Some friendly pups joined students, staff, and faculty for the Wellness Walk Wednesday, April 19, organized as part of the College of Veterinary Medicine’s Wellness Week leading up to finals.
A sunlit sidewalk provided the pathway for participants in a signature event for the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine’s Wellness Week last week, April 17-21. “Wellness Week is a time for the college to recognize all the hard work that has been put into the semester by students, faculty, and staff and to give them an energy boost to get through the end of the academic year,” said Colleen Maguire Jackson, PhD, HSPP, licensed psychologist and lead therapist with the college’s Counseling and Wellness Services. “Even though the weather did not cooperate with the students’ planned sand volleyball game on Monday, by Wednesday the sunshine was beaming again and so several people were able to enjoy the fresh air for the Wellness Walk.”
As a special bonus, walk participants were accompanied by three furry friends – Rupert, Sybil, and Lucy, which are dogs belonging to Clinical Assistant Professor of Basic Medical Sciences Mindy Anderson, PharmD. Rupert was able to join in the walk thanks to a dog wheel chair donated by Dr. Ellen Lowery, director of the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital, and her wife, Kara Burns, LVT. The people and pups enjoyed walking on a loop that began at Harrison and Marsteller streets and proceeded southeast along Williams Street past the David and Bonnie Brunner Purdue Veterinary Medical Hospital Complex before turning north and heading-up toward central campus.
Other popular elements of the Wellness Week included chair massages that also brought some relaxation and feel good endorphins for those who took advantage of the opportunity on Thursday; a student breakfast on Tuesday; and student yoga on Wednesday evening. Thank you to all of the PVM Wellness Committee members who helped ensure the week was a success, and to Hill’s Pet Nutrition for co-sponsoring the delicious nutrition shakes that were provided on Friday.
Support Pours in to Purdue and College of Veterinary Medicine During Purdue Day of Giving
Passers-by were happy to make a gift in conjunction with taking a few minutes to interact with the Canine Educators during the college’s “Pet a Pup!” event on Purdue’s Memorial Mall.
It was a day much like any other 24 hour day. But Wednesday, April 26, also was a day unlike any other day for Purdue University, which hosted the most notable Purdue Day of Giving, yet, to benefit the university and all the colleges, including Purdue Veterinary Medicine. This year marked the 10th year for the annual event, which started at midnight Wednesday and ran for 24 consecutive hours. By the time the clock struck 12 the next night, the one day fund-drive had shattered the previous world record (also set by Purdue in 2022), raising a total of $110,802,950, donated in the form of 27,855 gifts!
The College of Veterinary Medicine ended the day with $1,451,193 raised through 226 gifts. The university also granted the college an additional $1,314 in bonus funds for ranking 13th on the donation leaderboard.
Special Purdue Day of Giving events also garnered attention for the college, including the “Pet a Pup!” session from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the Memorial Mall, featuring the popular Canine Educators. The loveable Beagles and Labradors soaked up all the attention while inciting passers-by to give donations in conjunction with the opportunity to pet the furry companions.
Dean Willie Reed accepts Purdue Pete’s hammer from Golden Girl Emily Cowette, accompanied by members of the Purdue Space Program, along Marstellar Street near Lynn Hall during the Purdue Day of Giving relay. Led by the college’s Canine Educators, Dean Reed proudly carried the hammer on his leg of the run/walk.
The Canine Educators also stepped into the limelight with PVM Dean Willie Reed, as they accompanied him on his leg of the official Purdue Day of Giving Relay. The event featured student organizations and university celebrities who came together for the campus-wide relay run/walk that started at 12:15 p.m. at the corner of University Street and Stadium Avenue. At about 1:45 p.m., Dean Reed and the Canine Educators were in position to receive Purdue Pete’s hammer from Purdue Golden Girl Emily Cowette, who was accompanied by members of the Purdue Space Program, along Marstellar Street just north of Lynn Hall, and carry the unique baton to the next relay point. The relay ended with Purdue President Mung Chiang as the final baton recipient at 4:00 p.m. near Hovde Hall. Boilermakers were invited to either join him on the run or line the streets to cheer him on as he headed toward the conclusion on Memorial Mall, where he kicked-off a student celebration.
Canine Educators had a busy day on Wednesday, April 26, spreading joy on Purdue’s campus during the “Pet a Pup!” event.
