This story is about a Purdue graduate, his alma mater, Purdue University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, and an abiding enthusiasm for everything about horses. But at its heart, this is a love story.
The protagonist is Mark Carnaghi, of Indianapolis, who earned his Purdue Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural economics in 1982 and went on to have a successful career working many years for Allstate and later for a medical supply company. But this past fall, when he came back to Purdue for Homecoming Weekend September 28, he reconnected with a life-long passion that differed from his degree field. And that’s how love fits in.
Love explains why, on Saturday morning of Purdue’s Homecoming weekend, Mark and his sister and brother-in-law could be found in the Equine Reception area at Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s Brunner Equine Hospital. The gathering at 9:30 that morning involved several College of Veterinary Medicine representatives, including then Interim Dean Kathy Salisbury and equine clinicians who came to celebrate the naming of the reception area in Mark’s honor, as a way of recognizing his generous gift to support the Equine Hospital.
The modest celebration perfectly suited the humble personalities of Mark and his family. After Mark cut a ceremonial ribbon that spanned the top of the Equine Reception desk, everyone present applauded as they admired the newly installed, shiny black letters on the wall behind the desk that spelled out, “Mark P. Carnaghi Reception Area.”
“Thank you for doing this,” said Dr. Salisbury as they stood together in the newly named space. “This is a wonderful gift. Donations like yours help us to get better and better – so thank you very much.”
For Mark, the ceremony embodied the essence of what was meaningful to him – the genuine appreciation shown by the PVM representatives for a gift that was motivated by his sincere desire to make an impact on the Equine Hospital and the animals and people it serves in a way that reflects on his own enduring love for horses. His experience that morning affirmed what he already knew in his heart – that his generosity indeed was making a real difference for the college’s Equine Hospital and the clinicians and staff who provide the much needed medical care for equine patients while also educating DVM and veterinary nursing students.
To fully appreciate this love story, it also helps to understand that Mark’s passion for horses is a lifelong attribute dating back to his childhood. “While growing-up, he and his sister spent countless hours caring for their family’s horses, creating cherished memories that fueled his lifelong dedication to the equine community,” said Julie Bogan, Purdue Veterinary Medicine director of development. “This naming reflects not only his commitment to all things equine but also his enduring love for his alma mater.”
As the ceremony concluded, the team of PVM representatives, including Dr. Sandra Taylor, chief of staff for the Equine and Farm Animal Hospitals and professor of large animal internal medicine, and Dr. Camilla Jamieson, clinical assistant professor of large animal emergency and critical care, stayed to visit with Mark and his family. They again expressed appreciation and admiration for the gift, the giver, and most of all, the resulting positive effect that will reverberate into the future in the lives of equine patients, owners, students and Equine Hospital clinicians and staff.
And so, this isn’t actually the end of this love story about a Boilermaker, horses and Purdue – it’s really just the beginning.
