December Graduation Celebration Honors Purdue Veterinary Nursing Graduates

December Veterinary Nursing graduates join with Dean Bret Marsh for a photo after reciting their professional oath. (left to right, back row): Brenna Hipsher, Jordan Benningfield, Leslie Braunsdorf, Makenna Dunn, Te’Aira Johnson, Maya Koziol, and Amy Macauley; (left to right, front row): Abigail Ganske, Grace Jones, and Malissa Mahase.

The Sunday after Purdue University’s final exam week in December marked a special occasion for a group of students celebrating as the newest graduates of the Purdue Veterinary Nursing Programs. That day, December 15, the College of Veterinary Medicine hosted the 2024 Purdue Veterinary Nursing Graduation Celebration in Lynn Hall – an event that drew graduates and their families from across the country and beyond. That’s in part because a number of the new graduates had earned their degrees through the Veterinary Nursing Distance Learning Program.

Jordan Benningfield (PU AAS ’24) cheers with her family while showing her mortar board decorated with a Taylor Swift theme.

Purdue Veterinary Medicine Dean Bret Marsh welcomed the graduates and their loved ones as he began the ceremony. “In particular, this program gives us the opportunity to continue a long-standing and beloved tradition of our College as we conduct our Oath Ceremony,” Dean Marsh said. Looking at the students being honored for earning either their Associate in Applied Science or Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Nursing degrees, he continued, saying, “Graduates, as you embark on your careers in the veterinary medical profession, you join an alumni network that reflects the veterinary team.”

Dean Marsh then asked the graduates to come forward to receive the Purdue University veterinary nursing pin, presented by Instructional Technologist Holly McCalip, BS, RVT, as their names were read by Josh Clark, MS, RVT, assistant director of the Veterinary Nursing Distance Learning Program. Mr. Clark then introduced each of the graduates present, including ten who earned their associate in applied science degree and one student who earned her bachelor’s degree.

“Graduates, your charge is to set the visible standard for what a Purdue University veterinary nurse is and does,” Mr. Clark told the graduates. “In so doing, you will pave the way for all those graduates who will follow behind you. The future of the veterinary nursing profession is placed into your hands. We trust that you will serve it well.”

Then the graduates remained at the front of the lecture hall to recite the Veterinary Technician Oath of Ethical Conduct, symbolizing their acceptance into the veterinary nursing profession. “The oath signifies our high regard for the ethical standards and legal regulations governing the practice of veterinary nursing, our strong commitment to the highest standards of patient care and client service, and our dedication to the animals that we serve,” Mr. Clark said. At that point he introduced Senior Instructional Technologist and Clinical Coordinator Jennifer Smith, BS, RVT, LATG, who led them in reciting the oath. As Mrs. Smith stepped to the podium, she invited the graduates and all veterinary nurses in the audience to stand and recite the oath together.

Veterinary Nursing Distance Learning Program graduate Te’Aira Johnson (PU AAS ’24) and her family from Cincinnati gathered together for a photo with Dean Marsh at the reception that followed the Oath Ceremony.

Veterinary Technician Oath of Ethical Conduct

I dedicate myself to serve as a member of the modern veterinary team, as together we serve the needs of mankind, animal welfare, and our community.

Working in a clinical practice, research, or industry, I will faithfully abide by all laws, regulations, and ethical codes that govern veterinary technicians. I will conduct myself in a manner which inspires the respect and confidence of my employer, colleagues, and the public.

I will seek the mutual exchange of counsel and assistance with the clinical staff when it appears that the quality of service will be improved. I will strive to better my skills by keeping current my knowledge of new methods and ideas and by maintaining an open mind.

Since the veterinary technician is a member of a professional team entrusted with the responsibility of the care and well-being of the animal kingdom, I make this oath with utmost sincerity and devotion.

The program concluded with a round of applause for the graduates before everyone reconvened in the nearby Veterinary Medical Library for a reception. The ceremony in Lynn Hall followed the main university commencement exercises in the Elliott Hall of Music, where the Veterinary Nursing graduates also were recognized. A recording of the Elliott Hall of Music ceremony can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=og-ya3RrX-0. The Veterinary Nursing degree recipients can be seen entering the Hall of Music 19 minutes into the recording.

Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Nursing degree recipient Brenna Hipsher poses for a photo with Dean Bret Marsh (left) and Veterinary Nursing Program staff (left to right) Holly McCalip, Jennifer Smith, and Pam Phegley.

Congratulations to all the December Veterinary Nursing graduates!

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

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