Other special College of Veterinary Medicine events during the Purdue Day of Giving included free donuts and coffee in the morning at the main Lynn Hall entrance. The incredible showing of support from PVM alumni, friends, faculty and staff, hospital clients, and students will have a huge impact. Donors to the Purdue Day of Giving gave to a variety of PVM programs including Priority 4 Paws, to support medical care for animals at partner animal shelters in Indiana; the David and Bonnie Brunner Purdue Veterinary Medical Hospital Complex, to help meet equipment and other facility needs; PVM research programs, to assist with studies that lead to advancements in animal and human health; and scholarships that meet financial needs of students.
To view the full summary of the day’s highlights, visit dayofgiving.purdue.edu. Thank you to all who supported the College of Veterinary Medicine during the Day of Giving by donating and participating in events and activities. Click here to view the Purdue Day of Giving Thank You video.
Thank you to everyone who showed their support for the College of Veterinary Medicine during the 2023 Purdue Day of Giving!
Veterinary Nursing student Stephanie Stewart receives the IVTA Golden Stethoscope Award from IVTA President Crystal Schaeffer (right) and IVTA Central Indiana District Representative Myranda Stoner.
Monday, April 24, proved to be a special day in class for Purdue University Veterinary Nursing student Stephanie Stewart. That’s when she learned she won the Indiana Veterinary Technician Association’s (IVTA) Golden Stethoscope Award. The award recognizes exemplary veterinary nursing students who have the fortitude to represent the veterinary nursing profession through communication with veterinarians, patient advocacy, and a holistic approach to patient management.
Stephanie is a member of the Veterinary Nursing Class of 2025. To recognize her, the award was presented at the start of one of her classes on this the last week of spring semester classes. Instructional Technologist Jennifer Smith, RVT, RLATG, announced the award and then the commemorative plaque and a check for $350 were formally presented to Stephanie by IVTA President Crystal Schaeffer, BS, RVT, and IVTA Central Indiana District Representative Myranda Stoner, RVT.
Stephanie was chosen for the award out of a field of nominees from across the state. As part of the selection process, three nominees from each AVMA accredited veterinary nursing/technician program in Indiana were chosen by program instructors from among current degree-seeking students. The nominees then had to submit an essay outlining why they should be selected to receive the award. Stephanie’s essay was picked as the winning entry, and the two IVTA representatives who presented the award drove up from Indianapolis in order to congratulate Stephanie in person.
A celebratory mood followed the conclusion of the Purdue Veterinary Medicine Open House Saturday, April 15, as third-year veterinary students changed clothes and switched gears from Open House volunteers to honorees at the annual White Coat Ceremony, which started at 5:00 p.m. Held at the Purdue Memorial Union North Ballroom, the annual ceremony signals the transition from the classroom to the clinics as the students prepare for the start of their clinical year of the four-year DVM program.
Dr. Chris Fulkerson presents a clinician’s insights at the White Coat Ceremony on April 15, 2023.
“This evening we recognize a ‘rite of passage’ for our third-year veterinary students,” Purdue Veterinary Medicine Dean Willie Reed said as he began the program. “Over 20 years ago, we conducted our first White Coat Ceremony. Since then, it has grown into a beloved annual tradition that the PVM community looks forward to with anticipation each spring.”
Dean Reed noted that the roots of the tradition date back to 1993, when the practice of holding a White Coat Ceremony was established at the Columbia University Medical School. “The event was designed to impress upon students, physicians, and the public, the important symbolic role of the white coat in patient-doctor interactions,” Dean Reed said. “Today, this ceremony is held not only in medical schools, but also in veterinary schools across the country.”
Dean Reed went on to explain that, for the members of the Class of 2024, the donning of the white coat symbolizes their new role as junior veterinarians. “This coat indicates your acceptance of the great responsibility you now have toward your patients and clients, as well as your commitment to show compassion and empathy, and to make a positive difference in the life of every animal and person with whom you come in contact.”
Dean Reed then introduced two guest speakers who each shared words of advice with the class, based on their own perspectives as mentors who had been in their shoes before. The first to speak was Dr. Chris Fulkerson, clinical associate professor and section head of Veterinary Medical Oncology, who was voted on by the class as the faculty member from whom they wanted to hear advice about entering their clinical year. The other speaker was current fourth-year student Zenobya (Zee) Clark. Both of the speakers encouraged the students to make the most of the unique learning opportunity that the clinical year of veterinary school affords them.
Zenobya (Zee) Clarke, of the DVM Class of 2023, shares words of wisdom as a current fourth year student.
Then, it was time for the students to line-up with their white coats in hand and one by one, as their names were called by Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Kathy Salisbury, proceed across the stage, and hand the garment to Dean Reed who then officially placed it on them and then stood with them for a keepsake photo. Also on stage was president of the Indiana Veterinary Medical Association and PVM alumnus, Dr. Greg Kurtz (PU DVM ’82), who presented each class member with an IVMA sponsored name badge to wear on their new white coats. Dr. Salisbury also shared with the students that in the pocket of each white coat, they would find a personal note from one of the numerous alumni and friends of the college who supported the ceremony by making a donation as a white coat sponsor.
As the class members stepped off the stage, they proceeded to risers set-up off to the side where they assembled for a commemorative class picture.
Following the photo, the students returned to their seats as Dean Reed began the second part of the program, which involved the presentation of awards recognizing the special accomplishments of individual members of the class. Congratulations to the following award recipients:
Krysten Schmidt received the Dr. William W. Carlton Award for Aptitude in Veterinary Pathology. Established by Dr. William H. Jordan and his fellow alumni in the DVM Class of 1973 as a tribute to the late Dr. Bill Carlton, the Leslie Morton Hutchings Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Veterinary Pathology, the award recognizes a third-year veterinary student who has shown aptitude in the field of pathology through superior academic performance in pathology studies.
Avery Martin received the Indiana Horse Council Foundation Equine Industry Award. Chosen by peers, the awardee is recognized for providing other students with the greatest exposure to the equine industry.
Avery Martin was recognized with the Indiana Horse Council Foundation Equine Industry Award.
Maggie Prichett received the Holly Watts Memorial Award based on her selection by a vote of the members of the Exotics Animal Club. The award is a tribute to a veterinary student named Holly Watts, who passed away in 1983 during her junior year. Established by her family and members of the Class of 1985, the Holly Watts Memorial Award recognizes a student with exceptional interest and proficiency in non-domestic animal medicine.
Katie Buatois was given special recognition for her service during the past year as president of the Purdue Chapter of the Student American Veterinary Medical Association, known as SAVMA Purdue. Katie was praised for her dedication in fulfilling this important leadership role within the student body.
Dean Reed then concluded the program by sharing his own message for the Class of 2024. “I would like to congratulate you on reaching this pivotal point in your veterinary medical education when you begin your clinical training,” Dean Reed said. “You will be the second veterinary class to complete your fourth year in our new veterinary hospitals. This will be an exciting time for each of you and all of us in the college. The coming year will be a phenomenal learning experience. Immerse yourself in it so you can become the best veterinarian you can be – and have fun!”
Dean Reed also acknowledged the importance of the support of loving family members. “On behalf of our college’s faculty and staff, we say thank you to each of our graduates’ family members who have joined us today.” Attendees then were invited to stay for a reception that provided an opportunity for students and their families to visit with one another and college faculty and staff, while also capturing some more photos of the occasion.
Professional photos from this event are available to view and purchase online at: lauschphotography.com (Gallery: 2023 Purdue Vet Med; Password: 2023PVM).
A total of ten Purdue Veterinary Medicine faculty members are receiving promotions this year. The promotions were approved by the Purdue University Board of Trustees on April 14. They are among a total of 180 faculty promotions approved by the trustees across the West Lafayette, Northwest, and Fort Wayne campuses and the Purdue schools at IUPUI.
The promotions are effective with the 2023-24 academic year. The exact dates are noted below. Congratulations to the following PVM faculty members:
To Associate Professor
Dr. Sarah Malek, associate professor of veterinary clinical sciences (July 1, 2023)
Two adorable newborn goats commanded the attention normally reserved for the traditional Easter Bunny last weekend when they were delivered safely at the Purdue University Farm Animal Hospital on the eve of Easter Sunday. They are named, appropriately, Jelly Bean and Peep, and have something of a famous mom (doe), named Selena Goatmez. The happy family belongs to Dr. Amanda Falcone, a small animal veterinarian and Purdue alumna who earned her undergraduate degree in animal sciences before enrolling in the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine and returning to Purdue during the fourth year of the program in 2015 to complete her clinical rotations.
