Purdue Veterinary Medicine Unites with Purdue United Way Campaign

Women appear to be speaking across a booth at an outdoor event — Attendees at the Purdue United Way kickoff event had the chance to connect with United Way of Greater Lafayette’s 23 nonprofit partner agencies, which receive direct support from Purdue United Way contributions. (Purdue University photo/John Underwood)

With the goal of raising $700,000 by November 4 to support local nonprofit organizations that help individuals and families in Greater Lafayette, the Purdue United Way campaign took off September 23 with an official campaign launch on the front lawn of the Purdue Memorial Union. Organized with support from Purdue Conferences, the event included information tables staffed by nonprofit partners; photo opportunities with Purdue Pete, the Boilermaker Xtra Special and the World’s Largest Drum; and live music from Rick DeSutter.

Bernie Engel, the Glenn W. Sample Dean of Agriculture and professor of agricultural and biological engineering, will lead the university’s fundraising effort as the 2026 Purdue United Way campaign champion. Purdue Veterinary Medicine, along with the university’s other college’s and units, will participate with the help of PVM faculty and staff ambassadors working to make it easy for people in the college to respond, whether by giving, or by indicating that they do not wish to give. Either choice is meaningful and counts as a response in the campaign.

As part of the PVM drive to support the campaign, Dean Bret Marsh and his wife, Polly, are contributing $5000 as a match for campaign contributions from college faculty and staff. Additionally, a drawing will be held to select winners from those who contribute for the following opportunities:

Private Lunch with Dean Marsh
Lunch with members of Cabinet
PVM Swag Bag
Two tickets for a Purdue Men’s Basketball Game (date TBD)

This year’s campaign theme is, “What’s Possible? Building Stronger Futures Together.” The theme celebrates the positive outcomes that can stem from Purdue faculty, staff, retirees and friends uniting around the shared goal of strengthening the Greater Lafayette community.

Six figures appear to be posed for a photo celebrating and wearing Purdue University apparel. Purdue Pete, the university mascot, is positioned on the far-right of the group. — Roberto Gallardo, vice president for engagement, and Bernie Engel, the Glenn W. Sample Dean of Agriculture and professor of agricultural and biological engineering, celebrate the launch of this year’s fundraising effort during a kickoff event at the Purdue Memorial Union. (Purdue University photo/John Underwood)

Campaign funds from Purdue United Way support a network of local agencies that provide resources like food and housing for families in crisis, mental health support, adult literacy programs, and services for seniors and people with disabilities. More than 1,600 faculty and staff participated in the 2025 campaign, raising $761,162 to help ensure local individuals and families build stronger futures.

Also as part of the Purdue United Way fundraising effort, the campaign incentive drawing returns this year, offering faculty and staff the chance to be entered into drawings for a variety of gift certificates and a three-course meal at The Lawrence in Discovery Park District at Purdue. Those who respond through the donation website by clicking either the “Pledge now” or “Participate without pledging” buttons will be automatically entered into the drawing pool.

Faculty and staff can contribute to the Purdue United Way campaign through the ePledge system by either making an unrestricted gift to United Way of Greater Lafayette or donating to a specific partner agency. To donate or learn more about the campaign, visit the Purdue United Way webpage. Questions can be directed to Lisa Duncan at llduncan@purdue.edu.

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

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