Celebrate Award-winning Alumni and Faculty at the Purdue Veterinary Conference

August 30, 2019

A promotional flyer featuring a running corgi in a natural setting, highlighting a veterinary conference theme.

The Purdue Veterinary Conference offers attendees a variety of outstanding special events for networking, celebration, and fun! Register now for events like the Awards Celebration Dinner, which will be held on Wednesday, September 18, and join us in honoring our College’s tremendous alumni and faculty. This upscale evening includes dinner and cocktails followed by a program during which Dean Willie Reed will recognize alumni and faculty award-winners for excellence in their respective roles, including teaching, research, and service.

Early bird registration fees are good through Saturday, August 31. Add the Awards Celebration to your registration under the Special Events section. This event will take place Wednesday, September 18 at 5:30 p.m. in the Purdue Memorial Union, North Ballroom.

The following individuals will be recognized as distinguished alumni:

Brig. Gen. Timothy Adams, DVM (PU DVM ’86) | Distinguished Alumnus Award
Brig. Gen. Timothy Adams enrolled in active military duty shortly after earning his Purdue DVM degree in 1986. Having served roles in Operations Desert Shield/Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom, he rose through the ranks to become a highly decorated officer, attaining the rank of brigadier general. Dr. Adams holds a masters of public health from Harvard University and a PhD in toxicology from Duke University.

Dr. Tom Gillespie (PU DVM ’79) | Distinguished Alumnus Award
Dr. Tom Gillespie began his career as a mixed animal practitioner after earning his Purdue DVM degree in 1979, and soon opened a swine-only practice in Rensselear, Ind. During his career, Dr. Gillespie established himself as an expert in porcine diseases. He often is sought after as a researcher and consultant both nationally and abroad.

The following Purdue Veterinary Medicine faculty will be honored for excellence in research, teaching and service:

Dr. Larry Adams, professor of small animal internal medicine | Alumni Faculty Award for Excellence

Dr. Stephen Adams, professor of large animal surgery | Excellence in Service Award

Dr. John Christian, associate professor of veterinary clinical pathology | Raymond E. Plue Outstanding Teacher Award

Dr. Janice Kritchevsky, professor of large animal internal medicine | Resident Mentor Award (new this year)

Dr. Joanne Messick, professor of veterinary clinical pathology | Excellence in Teaching Award

Dr. Darryl Ragland, associate professor of food animal production medicine | Faculty Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award (new this year)

Dr. Mohamed Seleem, professor of microbiology | Excellence in Research Award

Dr. Stephanie Thomovsky, clinical associate professor of veterinary neurology | Zoetis Distinguished Teacher Award

Dr. Jonathan Townsend, clinical assistant professor of dairy production medicine | Alumni Outstanding Teaching Award

Dr. GuangJun Zhang, John T. and Winifred M. Hayward Associate Professor of Genetic Research | Zoetis Award for Veterinary Research Excellence

Writer(s): Allison Carey and Susan Xioufaridou | pvmnews@purdue.edu

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Though the annual Purdue Veterinary Conference is almost upon us, there’s still time to register and take advantage of this time-honored College of Veterinary Medicine fall tradition that combines excellent continuing education with fun opportunities for reconnecting with colleagues and classmates, networking, and learning about the latest veterinary trends and products. The 2026 Purdue Veterinary Conference takes place September 23–26 on the Purdue University campus. The annual event has something for everyone, from veterinarians to veterinary technicians, faculty, staff and students.