Giving
Significant Gift from Jordan Smelski Foundation will fuel Purdue Veterinary Medicine research on deadly brain eating amoeba
October 1, 2026
A researcher in the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine’s Department of Comparative Pathobiology has received a generous gift of more than $100,000 from the Jordan Smelski Foundation for Amoeba Awareness and Mr. Steve Smelski to support research of the deadly amoeba Naegleria fowleri. Christopher Rice, PhD, assistant professor of parasitology and principal investigator of the Rice Research Group, leads a research team seeking to discover and repurpose drugs against primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rare but typically fatal infection caused by Naegleria fowleri.
Purdue Veterinary Medicine Unites with Purdue United Way Campaign
October 1, 2026
With the goal of raising $700,000 by November 4 to support local nonprofit organizations that help individuals and families in Greater Lafayette, the Purdue United Way campaign took off September 23 with an official campaign launch on the front lawn of the Purdue Memorial Union. Purdue Veterinary Medicine, along with the university’s other colleges and units, will participate with the help of PVM faculty and staff ambassadors working to make it easy for people in the college to respond, whether by giving, or by indicating that they do not wish to give. As part of the PVM drive to support the campaign, Dean Bret Marsh and his wife, Polly, are contributing a match for campaign contributions from college faculty and staff. Additionally, a drawing will be held to select winners from those who contribute.
2026 PVM Distinguished Alumni Honored at Inaugural Dean’s Dinner of Distinction
July 29, 2026
A new tradition began in April as the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine hosted the first Dean’s Dinner of Distinction to celebrate the college’s 2026 Distinguished Alumni and recognize Purdue Veterinary Medicine accomplishments over the past year. Held April 17 in the festive setting of the Buchanan Club in the Ross-Ade Pavilion, the event attracted 180 guests.
Development Office Highlights for Fiscal Year 2026 Reflect Tremendous Generosity
July 29, 2026
The fiscal year that ended June 30 of 2026 was a landmark year for the College of Veterinary Medicine, marked by exceptional generosity and meaningful engagement from our alumni, friends, and supporters.
Carrying Forward a Life of Care: Family Honors Memory of Purdue Graduate Dr. Rick Chaille with Support for Purdue Veterinary Hospital’s Nutrition Kitchen
January 22, 2026
When Jean Chaille talks about her late husband, Rick, she returns again and again to the same qualities — his kindness, his faithfulness, his playful mischievousness and the simple way that he made people feel respected. “He was always looking for ways to be helpful,” she says. “He was compassionate and had a gift for connecting with people.”
To honor Rick’s life and the foundational education he received at Purdue, the Chaille family chose to build upon the memorial donations with their own gift. When the college invited the family to direct those contributions to an area that felt meaningful to them, they chose something that aligned with Rick’s own values as a practitioner: the nutrition kitchen inside the Brunner Small Animal Hospital.
Then, in August of 2025, one year after Rick’s passing, the Chaille family visited the college together to remember Dr. Rick Chaille — husband, father, grandfather and beloved veterinarian.
All Hail to Our Victories and Heroes
January 22, 2026
Purdue University has launched a new fundraising campaign in the spirit of its famed fight song
Reception Celebrates Completion of Named Dental Suite in Lynn Hall
January 22, 2026
Amidst growing recognition of the importance of veterinary dentistry as part of small animal primary care, the College of Veterinary Medicine hosted a reception this fall to showcase a new, named dental suite. Held in conjunction with the Purdue Veterinary Conference, the reception on September 19 gave attendees a chance to see the new clinical space that was funded by a generous donation from an alumna, Dr. Janet Houghton.
United Way Shares PVM Family’s Story as College Approaches it’s Purdue United Way Goal
October 31, 2025
With the Purdue United Way Campaign in week 6, the United Way of Greater Lafayette shared the story of a Purdue Veterinary Medicine family to highlight just how much impact giving local has on the local community. The story is that of Angela Pickett, executive assistant to the dean, and her son, Charlie, who both have experienced the impact of the United Way and its programs.
Rescue and Recovery: Purdue Veterinary Hospital Helps Young Herd Dog Find Her Place on the Farm
August 22, 2025
From rescue to recovery, Lani’s journey shows the power of expert, compassionate care. Thanks to the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital, this once-injured pup is now thriving as the newest member of the Richardson family farm.
Lifesaving Purdue Veterinary Care for Oliver the Cat Leads Grateful Client to Give Back
August 15, 2025
It was 2023 when Sam Elomar, of Hobart, Indiana, brought his six-year-old cat Oliver to the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital for care that he now believes saved Oliver’s life. In appreciation, Sam chose to give back by making a gift to the hospital, sharing his gratitude in a meaningful way that reflects the care, compassion, and expertise he and Oliver received at Purdue.
