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.
Congratulations to the Veterinary Technology Class of 2026!
In addition to seeing videos of congratulatory messages from their online instructors during the oath ceremony, the veterinary technology graduates also heard congratulatory comments from the executive director of the Purdue Veterinary Alumni Association (PVAA) Julia Wickard and the president of the Indiana Veterinary Technology Association (IVTA) Myranda Jennings, BS, RVT, who is Manager of Clinical Development at Noah’s Animal Hospitals.
As is customary during the oath ceremony, class responses were shared by class members chosen by classmates and instructors to serve as their representatives – one for the associate in applied science degree graduates and one for the bachelor’s degree recipients. The AAS degree graduates were represented by Katherine Robinson and the Bachelor of Science degree graduates were represented by Bridgett Sullivan, who also served as president of the Veterinary Technology Student Organization.
After hearing the remarks, the graduates were called to the stage by Dr. Mindy Anderson, assistant dean of veterinary technology programs, to receive their veterinary technology pins from clinical mentorship coordinator Jennifer Smith, MS, RVT, LATG. The class also selected Holly McCalip, BS, RVT, the veterinary technology clinical coordinator, to lead them in reciting the Veterinary Technician Oath. All registered veterinary technicians in the audience also were encouraged to recite the oath with the graduates.
Decorated caps added to the festive atmosphere of the commencement events.The reception that followed the veterinary technology oath ceremony was a family affair.
The Veterinary Technician Oath, as established by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA), reads:
“I solemnly dedicate myself to aiding animals and society by providing excellent care and services for animals, by alleviating animal suffering, and by promoting public health. I accept my obligations to practice my profession conscientiously and with sensitivity, adhering to the profession’s Code of Ethics, and furthering my knowledge and competence through a commitment to lifelong learning.”
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Dean Bret Marsh, DVM, presented two awards. The first was the Veterinary Technology Outstanding Student Award, which was given to Savannah Bower, who was selected for the award by the clinical rotation supervisors for her outstanding achievement in problem solving, organizational skills, and workplace leadership.
The second award presented was the Veterinary Technology Teaching Award, which was given to Dr. Christopher Rice, assistant professor of parasitology. Dr. Rice received the award for his superior ability in clearly communicating course content and for motivating students to acquire knowledge and skills. Furthermore, Dr. Rice was praised for facilitating student learning outside of the formal classroom through counseling and mentorship.
Savannah Bower received the Veterinary Technology Outstanding Student Award for her outstanding achievement in problem solving, organizational skills, and workplace leadership.Dr. Christopher Rice, assistant professor of parasitology, was recognized as the recipient of the Veterinary Technology Teaching Award.
A reception followed the ceremony in the Purdue Memorial Union South Ballroom, where graduates received a gift from the Purdue Veterinary Alumni Association.
Of the degree candidates who participated in the ceremony, five completed the Veterinary Technology Distance Learning program to earn their AAS degree. The other 23 participants in the oath ceremony completed the on campus Veterinary Technology Program to earn their Bachelor of Science degree. The Purdue program is ranked #1 among veterinary technology programs in the nation.
The members of the Purdue DVM Class of 2026 had their oath ceremony following the hooding ceremony for doctoral degree candidates May 16. After walking from the Elliott Hall of Music to Stewart Center, the nearly 80 DVM graduates assembled among a crowd of 700 people in Loeb Playhouse where they heard congratulatory messages from a lineup of enthusiastic supporters. Purdue Veterinary Alumni Association (PVAA) President Leslie Ferguson, RVT, of Hills Pet Nutrition, enthusiastically welcomed them into the alumni association and encouraged them to remain engaged with the college as they begin their professional careers. Indiana Veterinary Medicine Association (IVMA) President, Dr. Matt Hobson, owner of Care Animal Clinic in Muncie, Indiana, where he also serves as Medical Director for Mission Pet Health, emphasized the importance of the graduates getting involved with their state veterinary medical associations as advocates for the profession.
The Class Response was given by Dr. Victoria Potter, who was chosen by her classmates for the role. Then it was time for the new graduates to recite the Veterinarian’s Oath. They were called onto stage to do so by Dr. Andrew Woolcock, assistant dean of curriculum and professional development. Additionally, graduates who received awards were recognized as their names were announced.
