Applause, cheers, and waving gold pom-poms greeted members of Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s Class of 2025 as they processed through the Purdue Memorial Union Ballrooms for the start of the College of Veterinary Medicine’s May Graduation Celebration. The event on Saturday, May 17, which followed the university commencement ceremony in the Elliot Hall of Music, attracted a capacity crowd of family, friends and loved ones.
The excitement was palpable as the DVM and Veterinary Nursing graduates took their seats at the front of the North Ballroom and Dean Bret Marsh began the Oath Ceremony, which represents a long-standing college tradition. “Ever since our first class graduated in 1963, the college has held the Oath Ceremony in conjunction with the main university commencement exercises in May,” Dean Marsh said. He added that, after the Purdue Veterinary Technology program was established to educate the “nurses” in the veterinary profession, and the first veterinary technician class graduated in 1976, the college started a tradition of also conducting the Veterinary Technician Oath Ceremony.
“Our college is committed to, and takes pride in, educating the entire veterinary medical team. Therefore, we unified the oath ceremonies for Veterinary Nurses and Veterinarians into one program,” Dean Marsh explained. He then introduced special guest speakers who each addressed the graduates: Leslie Popplewell Ferguson, RVT, a 2001 Purdue veterinary technology graduate and president of the Purdue Veterinary Alumni Association; Kelsey Guenther, RVT, who is the Central District representative for the Indiana Veterinary Technician Association; and Dr. Lindsey Hedges, who earned her Purdue DVM degree in 2011, and is the immediate past president of the Indiana Veterinary Medical Association.
The ceremony continued with recognition of the college’s veterinary nursing graduates. Dean Marsh explained that the Purdue Veterinary Nursing Program Associate in Applied Science and Bachelor of Science degree recipients have attained a valued position on the veterinary health care delivery team. “These graduates have earned the right to be identified by wearing the Purdue University veterinary nursing pin, which they will receive when they come forward to the stage as their names are called,” Dean Marsh explained. He then introduced their class responder, Aaliyah Turner, BS, RVT, of Fairland, Indiana. Turner served as president of the Veterinary Nursing Student Organization.
Speaking on behalf of her peers, Turner thanked their families, the faculty, and everyone in the Veterinary Nursing Program Office. She also expressed appreciation to the DVM Class of 2025. “I enjoyed working alongside you and learning from one another,” Turner said. “Finally I want to thank my fellow classmates. We formed a bond that many classes are not fortunate enough to have. From scrambling in the locker rooms trying to figure out which pair of scrubs to wear to lab, to meeting after an exam to cry together, we were a team always.”
Turner then reminded her classmates of where they started when they began their studies in Lynn Hall. “Remember what it took to become who you are as a veterinary nurse. You have accomplished so much!” She added, “Good luck out there, even though you guys really don’t need it, and congratulations!”
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Kathy Salisbury then stepped to the podium to announce the names of the veterinary nursing graduates as they ascended the stage and were congratulated by Dean Marsh before taking their positions on risers. First the Associate in Applied Science degree recipients were recognized, followed by the Bachelor of Science degree recipients. As graduate Teaira Abels crossed the stage, Dr. Salisbury also announced that she is the recipient of this year’s Outstanding Veterinary Nurse Award, which is given for outstanding academics and excellent clinical skills.
Once all the graduates had taken their places on the risers, they posed for a class photo. Then Jennifer Smith, RVT, senior instructional technologist for the Veterinary Nursing program, led the graduates in reciting the Veterinary Technician Oath.
After the veterinary nursing graduates returned to their seats, Dean Marsh stepped to the podium again to address the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program graduates. He reminded them that, as members of the college’s 63rd graduating DVM class, they join more than 3,500 Purdue veterinary alumni. “Our faculty members have witnessed your transformation from junior colleagues with high ideals and aspirations, to full-fledged veterinary professionals,” Dean Marsh said. “We believe that you are indeed ready to assume your new role as veterinarians.”
