A time-honored Purdue Veterinary Medicine tradition continued at the conclusion of 2025 as the college hosted its Staff Service Recognition Ceremony in Lynn Hall room 1136. Held December 19, the program honored staff members for years of service to Purdue University, and also featured the presentation of Bravo+ Awards. In all, more than 40 PVM personnel were recognized, including employees of the college’s departments, Veterinary Hospital and Indiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (ADDL).
“One of the privileges I have as Dean is recognizing the loyalty of our staff members,” Dean Bret Marsh said as he began the ceremony. He then introduced staff members who reached significant service anniversary milestones, from ten years of service to Purdue up to 40 years of service. Congratulations to the following honorees:
10 Years of Service:
- Holly Englert, Assistant Director, Academic Advising, Veterinary Administration
- Rose Giroux, RVT, Senior Large Animal Medicine Technologist, VCS
- Nikki Gray, Operation Center Manager, Employment
- Elisa Hostetler, BS, RVT, Veterinary Technologist – Anesthesiology, Veterinary Hospital
- Natalie O’Neal, Phase 2 & 3 Regional Campus Administrator, Medical Education
- Cynthia Ralston, Client Services Senior Manager, Veterinary Hospital
- Jennifer Ulutas, Lead Administrative Assistant, Veterinary Administration
- Marisol Uribe, Program Administrator, Office of Engagement
- Chandra Whippen, RVT, Veterinary Technologist – Cardiology, Veterinary Hospital
- Makayla Espinosa, Executive Assistant to the Department Head, BMS
- Allyn Libbers-Gick, RDVM Help Desk Communication Coordinator, Veterinary Hospital
- Stephenie Martinez-Morales, Histology Laboratory Technician, ADDL
- Marjorie Veverka, Accessioning Clerk/Receptionist, ADDL
15 Years of Service:
- Stephanie Inoue, DVM, Senior Lecturer, Veterinary Administration
- David Yenerich, DVM, Emergency and Critical Care Clinician, Veterinary Hospital
- Lydia Trott, BS, RVT, VTS-DI, Lead Veterinary Technologist, Diagnostic Imaging, Veterinary Hospital
20 Years of Service:
- Lindsey Fourez, BS, RVT, VTS (Oncology), Veterinary Technologist – Medical Oncology, Veterinary Hospital
- Colleen Maguire Jackson, PhD, HSPP, Psychologist, Lead Therapist, Veterinary Administration
- Kimberly Sederquist, RVT, VTS (Cardiology), Veterinary Technologist – Cardiology, Veterinary Hospital
25 Years of Service:
- Arthur Armstrong, Virology/Serology Laboratory Technician, ADDL
30 Years of Service:
- Jeri Tullius, RVT, Veterinary Technician – Medical Oncology, Veterinary Hospital
- Cheryl Bradley, Animal Care Technician, Veterinary Hospital
35 Years of Service:
- Debra Lubelski, Parasitology Laboratory Technician, ADDL
40 Years of Service:
- Kevin Draper, Facilities Manager, Veterinary Hospital
The ceremony continued with the presentation of Bravo+ Awards that recognize the noteworthy contributions of employees whose extraordinary work performance produces a measurable outcome in any of four categories: Moving the University Forward; Operational Excellence; Innovation and Creativity; and Fiscal Stewardship. The recognition consists of a certificate and a cash award.
Congratulations to the following Bravo+ Award recipients:
Gisele Alvarenga was honored for Innovation and Operational Excellence in her role as instructional technologist. She was praised for consistently challenging faculty to move beyond their comfort zones, bringing forward innovative, creative, and research-informed ideas grounded in her master’s studies in education. In particular, her curiosity and thoughtful use of AI as an instructional tool were credited for meaningfully enhancing teaching and learning, from designing engaging, active-learning exercises to strengthening students’ critical and clinical thinking.
Jennifer Ashley, RVT, MS, was recognized for Innovation and Operational Excellence in her role as Veterinary Skills and Competencies lead manager. She was praised for going above and beyond to help others while playing a pivotal role in fostering professional growth and development through such means as recommending training opportunities and offering thoughtful feedback.
Angela Arellano was recognized for Operational Excellence in her position as Veterinary Technology administrative assistant. She was praised for her exceptional dedication, reliability, and service to the Veterinary Technology team, consistently going above and beyond while serving as a warm, professional, and trusted first point of contact for students.
Josh Clark, MS, RVT, was recognized for Operational Excellence in his role as assistant director of the Veterinary Technology Distance Learning Program (VTDL). He was praised for his exceptional leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the success of the VTDL program during a critical transitional period, working tirelessly to ensure the smooth operation of Purdue’s largest online degree program while supporting instructors, advisors, and students.
