Purdue Veterinary Medicine Engages with Swine Health Leaders at AASV

A man is standing at a podium in front of a projector screen that displays a slide of six people. — AASV Past President and Purdue DVM alumnus Dr. Jeff Harker, of the Class of 1994, spoke at the Max Rodibaugh Memorial Practice Tips seminar Saturday, February 28 during the AASV Annual Meeting in Las Vegas.

The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine was well-represented at the 2026 American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) Annual Meeting, which provided important continuing education and networking opportunities for swine practitioners. The conference in Las Vegas February 28 through March 3, 2026, also provided the opportunity for the college to engage with alumni and partners who are influencing the future of animal agriculture.

A group of nine people are wearing business attire and are standing in front of a tan wall. — Purdue DVM graduate Dylan Lape (at left) with Rick Swalla of Zoetis and other recipients of the AASVF-Zoetis Foundation Student Debt Relief Grants who were recognized at the AASV Annual Meeting.

Another special feature of the AASV Annual meeting involved the recognition of alumnus Dylan Lape of the Purdue DVM Class of 2018, who was one of several veterinarians honored as recipients $7,500 AASVF-Zoetis Foundation Student Debt Relief Grants awarded by the American Association of Swine Veterinarians Foundation. The grants are funded by a $75,000 grant from the Zoetis Foundation and are awarded to ten swine veterinarians who are two to ten years post-graduation. The intent is to offset a portion of student loan debt and relieve some of the burden associated with the significant financial cost of completing a veterinary medical education. Congratulations Dr. Lape!

A highlight of the week was the Purdue Alumni Reception, where swine veterinarians gathered to reconnect with their alma mater, former classmates, and college leaders. Alumni shared stories about their time at Purdue, discussed current challenges in the field, and explored ways to strengthen the connection between the college and the swine industry. Purdue Pete even made an appearance on the famous Las Vegas strip at the reception venue!

A group of five people are posed around a reception table in a room that has a pink neon-glow — Saturday evening, Purdue Veterinary Medicine joined forces with Iowa State and the University of Minnesota to host an alumni reception. Over 30 Purdue alumni attended the event.

A number of the PVM alumni in attendance began their Purdue journey as undergraduate students in the College of Agriculture, and built a strong foundation in animal sciences before continuing their education in the College of Veterinary Medicine. Their path reflects the enduring partnership Purdue Agriculture and Purdue Veterinary Medicine that helps prepare graduates with the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to serve animal agriculture and protect animal health.

By engaging with graduates and industry partners at the conference, the College of Veterinary Medicine continued to strengthen relationships that support student success, advance research, and ensure Purdue remains a leader in the veterinary profession. The college plans future opportunities to support alumni connections at the American Association of Bovine Practitioners and the American Association of Equine Practitioners, as well as with the poultry industry, later this year.

Writer(s): PVM News | pvmnews@purdue.edu

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