Development Spotlight Shines on Veterinary Hospital and Dog Jog Endowment Campaigns

Philanthropy makes a difference in the College of Veterinary Medicine every day, as donors contribute in support of people and programs to improve animal and human health and well-being and support the education of future veterinary professionals.  The gifts given are a reflection on the good work of faculty, staff, and students who often are the vital link between the college and generous supporters, says Chief Development Officer Tanya Finkbiner.

So, to help shine a light on the impact of philanthropy on our college, the Purdue Veterinary Medicine development team is beginning a series of spotlight announcements that will appear in the Vet Gazette periodically.  “We want to help our people understand the impact they are having as they help foster and strengthen relationships with donors,” Tanya said.  “To start we want to spotlight two campaigns currently underway.”

Leave A Print Campaign

“Construction on the new veterinary hospital is moving ahead steadily, and so is progress toward our Leave A Print fundraising campaign goal,” Tanya said. The initiative to help fully fund the new hospital project has a goal of $8.1 million. Over $3.5 million has been received to-date! “Every donation helps us get closer to new, state-of-the-art facilities,” said Tanya. To learn more about how you can help, see floor plans, and read about some of the reasons others have already contributed, visit leaveaprint.vet.

Dr. Skip Jackson Dog Jog Endowment Campaign

The 2020 Dr. Skip Jackson Dog Jog, one of the longest-running traditions of the Purdue Veterinary Conference, was cancelled to best support the health and safety of participants and the community during the continued COVID-19 pandemic. Though this is disappointing for everyone, there’s still a way you can help to ensure that the event will continue in the years to come.

In the past, proceeds from the event have benefited important programs like PetSafe and Priority 4 Paws to serve the animals in need in our community. Last year, proceeds totaling more than $10,100 went to PetSafe. 

This year, you can honor the legacy of Professor Emeritus Skip Jackson and help this event live on in perpetuity by donating your typical registration fee of $25 (individual registration) or $30 (individual + pet registration) or more, and help us reach our goal of $25,000 by August 2023.*  Those funds will make it possible to establish an endowment that will cover the expenses associated with hosting the event every year. A total of $10,900 has been raised to date, and your help is needed to get to the finish line.

Click here to GIVE NOW to support the Dr. Skip Jackson Dog Jog and Fun Run Endowment. Your contribution is vital to the success of this event in the future, and donations of any amount make a difference.  If you have any questions about this initiative, please do not hesitate to contact the PVM Advancement Office at 765-494-6304 or email PVMgiving@prf.org.

dog jog participants walk along the path with their dog as other participants follow in the background

*If the $25,000 goal is not met by 2023, the fund will not be endowed to continue in perpetuity. All funds received will be used to support expenses associated with future Dr. Skip Jackson Dog Jog events until depleted.

Writer(s): Tanya Finkbiner and Kevin Doerr | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Recent Stories

Fourth Purdue AMR Conference Promotes Collaboration to Address Global Health Threat of Antimicrobial Resistance through PVM’s One Health Initiative. 

Purdue University served as the place where local, national and international experts came together in-person and online recently for concentrated sharing of research, expertise and insight targeting the threat of multi-drug-resistant infections. The fourth annual AMR Conference February 25-26, 2026, held in Stewart Center, attracted more than 100 attendees from across the U.S. and six other countries.

Presentation of Research Poster Prizes Wraps up Antimicrobial Resistance Conference 

Purdue University’s fourth Antimicrobial Resistance Conference concluded February 26 with remarks from Purdue Vice President for Health Affairs and Jeannie and Jim Chaney Dean of Pharmacy Eric Barker, PhD, who also announced the winners of the conference’s research poster session.  The poster contest, which attracted more than 20 entries, was divided into categories for undergraduate and graduate students.

“Paws Up” – brought to you by the PVM Wellness Committee

Today we are glad to highlight one of our own committee members. Charlene Evans, Toxicology Laboratory Supervisor in the Reed Animal Disease and Diagnostic Laboratory, is a wonderful champion for mental health and wellbeing on the PVM Wellness Committee and within the ADDL community.

Purdue Professor of Large Animal Surgery Named Veterinary Clinical Sciences Department Head

Dr. Timothy Lescun, a board-certified large animal surgeon, has been appointed head of the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences in the Purdue university College of Veterinary Medicine.

Purdue Veterinary Medicine Engages with Swine Health Leaders at AASV

The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine was well-represented at the 2026 American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) Annual Meeting, which provided important continuing education and networking opportunities for swine practitioners. The conference in Las Vegas February 28 through March 3, 2026, also provided the opportunity for the college to engage with alumni and partners who are influencing the future of animal agriculture.

Boilers, Ballgowns, Boilermaker Pride and PVM!

With a fun twist on classic title, the 2026 Purdue Boilermaker Ball provided a meaningful evening of celebrating Purdue University’s distinguished heritage and traditions, and the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine was proud to be part of the event. Dubbed “A Midwinter Night’s Dream,” the festive function February 28 at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown proved to be one enchanted evening! PVM alumni and donors were among the guests for the creative black-tie event, and enjoyed the opportunity to visit and share the common commitment to veterinary medicine, animal health, and the mission of the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Purdue Alumni Honored with IVMA Awards for Achievement, Volunteer Service and Contributions to Profession

The Indiana Veterinary Medical Association (IVMA) recognized several Purdue Veterinary Medicine alumni with awards and honors at the association’s 2026 Crossroads Veterinary Conference.  The annual meeting in Noblesville, Indiana, was held February 5-7 and featured scientific and practice management sessions for veterinary professionals as well as an exhibit hall. As part of the conference, the IVMA hosted its membership meeting February 5, when awards and honors were presented.

Keeping Your Pets Safe from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)

The Purdue Veterinary Hospital has not detected Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in its practices but is providing important information to help pet and livestock owners stay informed. HPAI affects various species, including birds, cats, dogs, and livestock, and can spread through contact with infected animals or raw food. To reduce risk, avoid feeding raw meat or unpasteurized dairy to pets, limit wildlife exposure, and use protective gear when handling animals. Owners of feline and avian patients will be asked screening questions during appointments.

Purdue Engineering Hosts PVM Canine Educators for ‘Canines, Cookies, and Calm’ During Mental Health Action Week

Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s beloved Canine Educators found themselves amidst a throng of engineering students last Friday, March 7, in the Herman & Heddy Kurz Atrum of Armstrong Hall, where they were the center of attention during an event on the final day of Purdue’s Mental Health Action Week (MHAW). Named “Canines, Cookies, and Calm,” the event hosted by the College of Engineering fostered smiles, laughter, and endless thanks from a total of some 300 engineering students.

“Paws Up” – brought to you by the PVM Wellness Committee

March is National Social Work Month! It’s a perfect time to recognize our very own Veterinary Hospital Social Worker, Jennifer Dehn, LSW, MSW.