seven groups and each group researched a particular topic before making their capstone presentation on the last day of the program. The 10-minute presentations were evaluated on a variety of factors, including the quality of the visual presentation, references, literature review, and the team’s poise in addressing questions. The winning team was that of Katerine Angeles, Logan DeSchepper, and Ivanna Marroquin.
Dr. Craig then honored each of the 23 program participants individually by announcing their names and calling them forward to receive their white coat and stethoscope as well as their certificate for completing the Diversity and Inclusion Certificate program. Following the ceremony, the participants gathered for a group photo and some candid pictures as they wore their newly received white coats, before joining the reception to enjoy refreshments and visit with each other, their TAs, and college faculty and staff.
