In Memory: Dr. Robert E. Matus (PU DVM ’77)

The Purdue Veterinary Medicine family is saddened to learn that a member of the DVM Class of 1977, Dr. Robert E. Matus, has died.  Dr. Matus passed away at his home in West Oneonta, N.Y., on April 28.  He was 71.

A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Dr. Matus went to Indiana University on a diving scholarship before coming to Purdue where he worked as a diving coach to pay for his veterinary education.  After earning his DVM degree in 1977, he went into private practice and in 1982 became the head of the Donaldson-Atwood Cancer Clinic at the Animal Medical Center. He served in that capacity until 1992. Dr. Matus also was a founding member of Veterinary Cancer Society and a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM).

Swimming always remained an important part of his life and he also was an avid fisherman.

No visitation or services are scheduled at this time.  Arrangements are being handled by the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., Oneonta, NY.  For expressions of sympathy or to sign the guestbook, visit the funeral home website at www.lhpfuneralhome.com.  Click here to view the complete obituary.

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

Recent Stories

Contraceptive vaccine reduces fertility in animals to address wildlife overpopulation

A Purdue University contraceptive vaccine seeks to address animal overpopulation by markedly reducing fertility in feral horses, deer, swine and other animals. Dr. Harm HogenEsch, distinguished professor of immunopathology in Purdue University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, and Dr. Raluca Ostafe, director of Purdue University’s Molecular Evolution Protein Engineering and Production Facility, both members of the Purdue Institute for Inflammation, Immunology and Infectious Disease, have designed the vaccine based on the IZUMO1 mammalian sperm protein. It induces a robust and long-lasting immune response and infertility in female mammals.

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

This week Dr. Kristy Faulkner, a specialty intern in neurology, is being appreciated for supporting students’ morale and being a “baker extraordinaire,” taking extra steps in sharing her beautifully decorated cupcakes with the Small Animal Internal Medicine team.

Coppoc One Health Lecture Brings Co-leader of Innovative Dog Aging Project to PVM

“One Health at Home: Dogs as Sentinels of Environmental Exposure” is the title of the 2026 Coppoc One Health Lecture presented by Dr. Audrey Ruple, co-principal investigator for the largest animal-health research initiative to date – the Dog Aging Project.  Dr. Ruple, the Dorothy A. and Richard G. Metcalf Professor of Veterinary Medical Informatics at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech, gave her talk February 26 in Lynn 1136. The lecture was free and open to the public.

Three More Years: How Specialized Care Helped Extend One Dog’s Life

When Ella, a pittie beagle mix, was diagnosed with bladder cancer at age 11, Jennifer Turner knew she wanted to make every decision count. What she did not yet know was that a cross country drive to Purdue University would give her three more years with the dog she described as her constant companion.

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

This week we feel grateful for Anita Wolf, RVT, who is a veterinary technician in Intermediate Care in the Brunner Small Animal Hospital facility.

In Memory – Dr. Janet Weiss (PU DVM ’91)

The Purdue Veterinary community is saddened by the recent passing of Dr. Janet Weiss, an alumna who served as a dedicated veterinarian in Northwest Indiana. A resident of La Porte, Indiana, Dr. Weiss passed away February 20, 2025. She was 61.

Upcoming PVM Veterinary Nursing Symposium Features Hands-On Learning

Veterinary professionals in the field of veterinary nursing have a special opportunity to expand their expertise and earn continuing education (CE) at Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s Annual Veterinary Nursing Symposium. The one day continuing education program will be held at Lynn Hall on the Purdue campus March 23, 2025.

Zebra Foal Gets Lifesaving Help at Purdue University Equine Hospital

It’s not surprising to see a foal receiving emergency care at the Purdue University Equine Hospital during foaling season. The hospital’s team of expert clinicians and veterinary nurses are used to coming to the rescue when foals need special help to survive. But it was a surprise to see a foal named Marty arrive at the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit in February, because Marty is a zebra, and the hospital is in Indiana.