Students Honored for Completing Diversity and Inclusion Certificate Program

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

Recent Stories

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

Today we are highlighting Rebecca Hoffman, BS, RVT, who is a veterinary technologist with the Bovine Field Service.

Learning Specialist Joins PVM Student Success Center Team

Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s Student Success Center is pleased to welcome Kelsey Luse Spille, who joined the team Monday, November 4, as a learning specialist.  In her new role, she will be supporting students with their academic needs while also serving as a member of the Veterinary Education Support Team (VEST), which assists faculty in developing inclusive teaching practices.

Purdue College of Veterinary Medicine Hosts Reception to Welcome New Dean Bret Marsh

Faculty, staff and students gathered at a reception in the Veterinary Medical Library Friday, November 8, to help extend a warm welcome the new dean of the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Bret Marsh.  The event marked the conclusion of the first week on the job for Dr. Marsh, who just started in the role Monday, November 4, after wrapping-up 30 years of service as Indiana State Veterinarian – the state’s top-ranking animal health leader.

Awareness Week to Shine Spotlight on Antimicrobial Resistance Next Week

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing, significant One Health issue across the world. The WHO estimates that AMR was directly responsible for 1.27 million global deaths and contributed to 4.95 million deaths, with additional significant economic costs. AMR affects all countries and all income groups, and to tackle this urgent problem, researchers, producers, and practitioners from all areas must address the critical shortage of new antimicrobial drugs, and the use of antimicrobial drugs in medicine, farming, and industry. The week of November 18-24 is US Antibiotic Awareness Week and World AMR Awareness Week, and the College of Veterinary Medicine is taking advantage of these national and global campaigns to raise awareness about AMR and antimicrobial stewardship, and to highlight some of the research and practices being conducted at the college to address AMR.

PVM Faculty Honored for Research Success with Purdue Seed for Success Acorn Awards

When Purdue University’s Office of Research honored the accomplishments and innovative ideas of a host of researchers this week, several Purdue Veterinary Medicine scholars were among those recognized. At a ceremony Wednesday, November 14, in the Purdue Memorial Union North and South Ballrooms, the annual Seed for Success Acorn Awards were presented to Purdue Principal Investigators (PIs) and co-PIs who secured research awards of $1 million or more for a single proposal in fiscal year 2024.

Unlocking the Mysteries of the Brain

Despite more than six decades of research in the field of neuroscience, many functions of the brain — the most complex organ in the human body — remain a mystery. Recent research conducted in the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine and the Bindley Bioscience Center revealed that scientists are one step closer to understanding the process that activates and deactivates specific proteins within our cells. This breakthrough could one day lead to enhanced treatments that may slow down or perhaps reverse the advance of neurogenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis.