In Memory: Dr. George Luke (PU DVM ’67)

Purdue Veterinary Medicine alumnus and U.S. Army veteran George Luke, who was a member of the College of Veterinary Medicine’s fifth graduating class, passed away April 7. He was 80. 

Dr. Luke, of Northbrook, Illinois, earned his Purdue DVM degree in 1967, and then served his country in the U.S. Army in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969. He went on to have a long career in private veterinary practice at the Becker Animal Hospital in Northfield, Illinois, before retiring. 

Dr. Luke also was committed to his local church, the Village Presbyterian Church of Northbrook, where he was a member for almost 50 years and volunteered with his wife as a senior high leader. He also was active in his community in other ways, serving as a volunteer “House League” soccer coach over four decades. His other interests included vacationing at Clam Lake in Wisconsin, and taking ski and canoe trips. A memorial service was held Saturday, April 23 at the Village Presbyterian Church of Northbrook.  Memorial donations may be made to YMCA Camp Eberhart. Arrangements were entrusted to Chicagoland Cremation Options of Schiller Park, Illinois. Click here to read the full obituary.

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

Recent Stories

“Paws Up” – brought to you by the PVM Wellness Committee

We’d like to give a big “paws up” to Dr. Rachel Illgen, who is a small animal rotating intern in the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital.

Purdue Veterinary Student Named as National Theriogenology Scholarship Recipient

Congratulations to Devon Anderson, of the Purdue DVM Class of 2025, who recently was notified that he has been selected as one of just four recipients of the prestigious Nandi Theriogenology Scholarship. The award, given by the Society for Theriogenology, recognizes exceptional veterinary students from across North America who have demonstrated a strong commitment to the field of theriogenology — the study of animal reproduction.

Sunny Skies and Creative Exhibits Draw Hundreds to Annual PVM Open House

Sunrise on Saturday, April 12, brought the promise of a lovely spring day and large crowds for a beloved spring tradition at Lynn Hall on the Purdue University West Lafayette campus – the annual Purdue Veterinary Medicine Open House. Organized by PVM students, the day-long event is held each year as part of Purdue University’s Spring Fest celebration.

Cat Care, Comfort, and Extra Time

Today we begin a Vet Gazette series about animals and their owners who've found help and healing at the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital. Periodically we will share heartwarming tributes from hospital clients who wanted to highlight the vital care and treatment their animal companions received from the hospital's caring team of clinicians, veterinary nurses, staff and students. The first is the tale of a cat named Gabby.

New PVM Interim Assistant Dean for Clinical Education Named

As of this week, Dr. Wendy Townsend, professor of Ophthalmology in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, has begun serving as interim assistant dean for clinical education in the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine. Her appointment was effective Wednesday, April 16.

Nine PVM Faculty Members among Newly Promoted Purdue University Professors

The Purdue University Board of Trustees has approved the promotion of 163 faculty across the Purdue University system for the 2025-26 academic year, and a total of nine Purdue Veterinary Medicine faculty members are among the 137 promotees from the main campus.