Alumni
In Support of Inclusive Excellence in Veterinary Medicine
December 15, 2023
In another life, Joanne Troutner might have been a veterinarian. But in the early 1970s — when the national average of male enrollment in veterinary schools was 89% — a career in veterinary medicine didn’t seem accessible to her. Now, women in the profession outnumber men, and yet diversity remains an issue, as 90% of today’s veterinarians identify as white.
In 2008, the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine established the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion with the purpose of intentionally creating a culture of excellence that supports a diverse and inclusive environment in the college. The creation of the new office reflected the vision of Dr. Willie Reed, who had just been appointed as the college’s new dean a year earlier.
“The College of Veterinary Medicine has been engaged in this work for 15 years,” Joanne said. “The programming is phenomenal and it’s having a real impact. It’s necessary work and it needs to continue, which is why I’m proud to support the college’s DEI efforts with a designated gift, given in honor of Dean Reed.”
Honoring Distinguished Alumni and Instructors
December 15, 2023
Outstanding faculty and alumni were honored by the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine during multiple ceremonies that featured annual awards and recognition. Faculty awards recognized teaching, research, service, and scholarship of engagement, while alumni were honored for their outstanding careers in the veterinary medical profession.
In Memory: Dr. Michael Walker (PU DVM ’77)
December 8, 2023
The Purdue Veterinary Medicine community is saddened to learn that an alumnus, Dr. Michael J. Walker, of St. John, Indiana, passed away December 3. He was 70.
In Memory: Dr. John C. Pickett (PU DVM ’69)
November 10, 2023
The Purdue Veterinary Medicine community is saddened to learn that Dr. John C. Pickett, Jr., a dedicated and highly respected Lafayette, Indiana veterinarian and Purdue graduate passed away November 3. He was 81.
In Memory: Dr. David F. Nahrwold (PU DVM ’78)
November 3, 2023
The Purdue Veterinary Medicine community is saddened to learn that a dedicated and loyal alumnus, Dr. David Nahrwold, of Woodburn, Indiana, died October 4. He was 69.
Spotlight to Shine on PVM During Purdue Homecoming Festivities
September 29, 2023
The human-animal bond will be working for the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine once again this weekend as animals help shine the spotlight on the college’s programs and services during Purdue’s homecoming weekend.
In Memory: Drs. Raymond Smith (PU DVM ’63); Arthur Bickford (PU MS ’64, PhD ’66), and Kathleen Murray (PU DVM ’82)
September 15, 2023
The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine is saddened by the recent passing of several alumni.
Distinguished Alumni Awards to be Presented at Purdue Veterinary Conference
August 18, 2023
The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine’s Distinguished Alumni Awards will be presented next month at the Alumni and Friends Celebration during the 2023 Purdue Veterinary Conference in the Purdue Memorial Union. Dr. W. Mark Hilton, clinical professor emeritus of veterinary clinical sciences and member of the DVM Class of 1983, will receive the Distinguished Alumnus Award. The Distinguished Veterinary Nursing Alumni Award will be presented to Pam Phegley, BS, RVT (PU AAS ’83; BS 2001), PVM clinical rotation/mentorship coordinator.
Former PVM Resident Named AVMA Journal Award Winner
July 21, 2023
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) announced the 2023 AVMA Journal award winners at the association’s annual convention, which concluded earlier this week in Denver, Colorado. Among the winners is Dr. Marejka Shaevitz, former oncology resident in the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, who is the 2023 Outstanding JAVMA Resident.
Purdue Veterinary Alumnus Receives 2023 AVMA Lifetime Excellence in Research Award
July 21, 2023
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) honored a graduate of the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Jim Riviere, of Raleigh, North Carolina, as the recipient of the 2023 AVMA Lifetime Excellence in Research Award. Dr. Riviere is a distinguished professor emeritus at Kansas State University and North Carolina State University. He earned both his DVM and PhD degrees at Purdue in 1980.