Dean Marsh then introduced Dr. Frank Leitgeb, of Astoria, New York, as the DVM class member chosen by his peers to give the formal class response. “We’ve earned this,” Dr. Leitgeb said as he looked toward his classmates. “No matter how chaotic or overwhelming things got, we didn’t give up. We earned this title, every single one of us.” But he added, they couldn’t have done it alone, and, on behalf of his classmates, he thanked their mentors, families, partners, and friends.
Then he took a moment to remember a missing and dearly loved classmate who tragically lost his life in an accident two years ago, sharing, “…to those who aren’t with us here physically, but are forever with us in spirit, including our friend and classmate, Aaron Lewis, we carry you on in everything we do.”
Dr. Leitgeb concluded by emphasizing, “This moment is for all of us…Our partners, who made sure we ate and slept; our families, who made sure we were ok; and our friends, who made sure we weren’t alone. Here’s to the future, to the work ahead, and to finally getting to call ourselves doctors.”
Dr. Salisbury then returned to the podium to announce the names of the class members as they stepped onto the stage to be congratulated by Dean Marsh before taking their places on the risers. As the students were introduced, those receiving senior class awards were recognized:
Indiana Veterinary Medical Association Award for Clinical Proficiency in All Species
Recognizes proficiency in small animal medicine and surgery, large animal medicine and surgery, or in all species
Dr. Jennifer Pollic, Small Animal
Dr. Kallie Knott, Large Animal
Dr. Brayden Burbrink, All Species
American Association of Feline Practitioners Award
Presented to a student demonstrating highest proficiency in feline medicine and surgery
Dr. Sophie Scheer
Indiana Association of Equine Practitioners
Recognizes students exhibiting highest proficiency in equine medicine and surgery and displaying the highest degree of professionalism
Dr. Melissa Fiebelkorn
Dr. Emily Prugh
12th District of the Indiana Veterinary Medical Association Award
Presented to a student who demonstrates excellence in academic performance, research, or service in veterinary public health and preventive medicine
Dr. Mary Nowak
15th District of the Indiana Veterinary Medical Association/American Association of Bovine Practitioners Excellence in Bovine Veterinary Medicine Award
Recognizes a student who has demonstrated exceptional proficiency and interest in bovine production medicine and surgery
Dr. Kelsey D’Amico
American College of Veterinary Surgeons Award
Presented to students who demonstrate academic and clinical proficiency in surgery, as well as aptitude and interest in surgery
Dr. Madeleine Arndt, Small Animal
Dr. Zachary Sayre, Large Animal
American College of Theriogenologists Clinical Proficiency Student Award
Honors a DVM student who exemplifies clinical proficiency in theriogenology
Dr. Devon Anderson
IDEXX Award for Proficiency in Clinical Pathology
Recognizes a student who demonstrates a strong understanding of clinical pathology and its practical application to clinical cases
Dr. Mary Nowak
American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Certificate of Clinical Excellence
Awarded to two students in small animal and one in large animal who have demonstrated sincere interest in internal medicine
Dr. Rachel Stucky, Small Animal
Dr. Cameron Vaughn, Small Animal
Dr. Eve Neumann, Large Animal
Comparative Ophthalmology Award
Awarded to a student who demonstrates excellence in academic performance, research, or service in comparative ophthalmology
Dr. Candis Hoskins
American Academy of Veterinary Dermatology Award
Presented to a student who excels in clinical dermatology
Dr. Jennifer Pollic
Bob Rosenthal Senior Student Award in Clinical Oncology
Recognizes a student who demonstrates proficiency in the care of veterinary oncology patients and aptitude in clinical oncology
Dr. Jennifer Pollic
Veterinary Clinical Sciences Award for Exceptional Clinical Proficiency by a Clinical Year Student
Recognizes a student who demonstrates excellence in patient care, knowledge of medical principles of disease, teamwork, and improvement in clinical proficiency
Dr. Brooke Foster
G. Edward Cummins Compassionate Care Award
Recognizes a student exemplifying clinical training and compassion for animals and clients alike
Dr. Kaitlyn Wolfe
Bastien Award
Presented to a student exemplifying empathy and exceptional care to canine patients