Dr. Victoria Potter was chosen by her classmates to give the class response at the DVM Oath Ceremony.
Once all the DVM degree recipients were assembled on the stage, they recited the Veterinarian’s Oath, as established by the American Veterinary Medical Association:
I solemnly swear to use my scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health and welfare, the prevention and relief of animal suffering, the conservation of animal resources, the promotion of public health, and the advancement of medical knowledge.
I will practice my profession conscientiously, with dignity, and in keeping with the principles of veterinary medical ethics.
I accept as a lifelong obligation the continual improvement of my professional knowledge and competence.
After reciting the oath, the graduates returned to their seats. Just before the program concluded, Dean Bret Marsh recognized the recipient of the Award for Outstanding Teaching of Fourth Year Veterinary Students, Dr. Ana Aghili, clinical assistant professor of emergency and clinical care. Dr. Aghili was selected for the award by the members of the graduating class based on evaluations made according to the standards written in this statement:
Dean Bret Marsh presented the Award for Outstanding Teaching of Fourth Year Veterinary Students to Dr. Ana Aghili, clinical assistant professor of emergency and clinical care.
“An outstanding teacher is one who demonstrates superior ability in communicating the chosen material to students and stimulates their desire to master the material. This teacher will also recognize that their teaching responsibility does not stop at the classroom door, and therefore, will be ready to aid and motivate students in a counseling and advisory capacity, either formally or informally.”
Then Dean Marsh concluded the ceremony by reminding the new graduates that they will always be a member of the Purdue Veterinary Medicine family and encouraging them to come home to Purdue often.
A reception followed the ceremony in the Purdue Memorial Union South Ballroom, where the graduates received a gift from the Purdue Veterinary Alumni Association, celebrated with family and friends, and paused for lots of candid photos.
Congratulations to the following DVM graduates who were recognized for receiving awards:
Dr. Luke Bousema was awarded the National Simmons Educational Fund (SEF) Business Aptitude Award for an exemplary business case study – the first Purdue graduate to achieve this success.
Dr. Jordan Chan received the Bastien Award for exhibiting empathy and exceptional care to canine patients.
Dr. Micah Flahaven received the Central Indiana Veterinary Medical Association Award for outstanding client communication skills and the Bob Rosenthal Senior Student Award in Clinical Oncology for his proficiency in the care of veterinary oncology patients.
Dr. Duck Harris received the American College of Veterinary Surgeons award for academic and clinical proficiency in small animal surgery, and the Indiana Veterinary Medical Association award for proficiency in small animal medicine and surgery.
Dr. Jesus Hernandez Garcia received the Shelter Medicine Program Award for exemplifying compassion for shelter pets, and having excellent interaction with shelter clients.
Dr. Bayley Hitzemann received the American College of Theriogenologists Clinical Proficiency Award.
Dr. Lisa Hoard received the Comparative Ophthalmology Award for demonstrating excellence in academic performance, research or service in comparative ophthalmology.
Dr. Yonghua Hu received the G. Edward Cummins Compassionate Care award for exemplifying clinical training and compassion for animals and clients alike.
Dr. Sarah Huh received the American Association of Feline Practitioners award for demonstrating the highest proficiency in feline medicine and surgery.
Dr. Gabe Irons received the Indiana Veterinary Medical Association Award for proficiency in medicine and surgery for all species.
Dr. Paige Rudin Kinzie was selected by her classmates for the Purdue Veterinary Alumni Association Senior Leadership Award for her leadership and involvement in school activities, service to the community, and engagement with the veterinary medical profession. She also received the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Certificate of Clinical Excellence for demonstrating a sincere interest in small animal internal medicine, and the IVMA 12th District award for demonstrating excellence in academic performance, research or service in veterinary public health and preventative medicine. Furthermore, she received the American Animal Hospital Association award for proficiency in primary care.
Dr. Adrianna Mann received the Excellence in Bovine Veterinary Medicine Award co-sponsored by 15th District of the IVMA and American Association of Bovine Practitioners.
