Reception at WVC in Las Vegas Celebrates PVM Alumni and Friends

February 24, 2023

The group join together smiling for a photo at the reception
Informal gatherings of classmates and colleagues were common at the Purdue Alumni Reception, like this group: (left-right) Dr. W. Mark Hilton (PU DVM ’83), Viticus Group past-president and PVM emeritus professor; Drs. Olivia Petritz and Jessica Torok, both graduates in the DVM Class of 2008; and Dr. Jeff Klemens (PU DVM 2005) and his wife, Lisa.

Nearly 60 Purdue Veterinary Medicine alumni and friends turned-out for the annual Purdue Alumni Reception at the Western Veterinary Conference (WVC) in Las Vegas, Nevada. Boilermaker spirit abounded as participants renewed acquaintances, visited with PVM faculty and staff who were in attendance, and heard an update on the college from Dean Willie Reed. The reception was held Monday, February 20 at the Mandalay Bay Conference Center, which is the site for the annual WVC Conference. 2023 marked the 95th year for the conference, hosted by the Viticus Group, which has two Boilermakers on its Board of Directors. The outgoing president is Dr. Debbie White (PU DVM ’94) and serving with her as a director is Dr. Miguel Ortiz (PU DVM 2009). The WVC annual conference boasts more than 12,000 participants, 400-plus exhibitors, and over 900 RACE-approved CE hours.

The trio smile as they sit together enjoying refreshments
Dr. Janine Jung (left) visits with her classmates from the DVM Class of 1995, Drs. Nicole Olson-Cawood and Brendon Cawood at the Purdue Alumni Reception during the WVC Conference in Las Vegas.

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

Recent Stories

Contraceptive vaccine reduces fertility in animals to address wildlife overpopulation

A Purdue University contraceptive vaccine seeks to address animal overpopulation by markedly reducing fertility in feral horses, deer, swine and other animals. Dr. Harm HogenEsch, distinguished professor of immunopathology in Purdue University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, and Dr. Raluca Ostafe, director of Purdue University’s Molecular Evolution Protein Engineering and Production Facility, both members of the Purdue Institute for Inflammation, Immunology and Infectious Disease, have designed the vaccine based on the IZUMO1 mammalian sperm protein. It induces a robust and long-lasting immune response and infertility in female mammals.

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

This week Dr. Kristy Faulkner, a specialty intern in neurology, is being appreciated for supporting students’ morale and being a “baker extraordinaire,” taking extra steps in sharing her beautifully decorated cupcakes with the Small Animal Internal Medicine team.

Coppoc One Health Lecture Brings Co-leader of Innovative Dog Aging Project to PVM

“One Health at Home: Dogs as Sentinels of Environmental Exposure” is the title of the 2026 Coppoc One Health Lecture presented by Dr. Audrey Ruple, co-principal investigator for the largest animal-health research initiative to date – the Dog Aging Project.  Dr. Ruple, the Dorothy A. and Richard G. Metcalf Professor of Veterinary Medical Informatics at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech, gave her talk February 26 in Lynn 1136. The lecture was free and open to the public.

Three More Years: How Specialized Care Helped Extend One Dog’s Life

When Ella, a pittie beagle mix, was diagnosed with bladder cancer at age 11, Jennifer Turner knew she wanted to make every decision count. What she did not yet know was that a cross country drive to Purdue University would give her three more years with the dog she described as her constant companion.

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

This week we feel grateful for Anita Wolf, RVT, who is a veterinary technician in Intermediate Care in the Brunner Small Animal Hospital facility.

In Memory – Dr. Janet Weiss (PU DVM ’91)

The Purdue Veterinary community is saddened by the recent passing of Dr. Janet Weiss, an alumna who served as a dedicated veterinarian in Northwest Indiana. A resident of La Porte, Indiana, Dr. Weiss passed away February 20, 2025. She was 61.

Upcoming PVM Veterinary Nursing Symposium Features Hands-On Learning

Veterinary professionals in the field of veterinary nursing have a special opportunity to expand their expertise and earn continuing education (CE) at Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s Annual Veterinary Nursing Symposium. The one day continuing education program will be held at Lynn Hall on the Purdue campus March 23, 2025.

Zebra Foal Gets Lifesaving Help at Purdue University Equine Hospital

It’s not surprising to see a foal receiving emergency care at the Purdue University Equine Hospital during foaling season. The hospital’s team of expert clinicians and veterinary nurses are used to coming to the rescue when foals need special help to survive. But it was a surprise to see a foal named Marty arrive at the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit in February, because Marty is a zebra, and the hospital is in Indiana.