Stethoscopes and Selfies Mark Start of Fall Semester for First Year PVM Students

Students in the Veterinary Technology Class of 2028 pose for a Stethoscope Celebration photo with Dean Bret Marsh and Dr. Mindy Anderson, assistant dean for the veterinary technology program.
Students in the Veterinary Technology Class of 2028 pose for a Stethoscope Celebration photo with Dean Bret Marsh and Dr. Mindy Anderson, assistant dean for the veterinary technology program.
September 12, 2025

An important Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine tradition kicked-off the new school year for first-year veterinary students in the Class of 2029 as well as veterinary technology students in the Class of 2028 who are attending classes in Lynn Hall this fall for the first time. The annual Stethoscope Celebration was held August 26 at the Beck Agricultural Center. In addition to a full-course meal, the event featured remarks by Dean Bret Marsh and event sponsors, and culminated with each student receiving a complimentary stethoscope.

“This event, which officially welcomes our new Veterinary Technology and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine students into the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, is a great way to kick off the new academic year,” said Dean Bret Marsh as he began the evening event and thanked the event sponsors – Patterson Veterinary, the Purdue Veterinary Alumni Association, and the Indiana Veterinary Medical Association.

Students in the DVM Class of 2029 are joined by Dean Bret Marsh as they gather for a group photo at the annual Stethoscope Celebration.
Students in the DVM Class of 2029 are joined by Dean Bret Marsh as they gather for a group photo at the annual Stethoscope Celebration.

After the meal was served, a representative of each sponsor was invited to share words of advice. Then Dean Marsh returned to the podium to address the students. “You have begun a unique educational experience that will enable you to achieve your dream of becoming a veterinarian, or a veterinary technician or technologist, and joining a veterinary medical team,” Dean Marsh said. “You will gain a lot of hands-on experience as part of your coursework and your rotations in the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital. And you will have the opportunity to start using your stethoscopes right away!”

At the conclusion of the program, the students lined up to receive their complimentary stethoscopes before stepping outside to proudly display their shiny new hardware in group photos and candid photo ops.

Photos of the event taken by professional photographer Ed Lausch, with assistance from David Teter and Kevin Doerr, are available to view online at www.lauschphotography.com. Look in the Client Galleries section for “2025 Purdue Veterinary Medicine” and use the password “2025PVM”.

Outside in the lovely late summer weather, students volunteered to assume the role of photographer to capture candid pictures of their classmates sporting their new hardware.
Outside in the lovely late summer weather, students volunteered to assume the role of photographer to capture candid pictures of their classmates sporting their new hardware.
After the program, students lined up to receive their complimentary stethoscopes.
After the program, students lined up to receive their complimentary stethoscopes.

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

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