Dr. Margaret Mulligan was recognized with the American College of Veterinary Pathologists Award for Excellence in Veterinary Pathology.
Dr. Charlotte Peterkin received the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Certificate of Clinical Excellence for demonstrating a sincere interest in small animal internal medicine.
Dr. Victoria Potter received the Class of 1983 Award for a student who has overcome obstacles or persevered despite difficult circumstances in pursuit of her DVM degree.
Dr. Savannah Rambis received the American Academy of Veterinary Dermatology Award for a student who excels in clinical dermatology.
Dr. Josaphine Roberts received the Indiana Veterinary Medical Association award for proficiency in large animal medicine and surgery.
Dr. Kennedy Smith received the American College of Veterinary Radiology award for excellence in comparative radiology and diagnostic imaging.
Dr. Kaitlyn Steele received the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Certificate of Clinical Excellence for demonstrating a sincere interest in large animal internal medicine.
Dr. Haley Tate received the Indiana Association of Equine Practitioners award for highest proficiency in equine medicine and surgery, and the American College of Veterinary Surgeons award for academic and clinical proficiency in large animal surgery.
Dr. Trinity Valencia received the Class of 1983 Award for a student who has overcome obstacles or persevered despite difficult circumstances in pursuit of her DVM degree.
Purdue Veterinary Alumni Association President Leslie Ferguson, RVT, with Dr. Paige Rudin Kinzie who was selected by her classmates as the recipient of the Purdue Veterinary Alumni Association Senior Leadership Award.Smiles abounded as graduates celebrated!
Executive Director of the Purdue Veterinary Alumni Association and Constituent Liaison Julia Wickard is one of five newly named members of the Indiana FFA Foundation board of directors. The appointments took effect July 1.
Purdue Veterinary Medicine Dean Bret D. Marsh, DVM, has named Dr. Christopher Fulkerson as Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs and Chief Veterinary Officer for the Purdue Veterinary Hospitals. The appointment was announced July 1, the same day that Dr. Fulkerson’s promotion to full Clinical Professor of Veterinary Medical Oncology took effect.
Swine Health was the focus of a significant event recently at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis as swine industry partners and swine producers gathered for the National Junior Summer Spectacular (NJSS) and Summer Type Conference (STC). The event was held at the end of June in the Fall Creek Pavillion and included a Swine Health Briefing that featured swine industry and veterinary medicine leaders including Purdue Veterinary Medicine Dean Bret Marsh, who also had an opportunity to provide an update on the College of Veterinary Medicine.
On Monday, June 29, 2026, more than 100 faculty and staff from the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences and the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital gathered at Thomas Duncan Hall for the 2026 Resident and Intern Recognition Ceremony. This annual event provides a great opportunity to honor and celebrate the contributions of the residents, interns, and graduate students who are completing their programs this summer.
We continue our series of articles about animals and their owners who’ve found help and healing at the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital by sharing the story of a beloved dog named Zeus.
For Amy Fitzsimmons-Blaising, Zeus wasn’t just a dog, he was her spirit animal and best friend. A proud Giant Schnauzer bred in Bedford, Indiana, Zeus had been the heart of Amy’s home for 11 unforgettable years. Then, in October 2024, Zeus’s health challenges began, when he started coughing and showing signs that looked like seizures. After rushing him to a local veterinary urgent care facility, Amy learned he was in congestive heart failure, and she turned to the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital for help.
Purdue University’s Women’s Global Health Institute (WGHI) has announced six pilot research grant awards aimed at solving critical problems in women’s health and quality of life, and one of recipients is Purdue Veterinary Medicine faculty member Viju Vijayan Pillai. Dr. Pillai is assistant professor of anatomic pathology in the College of Veterinary Medicine’s Department of Comparative Pathobiology.
You fight fire with fire. And Purdue Veterinary Medicine vaccine expert Suresh Mittal fights viruses with viruses. Using innovative techniques, Dr. Mittal, Distinguished Professor of Virology in the College of Veterinary Medicine’s Department of Comparative Pathobiology, develops novel vaccines for viral infections including avian influenza.
