During the Indiana Veterinary Medical Association (IVMA) awards ceremony conducted as part of the 2024 IVMA Crossroads Veterinary Conference in Noblesville, Indiana, two DVM graduates of the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine received special recognition. The IVMA President’s Award was presented to Dr. Robyn Kurtz (PU DVM ’82), of Hagerstown, Indiana, and the IVMA Achievement Award was given to Dr. Mallory Clayton (PU DVM 2019) of Lafayette, Indiana.
The IVMA Achievement Award is presented to an IVMA member who has graduated within the last five years and displayed outstanding accomplishments in veterinary research, civic activities, academia, and/or organized veterinary medicine. As soon as Dr. Clayton earned her Purdue DVM degree in 2019, she experienced an unexpected twist in her initial job hunt, when immediately upon graduation she became the owner of the Greater Lafayette Cat Hospital, where she continues to serve as the primary veterinarian . While working in her new position, Dr. Clayton completed a two-year feline medicine course through the University of Sydney Center for Veterinary Education, with plans to become board certified in feline practice once eligible. As an active member of the IVMA, Dr. Clayton found participation in the association’s Power of 10 Program to be fundamental to personal development, which has played a key role in navigating the complexities of working as an independent practice owner. Additionally, the IVMA’s new Power of Business curriculum resulted from a suggestion by Dr. Clayton.
The President’s Award is given by the outgoing IVMA President in recognition of an Indiana veterinarian or citizen who has made exceptional contributions to the association during the president’s term in office. This year, the president, Dr. Greg Kurtz (PU DVM ’82), had the unique honor and privilege of giving the award to his classmate, practice partner and wife, Dr. Robyn Kurtz, who is the managing partner of Kurtz Veterinary Clinic in Hagerstown. The clinic is a four-doctor practice serving the animal owners of east central Indiana. Dr. Kurtz prioritizes advocacy for the veterinary patient while considering the needs and constraints of the family. Dr. Kurtz also has served the Hagerstown community on the Hagerstown Parks Board, Jefferson Township Library Board, Hagerstown Little League Board of Directors, and as a founding board member of the Wayne County Challenge.
Dr. Kurtz also has served as president of the Purdue Veterinary Alumni Association and is a past president of the 10th District of the IVMA. Additionally she organized and is the contact person for the Purdue DVM Class of ’82 Scholarship Fund. Drs. Robyn and Greg Kurtz have three adult children, three grandchildren, and a Golden Retriever, GG (Golden Girl), which Robyn has trained as a therapy dog that loves visiting the local elementary school. Dr. Kurtz also is an active member of Zions’ Lutheran Church in Pershing, Indiana.