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.
The awards program began with the presentation of the Outstanding Staff Awards, which recognize excellent performance by the College of Veterinary Medicine’s non-faculty, full-time employees. The recognition consists of a plaque and a cash award. The recipient’s name also is engraved on a master plaque located in the Dean’s Office corridor of Lynn Hall on the Wall of Honor across from the dean’s office entrance.
This year, two awards were given. The first was presented to Angie Chan, molecular laboratory supervisor in the Willie M. Reed Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, who was recognized for excellence in service to the students, staff, faculty, and other constituencies in the college, and excellence in enhancing the image of the college, as well as exceptional performance of assigned duties above and beyond that ordinarily expected of the position.
In presenting the award, Dean Marsh noted that, under her supervision, the Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory has flourished and grown. “You have added new tests which have increased our service to clients and brought in additional revenue,” Dean Marsh said. “This growth has happened while the turnaround time on tests has been shortened to, in most cases, same day results. And in addition…you also have increased the quality control of the results produced in the laboratory. With all these accomplishments, you have enhanced our service and reputation with clients and have had a significant impact on animal health, particularly in the agricultural sector.”
The second Outstanding Staff Award was given to Rachel Yoquelet, veterinary technician in the Small Animal Hospital’s Physical Rehabilitation Service, who was recognized for excellence in service; excellence in enhancing the image of the college; excellence in public and professional services and relations; and exceptional performance of assigned duties.
Dean Marsh commended Yoquelet for her genuine compassion and care for clients and patients as well as her commitment to lifelong learning, as reflected in her success in earning her Veterinary Technician Specialist designation in Emergency and Critical Care, and then her certification in Veterinary Massage and Rehabilitation. “Additionally, you represent our college well as you speak at national conferences and have articles published in international publications,” Dean Marsh shared as he presented the award.
Next, those who recently completed the Online Certificate Program for Diversity and Inclusion in Veterinary Medicine were recognized. Congratulations to Brett Creech, senior instructional designer, and Kyle Moffit, senior IT technician, both in the Department of Veterinary Administration; Dr. Vanessa Passenegg, resident in Emergency and Critical Care in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences; and John Meyer in Purchasing, Receiving and Facilities in the Department of Veterinary Administration.
Dean Marsh then presented the Bravo Awards, which are given to recognize employees for achievements that extend well beyond regular work responsibilities. Award winners may be recognized in any of four categories: Moving the University Forward; Innovation and Creativity; Operational Excellence; and Fiscal Stewardship. Bravo Award recipients receive a certificate to display with pride and a cash award. As each award was presented, Dean Marsh led the audience in a cheer of “Bravo!” for the honoree.
Congratulations to the following Bravo Award recipients:
- Assistant Director of the Veterinary Nursing Distance Learning Program Josh Clark, for Moving the University Forward and Operational Excellence
- Manager of the Histology Research Laboratory Megan Cohen, for Operational Excellence
- Submission Clerk in the Veterinary Hospital’s Clinical Pathology Laboratory, Nichelle Crawford for Operational Excellence
- Veterinary Hospital Pharmacy Technician Paige Ellwanger, for Operational Excellence
- Senior Administrative Assistant in Basic Medical Sciences Makayla Espinosa, for Operational Excellence
- Veterinary Nurse in the Veterinary Hospital’s Small Animal Internal Medicine Service Brianne Kerr, for Operational Excellence
- Administrative Assistant in Basic Medical Sciences Department Joy Nix, for Operational Excellence
- Business Assistant in the Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory Crystal Rice, for Operational Excellence and Fiscal Stewardship
- Caesars Entertainment Equine Specialty Hospital Practice Manager Tracy Reich, for Fiscal Stewardship
- Veterinary Nurse in the Veterinary Hospital’s Ophthalmology Service Megan Scheulin, for Operational Excellence
- Senior Operations Clerk in the Veterinary Administration Department Bill Smothers, for Operational Excellence
- Business Assistant in the Veterinary Administration Department Sheila Stingle, for Operational Excellence
- Veterinary Nursing Supervisor in the Veterinary Hospital’s Diagnostic Imaging Service Donna Tudor, for Operational Excellence
Dean Marsh then presented a group Bravo Award to recognize the members of the Veterinary Hospital’s Large Animal Care Technician Team of Shauna Carmony, Jennifer Day, Sara Green, Shaye Green, Morgan Haines, Sarah Johnson, Thomas Kulu, Thomas Merida, and Jeff Synesael for their dedication.
The program concluded with the dean thanking all PVM staff members for their dedication and commitment to the college. “It makes a difference for all of us. Every day, day in and day out,” Dean Marsh said.
Following the ceremony, attendees were invited to congratulate the awardees during a reception held across the hall in the Veterinary Medical Library.