Skip to main content

In Memory – Dr. Craig Hunt (PU DVM 2002)

The Purdue Veterinary Medicine Community is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Craig Alan Hunt, of Fishers, Indiana, who died Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at his home.  He was 54 years old.

Dr. Hunt had an awareness from a young age that he was destined to work in the medical field.  However it wasn’t until he was a teenager that he realized he had a passion for animal welfare and wanted to go into veterinary medicine. 

Dr. Hunt enrolled at Purdue University where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in food science in the College of Agriculture in 1993.  He then worked for five years in sales for Johnsonville before applying successfully for admission to the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine.  He earned his DVM degree in 2002 and went into private practice, becoming a well-loved, much respected, and truly valued member of the Indianapolis veterinary community. He sought to connect and network with many colleagues throughout his career and particularly appreciated and greatly respected the hard-working and very talented technicians that crossed his path.

After getting married in 2010 and starting a family, Dr. Hunt opted to step away from small animal practice and took a position in the corporate world. However he never lost his love for veterinary practice, and he was always happy to talk friends and family through a health scare or pet crisis.

Dr. Hunt is remembered for the way he made people laugh and for how he was most happy when he knew that those he loved were truly happy.  Though he and his wife Stephanie were known for being opposites, they were equally dedicated to one other and faithfully supported and encouraged each other throughout their life together.

A Celebration of Life will be held at later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The PourHouse (https://www.pourhouse.org/), a non-profit run by one of Dr. Hunt’s most beloved clients.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Aaron-Ruben-Nelson Mortuary. To view a complete obituary or leave a memory or message of condolence, visit the Aaron-Ruben-Nelson Mortuary website.

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

Recent Stories

Purdue Equine Hospital Team Comes to Aid of Horse Injured in Severe Storm in Michigan

For a horse named Sassy, Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s Brunner Equine Hospital proved to be the right place at the right time to recover from a scary accident that happened during a severe storm in Michigan two weeks ago. According to Dr. Danielle Cucuzella, Purdue visiting assistant professor of large animal surgery, the Quarter Horse named Sassy was seriously hurt during near 100 mile-per-hour winds where she lived in Saint Louis, Michigan.

“Paws Up!” for 4th-year DVM students Colton and Kendall – brought to you by the PVM Wellness Committee

This week, we celebrate the caring and competence of two members of the new senior class of DVM students for their noteworthy service in the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital.

College of Veterinary Medicine Graduates Honored at Two Ceremonies During Purdue’s 2026 Commencement Weekend

A change in Purdue University’s traditional commencement weekend schedule resulted in two ceremonies recognizing graduates of the College of Veterinary Medicine in May.  This year, veterinary technology graduates were honored at a ceremony that was separate from the commencement program for the DVM graduates.  That’s because the university recognized all doctoral degree candidates in a single ceremony on Saturday, May 16. As a result, the veterinary technology degree recipients were honored Thursday, May 14, at one of several ceremonies for undergraduate degree candidates. Following that ceremony, the college hosted its traditional oath ceremony for the 2026 graduates of the Purdue Veterinary Technology program in the Purdue Memorial Union North Ballroom.

White Coat Ceremony Celebrates Third-year Veterinary Students’ Transition to Clinical Year

The Purdue Memorial Union ballrooms provided a classic setting for an annual event that has become a cherished tradition of the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine. Members of the DVM Class of 2027 gathered with family, friends, faculty and staff on the evening of April 18 for the annual White Coat Ceremony that signals the transition of the third year veterinary students from the classroom to the clinics.

Popular Purdue Veterinary Medicine Bone Marrow Workshop Goes on the Road to Mexico

An annual program hosted by two bone marrow experts with Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine ties, once again attracted strong attendance but in a new international location. This year, Drs. Joanne B. Messick and Rose E. Raskin were invited to Mexico City to present the Annual Bone Marrow Workshop at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM).

“Paws Up” for Dr. Madeleine Swindell – brought to you by the PVM Wellness Committee

Today we share appreciation for Dr. Madeleine Swindell, who is a Purdue Veterinary Hospital Small Animal Rotating Intern.

Awards Ceremony Honors Outstanding Purdue Veterinary Medicine Staff

Applause and periodic shouts of “Bravo” punctuated the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine’s annual spring Outstanding Staff and Bravo Awards Ceremony. The program held in Lynn Hall on May 13 honored some two dozen staff members for meritorious accomplishments.