While the case of Jelly Bean and Peep is one of “all’s well that ends well,” this story got off to a rocky start, when Selena was brought to the Farm Animal Hospital for pregnancy toxemia shortly before she went into labor. “This is a common problem in sheep and goats, especially since they usually have more than one fetus,” commented Dr. Sandra Taylor, associate professor of large animal internal medicine. “All their nutrients go to the kids during their final growth phase and the doe develops low blood sugar and ketosis.” Dr. Taylor was on the care team with Dr. Heather Bornheim, farm animal medicine and surgery clinician, who served as the main senior clinician on the case.
Selena gave birth naturally to Jelly Bean and Peep, but a few hours after kidding (giving birth), her abdomen became distended and an ultrasound exam showed fluid in her abdomen, outside of the uterus. Exploratory surgery revealed that there was a hole in her uterus and part of the placenta had slipped through the hole and was floating in the abdominal fluid. After the surgeon removed the placenta and sewed up the hole, Selena was put on antibiotics and recovered. Meanwhile, Jelly Bean and Peep settled comfortably into their Easter baskets, seeming to enjoy stealing some of the Easter bunny’s limelight. Selena and her Easter babies went home Tuesday, April 11. The Farm Animal Hospital is part of the new David and Bonnie Brunner Purdue Veterinary Medical Hospital Complex.
Jelly Bean and Peep pictured with Dr. Martyna Jargielo, a first-year large animal internal medicine resident.Selena Goatmez with her newborn kids, Jelly Bean and Peep, on Easter weekend at the Purdue University Farm Animal Hospital.
In Memory: Evan Werling, PVM Friend and Benefactor
Friday, April 14, 2023
The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine community is deeply saddened to learn that longtime friend of the college, Evan Werling, of Nashville, Indiana, passed away Sunday, April 9 at his home. He was 77.
Evan is remembered as a faithful, loving husband, CPA, and international entrepreneur. He also loved serving as a career mentor. His connection with Purdue began more than 40 years ago when he first gave lectures to engineering students on the importance of having a strong financial background for career success. When the Werlings’ beloved dog, Brandi, was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2005, Evan and Sue Ann developed an enduring relationship with the College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Deborah Knapp, Distinguished Professor and the Dolores L. McCall Professor of Comparative Oncology, helped enroll Brandi in two studies that extended her life 15 months when the median survival time with most treatments at the time ranged from four to nine months.
The exceptional care Brandi received inspired the Werlings to create an endowment for canine cancer research at Purdue in 2020. Then, just this past December, the Purdue Board of Trustees approved the naming of the Evan and Sue Ann Werling Comparative Oncology Research Center, with Dr. Knapp as director, in recognition of the Werlings’ extraordinary support, which established the center as a part of the College of Veterinary Medicine to partner with the Purdue Institute for Cancer Research to advance cancer research benefiting pets and humans.
“Evan was a caring, passionate, and loyal friend of our college who truly sought to inspire and encourage us to do our utmost for the benefit of animal patients and the advancement of medical science,” said College of Veterinary Medicine Dean Willie Reed. “He will be deeply missed.” Evan’s loving family and the caring staff of IU Hospice were with him when he passed. A touching message in his words is contained in his obituary, which can be viewed here. A Celebration of Life service is being held this afternoon (Friday, April 14) at 2:00 p.m. at Voss and Son’s Funeral Home in Seymour, Indiana. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Brown County Humane Society, 128 State Road 135 South, Nashville, IN 47448. Online condolences may be shared with the Werling family at www.vossfuneralservice.com.
Congratulations are in order for Ashli Selke, RVT, CVT, instructional technologist in the Purdue Veterinary Nursing Distance Learning Program, who was appointed recently by Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb to the Indiana Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. Ashli fills a long-vacant seat reserved for a registered veterinary technician. Her term runs through December 2026.
State law provides for a seven member Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners appointed by the governor, with the stipulation that one of the board members must be a registered veterinary technician. That seat had been vacant for several years, and when Ashli learned about that situation, she started working to see the seat filled, joining in an effort that also had involved a number of others.
Ashli is immediate past president of NAVTA (National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America). Last year she also became involved with the Indiana Veterinary Medical Association (IVMA) Veterinary Technician Utilization Task Force. She said because of her leadership role in NAVTA and her work with the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, she felt she could contribute much to the group’s mission and goals, which included filling the vacant RVT seat on the Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners in order to provide for better representation for veterinary technicians/nurses in the state. “So we committed to a plan,” Ashli explained. “They reached out themselves as the IVMA to the Governor’s Office and I reached out to then Purdue President Mitch Daniels. I knew that he would have insight into who to talk to since he was a former Indiana governor.”