Dr. Juli Soda
Shelter Medicine Program Award
Recognizes a student who exemplifies compassion for shelter pets, excellent interaction with shelter clients, and proficiency in shelter medicine
Dr. Sharon Meoli
Central Indiana Veterinary Medical Association Award
Honors a student with outstanding client communication skills
Dr. Devon Anderson
Class of 1983 Award
Presented to students who have overcome obstacles or persevered despite difficult circumstances in pursuit of the DVM degree
Dr. Madeleine Arndt
Dr. Sharon Meoli
Purdue Veterinary Alumni Association Senior Leadership Award
Honors a student selected by classmates for demonstrating leadership through involvement in school activities, service to community, and engagement with the veterinary medical profession
Dr. Megan Colborn
American Animal Hospital Association Award for Proficiency in Primary Care
Presented to a veterinary student with proficiency in primary care
Dr. Aric Swihart
American College of Veterinary Pathologists Award for Excellence in Veterinary Pathology
Recognizes an outstanding veterinary student who demonstrates exceptional proficiency and interest in anatomic and/or clinical pathology
Dr. Frank Leitgeb
Zoetis and Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society Award for Proficiency in Emergency and Critical Care
Honors a student who demonstrates extraordinary commitment and exceptional proficiency in caring for emergency and critical care patients (regardless of species)
Dr. Megan Colborn
Once all the DVM graduates had been introduced, they paused for a class picture and then were led by Dean Marsh in reciting the Veterinarian’s Oath. Before stepping down, they were joined by the veterinary nursing graduates who returned to the stage for a photo of all the graduates together as the comprehensive veterinary team.
At that point all the graduates went back to their seats and Dean Marsh continued the ceremony by announcing the recipients of three teaching awards that recognized faculty and staff members who had instructed and worked alongside the graduates:
Beth Laffoon, MS, RVT, Instructional Technologist, received the Elanco Veterinary Technology Outstanding Teaching Award, which is given to honor a Veterinary Nursing educator who has clearly communicated course content, facilitated skill acquisition, motivated students, shown a continued willingness to facilitate learning outside of a formal setting, counseled and mentored students, and served as a positive role model.
Dr. Tim Bolton, Clinical Assistant Professor of Small Animal Internal Medicine, received the PVM Award for Excellence in Teaching Fourth Year DVM Students, which is given on the basis of a student ballot in which teaching effectiveness is evaluated using this standard: “An outstanding teacher is one who demonstrates superior ability in communicating the chosen material to students and stimulates their desire to master the material. This teacher will also recognize that their teaching responsibility does not stop at the classroom door, and therefore, will be ready to aid and motivate students in a counseling and advisory capacity, either formally or informally.”
Dr. Jim Weisman, former Assistant Dean of Clinical Education, received the Weedon Faculty Recognition Award, which is given to the faculty member who is determined by the fourth-year students to have made the greatest contribution to their class during their progress toward their DVM degree.
Dean Marsh then concluded the ceremony by thanking everyone present as well as those watching via the live stream for sharing in this momentous occasion in the lives of the newest PVM graduates. Then the graduates recessed to the back of the ballroom and out into the lobby for the Graduation Celebration reception, where they were able to pick up a gift from the Purdue Veterinary Alumni Association, mingle with faculty, staff, friends and family, and pose for numerous photos!
Congratulations to the PVM Class of 2025!
A recording of the live stream is available and can be accessed here:
(note the video starts 27 minutes into the live stream and the audio begins 32 minutes in).
Click here to access a gallery of photos from the ceremony available for viewing and purchase at www.lauschphotography.com. Use password “2025PVM” to open the 2025 Purdue Veterinary Medicine galleries and then choose the collection entitled, “2025 Purdue Veterinary Medicine Oath Ceremony.”