Diversity and Inclusion Certificate Recipients Honored

Diversity certificate recipients pictured

As part of the Outstanding Staff and Bravo Awards program and reception Monday, June 11, several Purdue Veterinary Medicine staff members were honored for completing the online Certificate Program for Diversity and Inclusion in Veterinary Medicine. Dean Willie Reed explained that the certificate program, developed in conjunction with the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges, is offered through PVM’s Center of Excellence for Diversity and Inclusion in Veterinary Medicine. “Diversity and inclusion are key components of our College’s values and culture, and we are proud of these individuals for their dedication in promoting a collegial work and learning environment enhanced by diversity,” Dean Reed said.

To successfully finish the online certificate program, the honorees completed a series of online modules; gained life experiences through volunteer community service and activities, such as attending cultural events and lectures in the community or national or regional meetings focused on diversity and inclusion; and reflected on their experiences. They also submitted a capstone paper on how they will use the information gained in the program to strengthen diversity and inclusion in veterinary medicine.

Congratulations to the following staff members on their successful completion of the certificate program:

Brenda Dittmar – small animal receptionist, Veterinary Teaching Hospital

Jeannine Henry – instructional technologist, Department of Veterinary Administration

William “Matt” Jarvi – secretary, Department of Comparative Pathobiology

Cindy Lavignette – client liaison representative, Veterinary Teaching Hospital

Nicole Rosen – Clinical Pathology Lab supervisor, Veterinary Teaching Hospital

William Smith, II – director of global engagement, Department of Veterinary Administration

Donna Tudor – diagnostic imaging technologist supervisor, Veterinary Teaching Hospital

Elizabeth Wilson – small animal receptionist, Veterinary Teaching Hospital

Sarah Woods – health information technician, Veterinary Teaching Hospital

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

Recent Stories

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

This week, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Jim Weisman, assistant dean for clinical education and clinical associate professor, for his many years of dedicated service to the Purdue Veterinary Medicine community.

One Health Film Festival Features Purdue Veterinary Medicine One Health Research

The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine has a longstanding commitment to One Health research and education. So it was natural for the college to agree to participate in a film festival orchestrated by an organization it is a member of called the Clinical and Translational Science Award One Health Alliance, or COHA.

PVM Puts Best Paw Forward at 2025 Open House Tomorrow

Lynn Hall will undergo a metamorphosis by nightfall tonight (Friday, April 11) as the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine prepares for the annual Open House tomorrow, Saturday, April 12. Planned by PVM students, the annual event will attract people of all ages who want to see animals and learn about animal health and the profession of Veterinary Medicine.

Upcoming Purdue Day of Giving Enables People and Pups to Unite for a Good Cause

Purdue University’s ever-popular 24-hour online-based annual fundraising effort – the Purdue Day of Giving – will take place Wednesday, April 30. That’s when Boilermakers across the world will have the opportunity to rally around this year’s theme of “All Hail!” – words taken from Purdue’s beloved fight song. For the College of Veterinary Medicine, this special day of giving will focus attention on ways Boilermaker alumni, fans and friends can support animal and human health and well-being by contributing to a variety of Purdue Veterinary Medicine funds.

Lucy’s Story

When an eight-year-old shepherd-mix dog named Lucy was injured after tragically getting struck by a car, co-parents Matt and Gretchen Walker were told that she would likely never walk again. That was over three years ago, in May of 2021. The Walkers, of Brookston, Indiana, had raised Lucy since she was a puppy, and knew that her life was nothing short of worth fighting for. “If she was willing to live, I was willing to do whatever it took,” Matt said as he recounted the story recently.