Purdue Veterinary Medicine Spotlights International Programs at Global Engagement Fair
Going global is a popular ambition in the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine as evidenced by the turnout for the college’s annual Global Engagement Fair last Friday, October 17. Held in the Veterinary Medical Library in Lynn Hall, the festive event featured international cuisine and displays about various study abroad opportunities available to Purdue DVM and Veterinary Technology students.
After the students, faculty and staff in attendance had a chance to sample hors d’oeuvres, view the displays and visit with students who have completed study abroad opportunities, the college’s Director of Global Engagement Addison Sheldon called everyone together for a brief program and recognition ceremony. “This is the fourth time that we are hosting this Global Engagement Fair,” Sheldon said as he shared how the college has achieved a participation rate of 50 to 60 percent of the students in each graduating class choosing to study abroad.
Sheldon also expressed appreciation for the faculty members who lead the study abroad programs, and gave a big thank you to Dean Bret Marsh for supporting study abroad scholarships for the students. He also highlighted the range of international learning opportunities available for the students, including new programs in Ecuador, Scotland, New Zealand and Namibia along with ongoing study abroad programs in Guatemala, Brazil, South Africa, Central Europe, Switzerland, Japan, Zimbabwe, Morocco and Nepal.
Sheldon then recognized this year’s recipients of the college’s Global Veterinary Certificate. “Today, we celebrate a group of students who chose to do something that goes beyond their formal education here in Lynn Hall,” Sheldon said. “They chose to engage with the world, and they took the steps to learn, reflect, and grow as globally minded veterinarians.”
Sheldon went on to share how the Global Veterinary Certificate is more than just a line on a résumé or an extra credential or piece of paper. “It represents intentional effort to understand how veterinary medicine fits into a much larger global framework of animal, human, and environmental health. These students took the time to explore perspectives beyond their own.”
Sheldon continued, “So, while this certificate may look small in your hand, I think what it represents is quite significant. It shows that you’ve chosen to think deeply, engage broadly, and practice globally. And I think that’s something worth celebrating.” He then called forward the certificate recipients, recognizing each one individually. A total of 20 second- and third-year students completed the certificate program including 11 from the Class of 2028 and nine from the Class of 2027.
Congratulations to all of the Global Veterinary Certificate recipients!
Class of 2027:
- Maya Fulton
- Emily Heidemann
- Joyce Jia
- Payton Love
- Alicia Ramirez
- Jose Meza Sanchez
- Caitlin Wager
- Delaney Winter
- Jared Young
Class of 2028:
- Rebekah Addison
- Jessica Agonis
- Riley Beliveau
- Emily Godollei-Jacob
- Twinkle Kaur
- Madeline Mair
- Amanda Mills
- Megan Muñoz
- Azure Patterson
- Brenna Shaw
- Tamea Smith