Purdue VBMA Club Hosts Picture-perfect Activity

portrait of a young woman with long, curly, dark hair wearing a red shirt. She is holding a cat that is also wearing a red shirt. — Of course, cats, like third-year veterinary student Kennedi Robinson’s companion Mowgli, kind of stole the show.

When veterinary students in the Purdue Chapter of the Veterinary Business Management Association (VBMA) were looking for a new event to host as a student organization, an intriguing idea came to mind that was easy to “picture” as a perfect success! So the club set out to plan the activity in order to meet an important need of the club members while also providing a fun chance for the students to get keepsake images of their furry study buddies.

portrait of a young man with short blonde hair posed with his gray and white dog in front of a dark gray background — Dogs knew how to turn on the charm too, like third-year veterinary student Devin Stalling’s canine companion Finn.

And the VBMA annual portrait event was born. This year marked the second time the VBMA chapter conducted the activity. Club members used a Google Doc to sign-up for portrait sessions with professional photographer Ed Lausch, who has photographed a number of events for the College of Veterinary Medicine, during the afternoon of December 5 in Lynn Hall room G210.

“The purpose of this event was to create an opportunity for VBMA members to get a professional portrait photo and pictures with their pets,” said Purdue VBMA Chapter President Katrina Gangstad of the DVM Class of 2028. “These headshots can be used for resumes or job applications.”

The activity also helps raise funds for other events for VBMA members, such as Lunch and Learn programs. National Veterinary Associates (NVA) generously sponsored the portrait photography and refreshments, so members only had to pay a small fee for their photo sessions. “During the event, members also were able to network with NVA to discuss job opportunities and externships,” Gangstad said.

three young women stand holding a variety of animals, the woman on the far left is holding an orange cat and is wearing a gray shirt. The woman in the middle is wearing stripes and is posed with a black medium sized dog. The woman on the right is wearing a white sweater and is holding a cat in one hand and a small dog in the other hand. — Some opted for the group photo approach, like (left to right) Megan Lemke, Alayna Lacy and Fiona Ridenour, all of the Class of 2027.

Nearly 50 club members participated, 40 of whom took advantage of the chance to get photos with their pets as well as their portrait pictures. “Participants liked best that photographer Ed Lausch took time with each animal to get the perfect shot,” Gangstad said. Not one to miss any details, she added, “We used squeaky toys to direct the dogs’ attention towards the camera.”

The pictures – worth the proverbial “thousand words” – tell the rest of the story. You can view the pictures at www.lauschphotography.com in the “Client Galleries” section. Look for the 2025 Purdue Veterinary Medicine gallery and use the password “2025PVM” to see the photos of the club members and pets.

“This is one of our favorite events that we put on annually, and our members look forward to it every year,” Gangstad shared.

A group of six young people stand in a line in front of a gray backdrop. They are wearing a variety of colors and are all dressed in business casual attire. One of the women on the right side of the photo is holding a small black dog. — Some of the event participants joined with club officers for a picture (left-right): Grant Heuing and Carter Blessing of the Class of 2029; VBMA Chapter Vice President Lois Sadlowski, President Katrina Gangstad and Treasurer Ashley Diecks, all of the Class of 2028; and Allison Miller, of the Class of 2029.

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

Recent Stories

Fourth Purdue AMR Conference Promotes Collaboration to Address Global Health Threat of Antimicrobial Resistance through PVM’s One Health Initiative.

Purdue University served as the place where local, national and international experts came together in-person and online recently for concentrated sharing of research, expertise and insight targeting the threat of multi-drug-resistant infections. The fourth annual AMR Conference February 25-26, 2026, held in Stewart Center, attracted more than 100 attendees from across the U.S. and six other countries.

Presentation of Research Poster Prizes Wraps up Antimicrobial Resistance Conference

Purdue University’s fourth Antimicrobial Resistance Conference concluded February 26 with remarks from Purdue Vice President for Health Affairs and Jeannie and Jim Chaney Dean of Pharmacy Eric Barker, PhD, who also announced the winners of the conference’s research poster session. The poster contest, which attracted more than 20 entries, was divided into categories for undergraduate and graduate students.

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

Today we are glad to highlight one of our own committee members. Charlene Evans, Toxicology Laboratory Supervisor in the Reed Animal Disease and Diagnostic Laboratory, is a wonderful champion for mental health and wellbeing on the PVM Wellness Committee and within the ADDL community.

Purdue Professor of Large Animal Surgery Named Veterinary Clinical Sciences Department Head

Dr. Timothy Lescun, a board-certified large animal surgeon, has been appointed head of the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences in the Purdue university College of Veterinary Medicine.

Purdue Veterinary Medicine Engages with Swine Health Leaders at AASV

The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine was well-represented at the 2026 American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) Annual Meeting, which provided important continuing education and networking opportunities for swine practitioners. The conference in Las Vegas February 28 through March 3, 2026, also provided the opportunity for the college to engage with alumni and partners who are influencing the future of animal agriculture.

Boilers, Ballgowns, Boilermaker Pride and PVM!

With a fun twist on classic title, the 2026 Purdue Boilermaker Ball provided a meaningful evening of celebrating Purdue University’s distinguished heritage and traditions, and the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine was proud to be part of the event. Dubbed “A Midwinter Night’s Dream,” the festive function February 28 at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown proved to be one enchanted evening! PVM alumni and donors were among the guests for the creative black-tie event, and enjoyed the opportunity to visit and share the common commitment to veterinary medicine, animal health, and the mission of the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Purdue Alumni Honored with IVMA Awards for Achievement, Volunteer Service and Contributions to Profession

The Indiana Veterinary Medical Association (IVMA) recognized several Purdue Veterinary Medicine alumni with awards and honors at the association’s 2026 Crossroads Veterinary Conference. The annual meeting in Noblesville, Indiana, was held February 5-7 and featured scientific and practice management sessions for veterinary professionals as well as an exhibit hall. As part of the conference, the IVMA hosted its membership meeting February 5, when awards and honors were presented.

Keeping Your Pets Safe from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)

The Purdue Veterinary Hospital has not detected Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in its practices but is providing important information to help pet and livestock owners stay informed. HPAI affects various species, including birds, cats, dogs, and livestock, and can spread through contact with infected animals or raw food. To reduce risk, avoid feeding raw meat or unpasteurized dairy to pets, limit wildlife exposure, and use protective gear when handling animals. Owners of feline and avian patients will be asked screening questions during appointments.

Purdue Engineering Hosts PVM Canine Educators for ‘Canines, Cookies, and Calm’ During Mental Health Action Week

Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s beloved Canine Educators found themselves amidst a throng of engineering students last Friday, March 7, in the Herman & Heddy Kurz Atrum of Armstrong Hall, where they were the center of attention during an event on the final day of Purdue’s Mental Health Action Week (MHAW). Named “Canines, Cookies, and Calm,” the event hosted by the College of Engineering fostered smiles, laughter, and endless thanks from a total of some 300 engineering students.

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

March is National Social Work Month! It’s a perfect time to recognize our very own Veterinary Hospital Social Worker, Jennifer Dehn, LSW, MSW.