Alumni
Veterinary Boilermakers on the Road: Purdue Veterinary Alumni Reconnect and Celebrate at National Conferences
February 27, 2026
The veterinary profession is built on lifelong learning, meaningful connections, and a shared commitment to animal and human health. This winter, those values were on full display as Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine alumni, faculty, students and friends gathered at two of the profession’s premier events—the Veterinary Meeting & Expo (VMX) in Orlando, Florida, and the Western Veterinary Conference (WVC) in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Two Purdue Veterinary Medicine Graduates Honored at WVC Annual Conference for Commitment to Food Animal Practice
February 20, 2026
At this year’s WVC Annual Conference in Las Vegas, two Purdue Veterinary Medicine alumni who graduated within the last five years received national recognition as recipients of the Dr. W. Bruce Wren Food Animal Incentive Awards (FAIA). Dr. Kayla Baird and Dr. Kallie Knott, of the Purdue DVM Classes of 2021 and 2025, respectively, were among just five total FAIA award recipients honored during the annual veterinary conference hosted by Viticus Group (formerly WVC). The event is considered one of the largest and longest-running veterinary education conferences in the U.S.
Purdue Veterinary Medicine Seeks Distinguished Alumni Award Nominations by February 2
January 9, 2026
The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine is now accepting nominations for its Distinguished Alumni Awards that honor exceptional graduates whose careers as veterinarians and veterinary technicians and technologists exemplify leadership, service, and impact in veterinary medicine and animal health.
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.