Purdue Day of Giving Proves Remarkable for Purdue Veterinary Medicine!

Three individuals are standing in front of a window. All three are wearing olive green medical scrubs. — Fourth-year veterinary students (l-r) Angela Ruiz, Kyle Barron, and Daja Hollis joined in the Purdue Day of Giving festivities as students, staff and faculty enjoyed donuts and coffee with Dean Bret Marsh in the morning on April 29.

As the final seconds ticked away at the conclusion of the 13^th Purdue Day of Giving April 29, the numbers revealed an astounding day of giving for the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine. The college landed in fourth place on the university’s Donation Leaderboard with a fundraising total of more than $5.95 million, behind only the Daniels School of Business, Athletics, and the College of Engineering.

The college not only achieved success in terms of the final tally, but based on its percentage of the total amount raised by the university on the Purdue Day of Giving, PVM received $6,279 in bonus funds. The day’s activities also fostered a sense of community and camaraderie. Events included Coffee and Donuts with Dean Bret Marsh during the morning in the hallway that connects Lynn Hall with the Brunner Small Animal Hospital. During the day, a photo booth provided opportunities for students to take festive photos for a chance to win extra cash for their clubs. And from 4:00 to 5:00 in the afternoon, staff, students and faculty were able to gather with the PVM Canine Educators for photo ops in front of the Continuum Sculpture, as the college marks 25 years since the landmark art installation was dedicated.

A group of six people are standing in front of a colorful mural. The group is comprised of people in business casual attire and others in blue medical scrubs. — Purdue’s First Lady Kei Hui (2^nd from left) visited PVM and paused for a photo with Senior Development Director April Shepherd (left), 4^th-year veterinary students Adrian Dixon and Ashley Rauda, Dean Bret Marsh and veterinary technician Ashlee Hershman, RVT (right).

Dean Marsh said the college truly was honored by the generosity demonstrated by the host of donors who contributed on the Purdue Day of Giving, including alumni, friends, faculty and staff. “The total donated to our college represented a 260% increase over the amount raised during the previous Day of Giving,” Dean Marsh shared. “We are so grateful for every contribution, large and small, each of which shows how people value and support the great work being done by the great people in our college. We couldn’t be more honored and appreciative.”

Gifts to Purdue Veterinary Medicine included three over $1 million:

$3.045 million to the College of Veterinary Medicine for oncology research through an estate gift
$1.3 million estate gift for scholarships, research and Veterinary Hospital support
$1 million to a College of Veterinary Medicine scholarship endowment from the Adam and John Brown Foundation

“The success of the Purdue Day of Giving reflects the dedication of our teams and the momentum surrounding the College of Veterinary Medicine,” said April Shepherd, PVM senior director of development. “It was a testament to what can be accomplished and a glimpse of what is to come. I’m grateful to have played even a small role in such a meaningful day.”

four women are posed in front of a Purdue University photo backdrop. They are incorporating props into their photo and one of the women is holding a sign that says "#PURDUEVETMED" — A photo booth gave students like Veterinary Business Management Association members Lois Sadlowski, Ashley Diecks, Alexis Hernandez and Katrina Gangstad, all of the Class of 2028, a chance to strike a festive pose and gain a chance to win extra funds for their club.

A special thank you to everyone who participated in the college’s Purdue Day of Giving activities, whether by capturing a photo op or making a gift. The success reflected everyone’s involvement! Thank you again!

A large group of people is posed in front of a sculptural stone outside of a brick building. They are positioned in front of a backdrop that says "Day of Giving". There is a dog in the front-center of the group. — The Purdue Day of Giving at Lynn Hall concluded with a chance to get keepsake photos with PVM’s Canine Educators at the Continuum Sculpture.

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

Recent Stories

Taco ’bout our amazing people!

With the conclusion of the summer season rapidly approaching, faculty and staff at the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine were treated to a taco luncheon on Friday, August 14 in appreciation of their excellence and dedication throughout the year. Though the event couldn't take place in the Lynn Hall Courtyard as originally planned, the rainy weather that day did not dampen the celebration of the college's incredible faculty and staff.

Reception honors visiting Japanese DVM and veterinary technology students

Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s partnership with two veterinary schools in Japan was the basis for a celebratory reception at the end of last week, as the college honored visiting students from Kitasato University and Rakuno Gakuen University. The eight member delegation included four DVM students and a faculty member from Kitasato University and two veterinary nursing students and a faculty member from Rakuno Gakuen University. The reception on Friday morning, August 14, served as an informal farewell and included a brief recognition program when each of the Japanese visitors received a commemorative certificate.

ADDL and CPB Department welcome new pathology residents and intern

A trio of veterinary graduates started their pathology residencies at Purdue Veterinary Medicine this summer while a fourth veterinarian began a pathology internship in the Department of Comparative Pathobiology. This newest class of students pursuing post-DVM training in pathology includes Purdue veterinary alumni and graduates of universities abroad.

PVM Team Shares Collaborative Approach at National Advancement Conference

When alumni and donors choose to invest their time, talents, and resources in the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, they typically are not focusing on departments or organizational charts—they're thinking about the college they love. That simple idea was the foundation of a presentation delivered by Julia Wickard, executive director of the Purdue Veterinary Alumni Association and constituent liaison, and April Shepherd, PVM’s senior director of development, at the Association of Veterinary Advancement Professionals (AVAP) Annual Meeting, which was held July 8-10, just prior to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Annual Convention in Anaheim, California.

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

This week we are happy to highlight Lanora Lannan, who is the client liaison for Small Animal Primary Care.

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

Today we are highlighting Dr. Michelle Tucker, who is an assistant professor of large animal surgery, for contributing to a rewarding learning environment here at the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Purdue Veterinary Medicine and Purdue Football Share Bullish Outlook at Summer Event

Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine Dean Bret Marsh, DVM, recently attended the Purdue Football Coaches Celebration at McGraw’s Purdue Chop House in West Lafayette, where he connected with new Purdue Head Football Coach Barry Odom. The event, hosted by McGraw’s owner Todd McGraw, also featured an opportunity to meet “Odom,” the Purdue Beef Angus Bull that serves as the latest symbol of Boilermaker pride.

Recognition Ceremony Honors VCS Residents, Graduate Students, and Purdue Veterinary Hospital Interns

More than 100 faculty and staff of the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences (VCS) and the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital (PVH) gathered at Lafayette’s Thomas Duncan Hall on Thursday, June 26 for the 2025 Resident and Intern Recognition Ceremony. The historic venue was a wonderful place to host this annual event that honors and celebrates the accomplishments of the VCS and PVH residents, interns, and graduate students who are completing their programs this summer.