Ashli said she then sent out heartfelt coordinated emails to both the former Purdue president and Governor Holcomb and explained why it is important for veterinary technicians to see themselves represented on the state licensing board. “In my research, I found there are only about 20 states whose practice acts allow for veterinary technicians to have a seat on their licensing boards. I wanted to make sure Indiana was among the states with an RVT serving in that role.”
Ashli said it was the office of then President Daniels that responded to her and asked her to send a letter of intent and her resume for consideration. “I do not know what exact method worked to spur the appointment to fill that vacancy, but I have to think that it was the collaboration of the IVMA veterinarians writing and phoning in, along with my emails, that showed that the veterinary profession in Indiana was in a unified position regarding the importance of naming an RVT to the board,” Ashli said. “When we work together we can make magic happen. I sat in on my first board meeting February 6 and made it official.” Dr. Chad Brown, Purdue Veterinary Nursing Programs director, said, “Ashli’s appointment is truly special and she will serve as a wonderful advocate and voice for veterinary technology in Indiana.” Ashli also has taken on another new role, being chosen as president-elect of the Indiana Veterinary Technician Association. “I feel my experience from being the NAVTA President will help me bring great things to the table in both of these new roles,” Ashli said.
Dr. Anna McManamey with Purdue Veterinary Medicine Dean Willie Reed at the 57th Annual Veterinary Medical Symposium hosted by Dean Reed’s alma mater, Tuskegee University.
For nearly 60 years, the Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine has hosted its annual Veterinary Medical Symposium and this year a Purdue Veterinary Medicine clinician served as a featured speaker. Dr. Anna McManamey, clinical assistant professor of cardiology, gave the Lunch and Learn presentation Friday, March 24, on the topic, “Diagnostic and Treatment Strategies for Asymptomatic Heart Disease.” The talk was sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health. Board certified in cardiology by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Dr. McManamey is a 2016 DVM graduate of the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine and completed her residency at North Carolina State University. She joined the Purdue faculty in 2021.
The 57th Annual Tuskegee Veterinary Medical Symposium, which was held March 22-25, focused on the theme “Cultivating a Sustainable Future for the Veterinary Profession.” This year marked the first time since the pandemic that the event was held in person. This conference brings together veterinarians and Tuskegee alumni from across the country to discuss important issues related to animal health and veterinary medicine. The event also honored Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine reunion classes, including PVM Dean Willie Reed’s class, the Class of 1978, which celebrated its 45th reunion.
The Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine is the only veterinary medical professional program located on the campus of a historically black college or university (HBCU) in the United States. The first class graduated in 1945. Today, the total number of Tuskegee veterinary medical graduates is nearly 3,000.
Spring has sprung which means plans are well underway for the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine Open House scheduled for next Saturday, April 15 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Lynn Hall. The student-run event is a highlight for the college each year allowing the campus and greater Lafayette community a chance to learn more about the veterinary profession, get a glimpse into student-life at Purdue Veterinary Medicine, interact with and learn about a variety of animals, and inspire the next generation of veterinary professionals.
Held each year in conjunction with the College of Agriculture’s Spring Fest, the event gives visitors the opportunity to experience a free, fun-filled day on campus with educational activities the whole family can enjoy. Some of the activities planned for the Open House include practicing anatomy and ultrasound skills, learning animal training techniques, and teddy bear surgery for stuffed animals needing a little TLC. Visitors also can participate in a variety of special events including the popular equine treadmill demonstration in the Donald J. McCrosky Equine Sports Medicine Center, wildlife and K-9 demonstrations, guided tours of the Purdue University Small Animal Hospital, and much more! Open House guests also will be able to visit the ever popular Petting Zoo with a variety of farm animals on-hand including chicks, sheep, and horses. Food and drinks will be available for purchase in the food tent with proceeds going to the college’s Food Animal and Equine Clubs. Click here to learn more.
A future veterinary surgeon “scrubs in” to help a teddy bear in need of TLC at the 2022 Open House.2022 Open House attendees had a chance to meet some exotic animals with the help of the PVM Exotics Club.
