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

Recent Stories

Fourth Purdue AMR Conference Promotes Collaboration to Address Global Health Threat of Antimicrobial Resistance through PVM’s One Health Initiative.

Purdue University served as the place where local, national and international experts came together in-person and online recently for concentrated sharing of research, expertise and insight targeting the threat of multi-drug-resistant infections. The fourth annual AMR Conference February 25-26, 2026, held in Stewart Center, attracted more than 100 attendees from across the U.S. and six other countries.

Presentation of Research Poster Prizes Wraps up Antimicrobial Resistance Conference

Purdue University’s fourth Antimicrobial Resistance Conference concluded February 26 with remarks from Purdue Vice President for Health Affairs and Jeannie and Jim Chaney Dean of Pharmacy Eric Barker, PhD, who also announced the winners of the conference’s research poster session. The poster contest, which attracted more than 20 entries, was divided into categories for undergraduate and graduate students.

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

Today we are glad to highlight one of our own committee members. Charlene Evans, Toxicology Laboratory Supervisor in the Reed Animal Disease and Diagnostic Laboratory, is a wonderful champion for mental health and wellbeing on the PVM Wellness Committee and within the ADDL community.

Purdue Professor of Large Animal Surgery Named Veterinary Clinical Sciences Department Head

Dr. Timothy Lescun, a board-certified large animal surgeon, has been appointed head of the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences in the Purdue university College of Veterinary Medicine.

Boilers, Ballgowns, Boilermaker Pride and PVM!

With a fun twist on classic title, the 2026 Purdue Boilermaker Ball provided a meaningful evening of celebrating Purdue University’s distinguished heritage and traditions, and the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine was proud to be part of the event. Dubbed “A Midwinter Night’s Dream,” the festive function February 28 at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown proved to be one enchanted evening! PVM alumni and donors were among the guests for the creative black-tie event, and enjoyed the opportunity to visit and share the common commitment to veterinary medicine, animal health, and the mission of the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Purdue Alumni Honored with IVMA Awards for Achievement, Volunteer Service and Contributions to Profession

The Indiana Veterinary Medical Association (IVMA) recognized several Purdue Veterinary Medicine alumni with awards and honors at the association’s 2026 Crossroads Veterinary Conference. The annual meeting in Noblesville, Indiana, was held February 5-7 and featured scientific and practice management sessions for veterinary professionals as well as an exhibit hall. As part of the conference, the IVMA hosted its membership meeting February 5, when awards and honors were presented.

Keeping Your Pets Safe from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)

The Purdue Veterinary Hospital has not detected Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in its practices but is providing important information to help pet and livestock owners stay informed. HPAI affects various species, including birds, cats, dogs, and livestock, and can spread through contact with infected animals or raw food. To reduce risk, avoid feeding raw meat or unpasteurized dairy to pets, limit wildlife exposure, and use protective gear when handling animals. Owners of feline and avian patients will be asked screening questions during appointments.

Purdue Engineering Hosts PVM Canine Educators for ‘Canines, Cookies, and Calm’ During Mental Health Action Week

Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s beloved Canine Educators found themselves amidst a throng of engineering students last Friday, March 7, in the Herman & Heddy Kurz Atrum of Armstrong Hall, where they were the center of attention during an event on the final day of Purdue’s Mental Health Action Week (MHAW). Named “Canines, Cookies, and Calm,” the event hosted by the College of Engineering fostered smiles, laughter, and endless thanks from a total of some 300 engineering students.

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

March is National Social Work Month! It’s a perfect time to recognize our very own Veterinary Hospital Social Worker, Jennifer Dehn, LSW, MSW.

In Memory – Dr. Raymond Backe (PU DVM ’66)

The Purdue Veterinary Medicine community mourns the passing of Dr. Ray Backe, an alumnus who was a member of the college’s fourth graduating class – the Class of 1966. Dr. Backe, of Amherst Junction, Wisconsin, formerly of Greendale, Wisconsin, passed away January 19, 2025. He was 84.