Alumni
PVM Well-represented by Humans and Animals During Annual Homecoming Celebrations
December 5, 2025
Every fall, Boilermakers from near and far return to the campus in West Lafayette for the annual ritual known as Homecoming. And Purdue’s Homecoming events also attract plenty of non-alumni who are Purdue fans, patrons, prospective students, or clients of the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital. During this year’s Homecoming weekend October 24-25, Purdue Veterinary Medicine engaged with attendees in multiple ways, with the help of some furry companions.
Purdue Veterinary Medicine Alumna Joins Shedd Aquarium’s Animal Health Team
November 14, 2025
Lots of water and sea life are key elements of a dream that has come true for Purdue alumna Kelsey (Trumpp) Ryan (PU DVM 2019), who recently joined the decorated team of animal care professionals at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. Dr. Ryan, Dipl. ACZM, will serve as an associate veterinarian at the aquarium’s A. Watson Armour III Center for Animal Health and Welfare, where she will help oversee preventative exams and veterinary care for some 32,000 animals that call Shedd home, from majestic, cold-water belugas to colorful, reef-dwelling butterflyfish.
Purdue Veterinary Conference Proves Popular as Overall Attendance Tops 1,000
September 26, 2025
Strong turnout characterized the 2025 Purdue Veterinary Conference with the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine welcoming more than 1,000 participants to the annual event. Held September 16–20 on Purdue’s West Lafayette campus, the annual continuing education conference for veterinary professionals attracted more than 240 veterinarians and 180 veterinary technicians/veterinary nurses, along with industry representatives and exhibitors as well as Purdue Veterinary Medicine faculty, staff, and students.
Spotlight on Hematology: Two PVM Legends Headline Upcoming Purdue Veterinary Conference
August 15, 2025
The 2025 Purdue Veterinary Conference will bring together 73 expert speakers across 19 specialized tracks ranging from canine and feline hematology, to small animal oncology, to farm animal care, when it is held September 16-20 on Purdue University’s West Lafayette campus. Of special note is a pair of talks that will be given Thursday, September 18 by two Purdue legends in veterinary clinical pathology — Dr. Dennis DeNicola and Dr. Fred Metzger — who will deliver back-to-back sessions that have the potential to transform the way attendees approach veterinary diagnostics.
In Memory: Dr. Conelius (Neil) Vanderkolk (PU DVM ’74)
July 18, 2025
The Purdue Veterinary Medicine community is saddened to learn of the passing of an alumnus and dedicated veterinarian, Dr. Cornelius “Neil” Vanderkolk, of Oxford, Indiana, who died June 8, 2025. He was 75.
In Memory: Dr. Jennifer Anderson-Schmeltz (PU DVM 2009)
June 20, 2025
The Purdue Veterinary Medicine community is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of a member of the Purdue DVM Class of 2009, Dr. Jennifer Anderson-Schmeltz, of Mishawaka, Indiana, who died June 13 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was 42.
Sunny Skies and Creative Exhibits Draw Hundreds to Annual PVM Open House
April 18, 2025
Sunrise on Saturday, April 12, brought the promise of a lovely spring day and large crowds for a beloved spring tradition at Lynn Hall on the Purdue University West Lafayette campus – the annual Purdue Veterinary Medicine Open House. Organized by PVM students, the day-long event is held each year as part of Purdue University’s Spring Fest celebration.
In Memory – Dr. Julie Anderson (PU DVM ’78)
April 4, 2025
A Purdue Veterinary Medicine alumna and beloved veterinarian, Dr Julie Anderson, of Rockville, Indiana, will be remembered at a celebration of life open house to be hosted in her honor by West Central Veterinary Services Sunday, April 27. Dr. Anderson, a member of the Purdue DVM Class of 1978, passed away in December at the age of 71.
In Memory – Dr. Raymond Backe (PU DVM ’66)
March 14, 2025
The Purdue Veterinary Medicine community mourns the passing of Dr. Ray Backe, an alumnus who was a member of the college’s fourth graduating class – the Class of 1966. Dr. Backe, of Amherst Junction, Wisconsin, formerly of Greendale, Wisconsin, passed away January 19, 2025. He was 84.
Purdue Veterinary Alumni Meet up in Las Vegas at WVC Annual Conference
March 14, 2025
Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine alumni stood out from the large crowds of veterinary professionals attending the Viticus Group 2025 WVC Annual Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada as they gathered for the Purdue Veterinary Alumni Reception held in conjunction with the conference. The event Monday evening, March 3, attracted close to 70 alumni who met up at the Rhythm and Rifts lounge located just off the Mandalay Bay casino floor.