Students Honored for Completing Diversity and Inclusion Certificate Program

October 18, 2024

Recipients of the Certificate for Diversity and Inclusion in Veterinary Medicine who were present for the recognition ceremony gathered for a group photo with Interim Dean Salisbury and Marsha Baker (Front Row, left-right): Lois Sadlowski, Nailah Smith, Anne Troyer, Dr. Kathy Salisbury, Marsha Baker, Madeline Frey, Bridget Stratman, Natalie Sulewski, and Victoria Menendez (Back Row, left-right): Azure Patterson, Tamea Smith, Makaylah Hamm, Amanda Mills, Albert Chu, Rachel Cooper-Khan, Becca Contestabile, Cami Contestabile, Vyonie Manley, and Ivanna Marroquin.
Recipients of the Certificate for Diversity and Inclusion in Veterinary Medicine who were present for the recognition ceremony gathered for a group photo with Interim Dean Salisbury and Marsha Baker (Front Row, left-right): Lois Sadlowski, Nailah Smith, Anne Troyer, Dr. Kathy Salisbury, Marsha Baker, Madeline Frey, Bridget Stratman, Natalie Sulewski, and Victoria Menendez. (Back Row, left-right): Azure Patterson, Tamea Smith, Makaylah Hamm, Amanda Mills, Albert Chu, Rachel Cooper-Khan, Becca Contestabile, Cami Contestabile, Vyonie Manley, and Ivanna Marroquin.

Nearly 30 students were recognized this week at the start of the Current Issues in Veterinary Medicine class held on Tuesday, October 15 for their achievement in earning the Certificate for Diversity and Inclusion in Veterinary Medicine.  The certificate is offered through an online program that involves a combination of learning modules, activity assignments, a volunteer community service assignment, and a capstone paper.  The program was established by Purdue Veterinary Medicine, the American Veterinary Medical Association, and the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges and is offered online through the college’s Center of Excellence for Diversity and Inclusion in Veterinary Medicine.

During the class Tuesday in Lynn 1136, Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Marsha Baker announced the names of all of the students who completed the diversity certificate program since the previous school year.  She began by recognizing those who were receiving their certificates that day and then continued by announcing the names of students who received their certificates earlier as part of the Vet Up! summer program. 

During the recognition ceremony, the name of each student who completed the certificate program was announced, and those present came forward to the front of the room to be honored.  A total of 28 students in the DVM Class of 2028 were recognized, as was a veterinary nursing student in the Class of 2026.

Then Interim Dean Kathy Salisbury joined the students and Marsha Baker at the front of the room for a group photo. Congratulations to all the honorees!

DVM Class of 2028:

  • Grace Bronnenberg
  • Zukari Castillo
  • Albert Chu
  • Becca Contestabile
  • Cami Contestabile
  • Rachel Cooper-Khan
  • Savannah Fleming
  • Madeline Frey
  • Makaylah Hamm
  • Camille Harris
  • Christian Law
  • Vyonie Manley
  • Ivanna Marroquin
  • Victoria Menendez
  • Amanda Mills
  • Laura Munoz
  • Azure Patterson
  • Lois Sadlowski
  • Lauren Smith
  • Nailah Smith
  • Tamea Smith
  • Bridget Stratman
  • Natalie Sulewski
  • Anne Troyer

Veterinary Nursing Class of 2026:

  • Kelcee Krick

The Diversity and Inclusion in Veterinary Medicine Certificate Program is open to faculty, staff, students, and practicing veterinary professionals.  The program seeks to provide resources that will lead to inclusive work and learning places that are welcoming and supportive for professionals, students, and clients, by improving communication, leadership, teaching and learning, and cultural competency skills.

Registration for the program is free to all Purdue Veterinary Medicine employees and students. Please email hcvm@purdue.edu for the discount code or for questions about the program. Click here to visit the Diversity Certificate website for a program overview.

Writer(s): Kevin Doerr, Adrianne Fisch | pvmnews@purdue.edu

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