In Memory: Dr. Conelius (Neil) Vanderkolk (PU DVM ’74)

The Purdue Veterinary Medicine community is saddened to learn of the passing of an alumnus and dedicated veterinarian, Dr. Cornelius “Neil” Vanderkolk, of Oxford, Indiana, who died June 8, 2025. He was 75.

Born in Aurora, Illinois, Dr. Vanderkolk graduated from Lafayette Jefferson High School and went on to enroll at Purdue University, where he earned his DVM degree in 1974. Dr. Vanderkolk served with the Indiana State Board of Animal Health supporting Biosecurity Programs, and was a long-time member of the Indiana Veterinarian Medical Association. He also enjoyed reading history, economics and medical books, and was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Visitation and a memorial service were held Saturday, July 12, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in West Lafayette, Indiana. Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.hippensteelfuneralservice.com.

Click here to view the obituary.

Writer(s): PVM News | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Recent Stories

Two PVM Faculty Members Recognized with Purdue Seed for Success Acorn Awards

Purdue University has released this year’s list of Purdue researchers who received the university’s prestigious Seed for Success Acorn Awards, and the honorees include two Department of Basic Medical Sciences faculty members. The Seed for Success Acorn Awards are presented by the Office of Research to recognize investigators for their accomplishment in obtaining external sponsored awards of $1 million or more.

National Meeting Spotlights Purdue Comparative Pathobiology Department and Graduate Student Scholarship

Fall marked an important milestone for veterinary laboratory diagnosticians in general and a Purdue Department of Comparative Pathobiology graduate student in particular. The occasion was the 2025 annual joint meeting of the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD) and the United States Animal Health Association (USAHA), held October 30 – November 5 in Aurora, Colorado, where Purdue Veterinary Medicine was well-represented.

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

Let’s unleash some appreciation this week for John Fisher, who is the admissions process manager in the Veterinary Administration Department.

Purdue Veterinary Medicine Alumna Joins Shedd Aquarium’s Animal Health Team

Lots of water and sea life are key elements of a dream that has come true for Purdue alumna Kelsey (Trumpp) Ryan (PU DVM 2019), who recently joined the decorated team of animal care professionals at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. Dr. Ryan, Dipl. ACZM, will serve as an associate veterinarian at the aquarium’s A. Watson Armour III Center for Animal Health and Welfare, where she will help oversee preventative exams and veterinary care for some 32,000 animals that call Shedd home, from majestic, cold-water belugas to colorful, reef-dwelling butterflyfish.