Purdue Veterinary Technology Program Distance Learners Celebrate Graduation at Lynn Hall Ceremony

A group of graduating students stand in front of a large black backdrop. They are wearing black gowns with gold sashes — Veterinary Technology Distance Learning Program December graduates who attended the Graduation Celebration in Lynn Hall gathered with Dean Marsh for a class picture.

December marked a major milestone in the lives of 15 Purdue Veterinary Technology Distance Learning Program (VTDL) students who graduated as members of the Class of 2025. In conjunction with Purdue University’s Winter Commencement ceremonies, the College of Veterinary Medicine held its traditional Veterinary Technology Graduation Celebration in Lynn Hall December 21, when the new Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology Degree recipients were honored and recited the Veterinary Technician Oath.

The VTDL program is Purdue’s largest online degree program. The December graduates included students from Indiana and across the U.S. as well as one from Sweden. A total of ten graduates – two-thirds of the VTDL’s December degree candidates – attended the Graduation Celebration and Oath Ceremony in Lynn Hall with family and friends.

“It is my privilege to welcome all of you to our Purdue Veterinary Medicine Winter Graduation Celebration honoring our Veterinary Technology Graduates,” Dean Bret Marsh said as he began the program. “It is wonderful that we can be together today to recognize our Class of 2025.”

Two women are exchanging an item in front of a group of graduating students. Everyone in the photo is wearing black and the students in the background have gold sashes — Clinical Mentorship Coordinator Jennifer Smith presents the Purdue veterinary technology pin to graduate Krystal Marquez of Indianapolis.

Dean Marsh then explained that the Veterinary Technology Associate in Applied Science graduates have attained a valued position on the veterinary health care delivery team, and have earned the right to be identified by wearing the Purdue University veterinary technology pin. “The pins symbolize the graduates’ entry into the veterinary technology profession,” Dean Marsh said before introducing VTDL Clinical Mentorship Coordinator Jennifer Smith, who came forward to present the pins to the new graduates.

With the graduates’ family members looking on intently, the graduates then stepped forward individually as their names were called by Veterinary Technology Distance Learning Program Assistant Director Josh Clark. Once all the graduates had received their Purdue veterinary technology pins and assembled together at the front of the room, they paused for a class picture before being led by Clark in the recitation of the Veterinary Technician Oath.

A group of proud-looking family members stand with a graduating student, who is on the far right of the photo in a black gown and gold sash. There is a staircase behind the group. — The VTDL Graduation Celebration truly was a family affair, as evidenced by this support team for graduate Amber Wallace, of Dayton, Texas.

Clark explained that reciting the Veterinary Technician Oath symbolizes the graduates’ acceptance into the profession. “The oath signifies our high regard for the ethical standards and legal regulations governing the practice of veterinary technology, our strong commitment to the highest standards of patient care and client service, and our dedication to the animals that we serve.”

Clark then invited all veterinary technologists and technicians in the audience to stand and recite the oath with the graduates.

Veterinary Technician Oath

“I solemnly dedicate myself to aiding animals and society by providing excellent care and services for animals, by alleviating animal suffering, and by promoting public health. I accept my obligations to practice my profession conscientiously and with sensitivity, adhering to the profession’s Code of Ethics, and furthering my knowledge and competence through a commitment to lifelong learning.”

A hearty round of applause followed, after which Dean Marsh returned to the podium to offer his congratulations. “You’ve come from across our country to be a part of this graduation exercise,” Dean Marsh said. “You’ve come with family and friends who have supported you throughout this process, so my sincere congratulations to you all.”

The top of a graduation cap that is decorated in a floral pattern and reads "It's a beautiful thing when a career and a passion come together. Class of 2025" — Decorated mortar boards expressed the graduates’ sentiments about their accomplishment.

Following the ceremony the graduates and their families joined Dean Marsh and PVM staff members in the Veterinary Medical Library for a reception. Photos of the ceremony taken by photographer Ed Lausch are available at www.lauschphotography.com. Look for the client gallery labeled “2025 Purdue Veterinary Medicine” and use the password “2025PVM” to access the pictures.

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

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