The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine is pleased to share an update on our Development Team, which includes some new faces! These team members are great resources for anyone interested in how they can make a difference in the lives of animals and people through philanthropy that supports the college.
Kyle Bymaster — Executive Director of Development, Colleges of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine.
Kyle is a Purdue University graduate with a degree in Agricultural Economics (2003), who has worked in development for the College of Agriculture since 2008. In his current role as executive director of development for the Colleges of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Kyle finds great satisfaction in helping donors align their personal values with meaningful charitable giving opportunities at Purdue. His leadership inspires the college’s team of fundraisers that is dedicated to helping donors achieve their goals and celebrating their contributions in ways that truly matter to them.
April Shepherd — Senior Director of Development
April joined the College of Veterinary Medicine Development Team in March after serving in the College of Agriculture Development Office for six years. Even in her new role, she continues to work with Purdue animal sciences alumni, given the amount of overlap between Purdue animal sciences and veterinary medicine and the potential to work collaboratively to make a greater impact.
April describes her role as connecting alumni and donors back to the college in the areas that are most important to them. “I get the opportunity to meet our alumni and supporters from across the country, and hear their Purdue Stories,” April says. “This is my dream job! As a Purdue graduate myself (BS 2002), the opportunity to meet with our donors to hear their “why” for giving back is very fulfilling.”
Julie Bogan, — Director of Development
Julie serves as the College of Veterinary Medicine’s major gift fundraiser and works to build relationships with loyal Purdue Veterinary Medicine alumni, friends, and supporters. Her efforts facilitate substantial financial contributions to advance Purdue Veterinary Medicine programs, including veterinary education and vital research initiatives.
Julie started working with the college’s Development Team in 2017 and has served in her current role since July, 2021. “My passion for raising funds for the college is driven by the opportunity to advance animal and human health,” Julie said. “Every dollar raised contributes to a healthier and more compassionate world for both animals and people.”
Mackenzie Martin — Director of Client Development
Mackenzie joined the College of Veterinary Medicine’s Development Team in January. As director of client development, she helps identify and engage with grateful clients of the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital, exploring ways they can make meaningful impacts by supporting the hospital and the college. An Indiana native and Purdue graduate with a BA in Professional Writing (2013), Mackenzie has a background working in human services and non-profit organizations. In August 2022, Mackenzie joined the Purdue for Life Foundation as a Donor Experience Officer and excelled in building relationships with Purdue’s loyal supporters. As a client of the Purdue University Small Animal Hospital, Mackenzie has witnessed the exceptional care provided to patients. “I am honored and excited to work with the PVM team and support the college’s mission,” Mackenzie said.
Debbie Dunham — Administrative Assistant
Debbie supports the Development Offices in both the College of Veterinary Medicine and College of Agriculture. She started at Purdue in 2007, working in Ag Statistics before transitioning to the College of Science Business Office in 2013. Then In 2015, she began working as an administrative assistant in the College of Agriculture Development Office. She has supported the College of Veterinary Medicine Development Office since February.
The Purdue Veterinary Medicine Development Team has offices in Lynn Hall and can best be reached at 494-6304 or pvmgiving@purdue.edu.