In Memory: Retired PVM Faculty Member Richard Borgens

December 6, 2019

A person in professional attire holds a small dog in an indoor setting, with a computer and various documents in the background. — Richard Borgens, director of Purdue University’s Center for Paralysis Research, helps paralyzed dogs like Kady walk again with the help of treatments like polyethylene glycol (PEG) injections. In a recent study, more than half of the paralyzed dogs that received injections of the polymer within 72 hours of traumatic spinal injury were standing or walking again within weeks. (Credit: North Texan Magazine)

The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine received sad news last week about Dr. Richard Borgens, a retired faculty member and true pioneer in the field of paralysis research, who passed away November 25. He was 73.

A graduate of North Texas State University, Dr. Borgens earned his PhD in developmental biology at Purdue University in 1977. After serving as a post-doctoral fellow at Yale University and working at the Institute for Medical research in California and the Jackson Laboratory in Maine, Dr. Borgens returned to Purdue as a faculty member in the College of Veterinary Medicine and established the Center for Paralysis Research. In addition to serving as the center director, Dr. Borgens held a joint appointment as the Mari Hulman George Professor of Applied Neuroscience in the Department of Basic Medical Sciences and professor of biomedical engineering. He also served as a founding board member and chief scientific officer for Andara Life Sciences, Inc.

Regarded as a preeminent researcher in spinal cord neuronal regeneration, Dr. Borgens also was instrumental in the development of Ampyra, a pharmaceutical aid for multiple sclerosis patients. Purdue researchers developed the original concept and basic science, and conducted initial animal studies at Purdue’s Center for Paralysis Research facilities. The first clinical testing of the drug in paraplegic canines occurred on the Purdue campus in the College of Veterinary Medicine. “Dr. Borgens had a true passion and energy for the work he did in pursuit of new treatments for paralysis and neurodegenerative diseases,” said Purdue Veterinary Medicine Dean Willie Reed. In 2006, the Indiana Health Industry Forum (IHIF) presented Dr. Borgens with the Outstanding Contribution to Scientific Commercialization Award.

Beyond his role as a Purdue faculty member, Dr. Borgens was known for his love of music. Originally trained on classical guitar, he played in many bands. Additionally, he loved history and enjoyed collecting and restoring automobiles and antique firearms. A tribute for Dr. Borgens was held at Lafayette’s Columbian Park on Wednesday, December 4. Click here for more information and to leave condolences.

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

Recent Stories

Purdue Equine Hospital Team Comes to Aid of Horse Injured in Severe Storm in Michigan

For a horse named Sassy, Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s Brunner Equine Hospital proved to be the right place at the right time to recover from a scary accident that happened during a severe storm in Michigan two weeks ago. According to Dr. Danielle Cucuzella, Purdue visiting assistant professor of large animal surgery, the Quarter Horse named Sassy was seriously hurt during near 100 mile-per-hour winds where she lived in Saint Louis, Michigan.

“Paws Up!” for 4th-year DVM students Colton and Kendall – brought to you by the PVM Wellness Committee

This week, we celebrate the caring and competence of two members of the new senior class of DVM students for their noteworthy service in the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital.

College of Veterinary Medicine Graduates Honored at Two Ceremonies During Purdue’s 2026 Commencement Weekend

A change in Purdue University’s traditional commencement weekend schedule resulted in two ceremonies recognizing graduates of the College of Veterinary Medicine in May. This year, veterinary technology graduates were honored at a ceremony that was separate from the commencement program for the DVM graduates. That’s because the university recognized all doctoral degree candidates in a single ceremony on Saturday, May 16. As a result, the veterinary technology degree recipients were honored Thursday, May 14, at one of several ceremonies for undergraduate degree candidates. Following that ceremony, the college hosted its traditional oath ceremony for the 2026 graduates of the Purdue Veterinary Technology program in the Purdue Memorial Union North Ballroom.

White Coat Ceremony Celebrates Third-year Veterinary Students’ Transition to Clinical Year

The Purdue Memorial Union ballrooms provided a classic setting for an annual event that has become a cherished tradition of the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine. Members of the DVM Class of 2027 gathered with family, friends, faculty and staff on the evening of April 18 for the annual White Coat Ceremony that signals the transition of the third year veterinary students from the classroom to the clinics.

Popular Purdue Veterinary Medicine Bone Marrow Workshop Goes on the Road to Mexico

An annual program hosted by two bone marrow experts with Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine ties, once again attracted strong attendance but in a new international location. This year, Drs. Joanne B. Messick and Rose E. Raskin were invited to Mexico City to present the Annual Bone Marrow Workshop at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM).

“Paws Up” for Dr. Madeleine Swindell – brought to you by the PVM Wellness Committee

Today we share appreciation for Dr. Madeleine Swindell, who is a Purdue Veterinary Hospital Small Animal Rotating Intern.

Awards Ceremony Honors Outstanding Purdue Veterinary Medicine Staff

Applause and periodic shouts of “Bravo” punctuated the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine’s annual spring Outstanding Staff and Bravo Awards Ceremony. The program held in Lynn Hall on May 13 honored some two dozen staff members for meritorious accomplishments.