PVM Heads “Off to the Races” at Purdue Alumni’s Boilermaker Ball

March 2, 2018

Boilermaker Ball attendees (front row, left-right): Sarah Lobe, Ian Lobe, Centaur Equine Specialty Hospital Equine Surgeon Timm Gudehus, Dr. Jessica Leto-Gudehus, Dr. Matt Cantrell (PU DVM ’10), and Megan Cantrell; (back row, left-right): Mrs. Emalese Adams, PVM Professor of Large Animal Surgery Stephen Adams (PU MS ’78), PVM Senior Director of Development Tanya Finkbiner, and Boone Finkbiner.

It was “Off to the Races” last weekend for the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, which was recognized as the featured partner of the Purdue Alumni Association at the 11^th Annual Boilermaker Ball. Held Saturday, February 24, at the Indianapolis Marriott, the event featured a Kentucky Derby theme that gave the College a unique opportunity to share the impact it makes on Indiana’s equine industry with a crowd of loyal Boilermaker alumni and friends. More than 600 people attended, dressed in their finest derby attire.

Third-year veterinary students Abigail Haffner and Meghan Wanstrath, who are both tracking equine, were present to share facts and figures surrounding the Indiana equine industry. Also on hand was Purdue Pete, who donned jockey silks and a helmet cover to pose for photos with event guests.

PVM dignitaries at the Boilermaker Ball (left-right): Former State Sen. Robert Jackman (PU DVM ’67) Karen Jackman, PVM Advancement Director Chad Rohlfs, Melissa Rohlfs, Dr. Ann Jonkman and Haley Jonkman, who are VTH clients, VTH Director Duncan Hockley, Shelagh Hockley, Dr. Dorothy Reed, and Dean Willie Reed.

The highlight of the evening was a three-minute video featuring “Love Bug,” a recent Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH) patient. Love Bug is a dressage pony owned by Dr. Ann Jonkman and her daughter, 16-year-old Hayley Jonkman. Last fall, Love Bug developed a cough so severe that she was unable to finish a riding lesson, so her veterinarian referred her to the VTH for further examination. Diagnostic procedures developed by Dr. Laurent Couëtil revealed that Love Bug was suffering from asthma. The prescribed treatment resolved Love Bug’s symptoms and she was able to compete in Nationals a month later.

Click here to view the video about Love Bug that was shown at the event.

The VTH treats over 1,400 horses each year, and the College is proud to celebrate its impact on the health of equine athletes. PVM thanks the Jonkmans — and Love Bug — for allowing the College and the Purdue Alumni Association to share their story.

Writer(s): Lauren Bruce, Susan Xioufaridou | 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.

Purdue Veterinary Medicine Engages with Swine Health Leaders at AASV

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.

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.