In the world of collegiate sports today, an image that appears even for a couple of seconds in the right video at the right time on the right telecast can generate countless priceless impressions. And that’s just what’s been happening for Purdue Veterinary Medicine thanks to a video clip recorded in the Brunner Small Animal Hospital last spring for a Purdue promotional spot that’s now airing during telecasts of Purdue Basketball games.
Produced by Purdue Brand Studio, the commercial focuses on Purdue’s rallying cry: Boiler Up! The version of the spot airing during telecasts of Boilermaker basketball games begins with a shot of the men’s basketball team gathering at center court in Mackey Arena and then shows memorable scenes reflecting Purdue accomplishments, advancements, and Boilermaker spirit, intermixed with Purdue students and fans saying the familiar words, “Boiler Up” and “Hammer Down.”
One of those students, now a graduate, is DVM Class of 2025 member Megan Colburn. She found herself in just the right place at just the right time to have one of the very few speaking parts in the commercial. As she is shown giving her loving attention to a very loveable dog named Walter, she encourages him with the words “Good boy,” followed by “Boiler Up!” It was a fun moment in the limelight for Walter, who belongs to Jolene Knuth, RVT, veterinary technologist supervisor in anesthesiology.
If you’ve watched any amount of Purdue football or basketball on TV during the fall and winter sports seasons, you’ve likely seen the commercial, but if not, click here to enjoy PVM’s place in the television spotlight.
A big thank you to the Veterinary Hospital and those who played specific roles in the recording. In addition to Colburn, fellow classmates Juan Ramirez and Marissa Ramon also participated as handlers for two other model dogs that were part of the recording session: Brees, the beloved dog of Dr. Ellen Lowery, then hospital director who since has stepped down to retire; and Turbo, who belongs to Jill Huenemann, veterinary technician supervisor for Small Animal Surgery/Neurology. Kelly Dold, hospital communications and marketing manager, worked with hospital team members and Purdue Brand Studio to coordinate arrangements.
In describing the attention-getting TV spot, Purdue Brand Studio explains, “Everywhere you go, you can hear Purdue’s rallying cry: Boiler Up! Whether you’re in Mackey Arena or an airport on the other side of the world, you’ll meet other Boilermakers in pursuit of #TheNextGiantLeap (including Zach Edey, of course). Leaders who leave nothing untried, nothing untested and nothing undone. They’re instigating progress, providing solutions and building a better world together.” And of course, that certainly applies to the people and animals you meet at the Purdue College of Veterinary Medicine!