Reception at WVC in Las Vegas Celebrates PVM Alumni and Friends

February 24, 2023

The group join together smiling for a photo at the reception
Informal gatherings of classmates and colleagues were common at the Purdue Alumni Reception, like this group: (left-right) Dr. W. Mark Hilton (PU DVM ’83), Viticus Group past-president and PVM emeritus professor; Drs. Olivia Petritz and Jessica Torok, both graduates in the DVM Class of 2008; and Dr. Jeff Klemens (PU DVM 2005) and his wife, Lisa.

Nearly 60 Purdue Veterinary Medicine alumni and friends turned-out for the annual Purdue Alumni Reception at the Western Veterinary Conference (WVC) in Las Vegas, Nevada. Boilermaker spirit abounded as participants renewed acquaintances, visited with PVM faculty and staff who were in attendance, and heard an update on the college from Dean Willie Reed. The reception was held Monday, February 20 at the Mandalay Bay Conference Center, which is the site for the annual WVC Conference. 2023 marked the 95th year for the conference, hosted by the Viticus Group, which has two Boilermakers on its Board of Directors. The outgoing president is Dr. Debbie White (PU DVM ’94) and serving with her as a director is Dr. Miguel Ortiz (PU DVM 2009). The WVC annual conference boasts more than 12,000 participants, 400-plus exhibitors, and over 900 RACE-approved CE hours.

The trio smile as they sit together enjoying refreshments
Dr. Janine Jung (left) visits with her classmates from the DVM Class of 1995, Drs. Nicole Olson-Cawood and Brendon Cawood at the Purdue Alumni Reception during the WVC Conference in Las Vegas.

Writer(s): Susan Xioufaridou | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Recent Stories

“Paws Up” – brought to you by the PVM Wellness Committee

This week, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Jim Weisman, assistant dean for clinical education and clinical associate professor, for his many years of dedicated service to the Purdue Veterinary Medicine community.

One Health Film Festival Features Purdue Veterinary Medicine One Health Research

The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine has a longstanding commitment to One Health research and education. So it was natural for the college to agree to participate in a film festival orchestrated by an organization it is a member of called the Clinical and Translational Science Award One Health Alliance, or COHA.

PVM Puts Best Paw Forward at 2025 Open House Tomorrow

Lynn Hall will undergo a metamorphosis by nightfall tonight (Friday, April 11) as the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine prepares for the annual Open House tomorrow, Saturday, April 12. Planned by PVM students, the annual event will attract people of all ages who want to see animals and learn about animal health and the profession of Veterinary Medicine.

Upcoming Purdue Day of Giving Enables People and Pups to Unite for a Good Cause

Purdue University’s ever-popular 24-hour online-based annual fundraising effort – the Purdue Day of Giving – will take place Wednesday, April 30. That’s when Boilermakers across the world will have the opportunity to rally around this year’s theme of “All Hail!” – words taken from Purdue’s beloved fight song. For the College of Veterinary Medicine, this special day of giving will focus attention on ways Boilermaker alumni, fans and friends can support animal and human health and well-being by contributing to a variety of Purdue Veterinary Medicine funds.

Lucy’s Story

When an eight-year-old shepherd-mix dog named Lucy was injured after tragically getting struck by a car, co-parents Matt and Gretchen Walker were told that she would likely never walk again. That was over three years ago, in May of 2021. The Walkers, of Brookston, Indiana, had raised Lucy since she was a puppy, and knew that her life was nothing short of worth fighting for. “If she was willing to live, I was willing to do whatever it took,” Matt said as he recounted the story recently.