Purdue Homecoming Spotlight Shines on Small Animal Primary Care

Bethany kneels down to pet Finn as she looks toward the camera smiling
Bethany Shepard, the daughter of PVM Director of Lifelong Learning Ben Shepard, hangs out with Finn, a former canine educator, at the PVM tent on Boilermaker Boulevard during Purdue’s Homecoming pre-game event.

Purdue Veterinary Medicine was on display for Purdue alumni, football fans, and community residents as part of the “Boilermaker Boulevard” during the family-friendly celebration on the Purdue Mall Saturday morning, October 2.  The festive pre-game event gave visitors a chance to learn more about various colleges and programs at Purdue before the Boilermaker football team took the field for the homecoming game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers in a rainy Ross-Ade Stadium. 

The Purdue Veterinary Medicine tent was a hit with Purdue fans, thanks to the team of volunteer people and pets who staffed the display. Small Animal Primary Care Wellness Clinician Lori Corriveau (PU DVM ’99) and students Brianna Newton (DVM Class of 2025), Erin Paul (DVM Class of 2023), Leeza Kuo (DVM Class of 2023), and Kelsey Stoughton (Veterinary Nursing Class of 2023) answered visitors’ pet health questions, provided them with treats for cats and dogs, and shared information about the importance of flea and tick preventives. They were accompanied by Finn, a former canine educator, and Dr. Corriveau’s cats, Baby Kitty and Theodore.  Tent activities included the “Wheel of Tick” trivia game, a “Tick Toss” game, and adorable photo-ops with Baby Kitty, Theodore and Finn!

A big thank you to Dr. Corriveau, the students, and the pets for staffing the tent and to Susan Xioufaridou, PVM director of alumni relations and special events, for organizing the college’s participation in Purdue’s Homecoming event.

A little girl wearing a Purdue cheerleading outfit in black and gold tosses a "tick" onto the spotted dog backdrop as a PVM volunteer stands by to assist
A young Purdue fan enjoys playing the “Tick-Toss” game at the PVM tent that was part of the Homecoming family-friendly celebration.

Writer(s): Susan Xioufaridou | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Recent Stories

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

This week, our appreciation is extended to Dr. Dielson Vieira who is a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Basic Medical Sciences.

When Therapy Isn’t Enough

Emma Senter, a Purdue University Department of Psychological Sciences junior, has always considered herself an animal person. So, when she had the opportunity to join the Human-Animal Partnerships and Interactions (HAPI) Lab in the College of Veterinary Medicine, she jumped at the chance.

PVM Collaborates with Indianapolis Zoo to Host Emerging Conservationist Award Winner at Lynn Hall

Purdue veterinary students had a unique chance this week to hear first-hand from one of the world’s leading conservationists who is making a significant impact while still early in his career.  Through a collaborative arrangement with the Indianapolis Zoo, the College of Veterinary Medicine hosted a visit by Mwezi “Badru” Mugerwa, the winner of the 2025 Indianapolis Prize Emerging Conservationist Award, on Monday, September 29, so he could share his message with Purdue DVM students.

Career Fair Connects PVM Students with Future Opportunities

Close to 75 veterinary medical employers, ranging from individual veterinary practices to corporate enterprises, sent representatives to Purdue University for the College of Veterinary Medicine’s annual Career Fair for DVM and Veterinary Technology students. Held in the Purdue Memorial Union Ballrooms Friday afternoon, September 19, the event attracted a strong turnout of students excited to learn about future career opportunities.