Nathan Dell was recognized for Operational Excellence in his position as assistant director of communications. He was praised for demonstrating remarkable dedication and perseverance during the college’s preparations for the recent accreditation site visit, taking full ownership of the layout and design of an extensive 105-page accreditation document, producing a high-quality publication under tight deadlines while exemplifying professionalism and teamwork.
Kristen Earley was recognized for Operational Excellence in her role as veterinary assistant in Ophthalmology. She was praised for consistently going above and beyond expectations during a time when the Ophthalmology Service was short staffed, and creating an environment of trust and reliability that not only helped keep the service running but also contributed to a great working environment.
Amy Fridlund, MPH, CIC, was recognized for Moving the University Forward and Operational Excellence in her role as the Veterinary Hospital’s safety and biosecurity coordinator. She was praised for working tirelessly to help keep both personnel and patients safe; working in partnership with Purdue Environmental Health and Safety to foster safety improvements; sharing information as needed throughout the organization; and constantly keeping abreast of current conditions on the clinic floor.
Rose Giroux, RVT, was recognized for Operational Excellence in her role as senior large animal technician for the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences (VCS). She was praised for her exceptional dedication, hard work, and meticulous attention to detail in overseeing the care of animals that support teaching, consistently going the extra mile to ensure the health, comfort, and safety of every animal, which also enhances the learning environment for students.
Lee Ann Happ was recognized for Operational Excellence in her position as the college’s principal operations administrator. She was praised for demonstrating exceptional leadership and organization during the recent accreditation site visit hosted by the college, expertly coordinating the complex visit schedule and ensuring that every logistical detail was handled with precision and care, while also leading the preparation of the extensive accreditation documentation.
Megan Hines, RVT, was recognized for Operational Excellence in her position as veterinary technologist in Equine Diagnostics and Surgery at the college’s Caesars Entertainment Equine Specialty Hospital. She was praised for her vital contributions during a standard federal inspection process, when she demonstrated professionalism and confidence, answering all questions knowledgeably and then providing timely responses to any requests for additional information, all of which showcased her efficiency and dedication.
Lisa Hunter was recognized for Operational Excellence and Fiscal Stewardship in her role as the Veterinary Hospital’s facilities manager. She was praised for willingly taking on additional responsibilities during high-demand periods to protect staff time and ensure quality outcomes while also closely managing operational finances, fostering significant cost savings. In particular, she was recognized for playing an instrumental role in the college’s successful hosting of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine’s Large Animal Internal Medicine “Boot Camp” – a four-day intensive training program.
Megan Lintner was recognized for Operational Excellence in her position as Bacteriology Laboratory technician in the ADDL. She was praised for her instrumental role in a large research project, helping with the grant proposal, study design, and data collection, while also taking on several projects that helped the lab prepare for a standard audit by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD). In addition she was recognized for providing coverage for tasks during personnel shortages and helping to train new staff.
Leah Vargas was recognized for Moving the University Forward and Operational Excellence in her role as Veterinary Hospital Administration Office coordinator. She was praised for her work serving as the primary face of the hospital administrative offices and for her development of a quality process for addressing client concerns with compassion, attentive listening and relevant information.
Aubrey Wierenga, RVT, was recognized for Operational Excellence in her position as a veterinary technician in Diagnostic Imaging. She was praised for her extraordinary dedication, initiative, and impact within the Diagnostic Imaging Service and the Veterinary Technician Program, which was reflected in her volunteering to take on the role of mentoring and coordinating the veterinary technician students during their imaging rotation. Her efforts are credited with strengthening the connection between clinical operations and education to help ensure that future veterinary technicians are well-prepared, confident, and competent.
Susan Xioufaridou was recognized for Moving the University Forward and Operational Excellence in her position as director of alumni relations and special events. She was praised for her professionalism and exceptional ability to plan and execute meaningful events for faculty, staff, and alumni – events that are well organized, highly appreciated, and create moments where employees feel genuinely valued. Additionally, she was recognized for successfully managing multiple events during the recent accreditation site visit while also preparing for Veterinary Technician Week.
Lastly, Dean Marsh recognized the Medical Oncology Client Liaison team of Emma Wood, Joni Krause and Kennedi Holmes for Operational Excellence. They were praised for consistently demonstrating the highest standards of professionalism, compassion, and client-centered care as the front-facing client services team for the Veterinary Hospital’s Medical Oncology Service, and for their empathy and attention to detail as well as their ability to create a calm, reassuring environment and to support the daily operations of the Oncology Service, assuming tasks that enable veterinary technicians and doctors to stay focused on patient care.
Congratulations to all who were honored at the Staff Service Recognition Ceremony!
Photos of the ceremony taken by photographer Ed Lausch are available www.lauschphotography.com
(external link). Look for the client gallery labeled “2025 Purdue Veterinary Medicine” and use the password “2025PVM” to access the pictures.
