Open House Draws Public to Purdue Veterinary Medicine on Spring Fest Weekend

April 5, 2024

Young Open House visitors learn about using an endoscope after gowning-up in the Teddy Bear Suturing and “Dress like a Surgeon” Suite organized by third-year veterinary students.
Young Open House visitors learn about using an endoscope after gowning-up in the Teddy Bear Suturing and “Dress like a Surgeon” Suite organized by third-year veterinary students.

Next weekend, Saturday, April 13, the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine will host the annual Open House as part of Purdue’s Spring Fest weekend, attracting hundreds of visitors of all ages to Lynn Hall.  Spring Fest is a free and inclusive festival open to all, featuring activities at 36 sites across campus. 

The Purdue Veterinary Medicine Open House will run from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  Featured activities and events will include tours of the Purdue University Small Animal Hospital showcasing the high standard of care provided at the facilities, demonstrations including a Police K9 show and, at the third-year veterinary student room, Teddy Bear Suturing and the chance to “Dress Like a Surgeon” and learn about endoscopes and radiology.

Among other popular Open House features will be the “Creepy Crawlies” exhibit that explains threats to pet health; a display of winning 4-H Veterinary Science posters and projects from around the state that were showcased at the Indiana State Fair; the Petting Zoo with a variety of animals such as baby chicks, sheep, horses, and more; and presentations about the college’s Canine Educator program, Shelter Medicine, and the Veterinary Nursing Program.  Student clubs such as the Exotics Club, Veterinary Students as One in Culture and Ethnicity (VOICE), and the Student Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society, also will have displays and exhibits. 

Additionally, visitors will be able to grab a bite to eat at the Food Animal Club tent, where burgers, hot dogs, and sides will be available for purchase. Families and children also will be able to pick up a Graduation Day card at the Welcome Table when they arrive and then collect stamps as they visit the various displays, demonstrations and events.  Completed cards will earn children the right to receive a “diploma” and a graduation photo at the information booth.

Children who collect all the necessary stamps on their Graduation Day Card get to don a white coat and stethoscope for their “graduation photo” during the Open House.
Children who collect all the necessary stamps on their Graduation Day Card get to don a white coat and stethoscope for their “graduation photo” during the Open House.

Elsewhere on campus, Spring Fest activities will include the annual Plant Sale and the legendary Bug Bowl that includes the Cockroach Colosseum.  Other major events held in tandem with Spring Fest will include the 16th annual Purdue Challenge 5k run/walk, supporting the Purdue University Institute for Cancer Research, and Purdue Aviation Day.

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

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