Students Recognized for Diversity Certificate Program Completion

October 6, 2023

The group stands smiling holding up their certficates alongside Marsha in front of the classroom
Marsha Baker (right) joined several students in the DVM Class of 2027 who were honored October 3 for earning the Certificate for Diversity and Inclusion in Veterinary Medicine: (left-right) Emma Zaicow, Hannah Williams, Erin Ison, Michaiah Galvin, Madelynn Luebcke, and Shio Otsuka. Not pictured: Amaya Ruffin and Jordan Toney, who were unable to attend.

When class started Wednesday morning, October 3, during the Current Issues in Veterinary Medicine course, eight first-year veterinary students received special recognition for completing the Certificate for Diversity and Inclusion in Veterinary Medicine. The students were honored for putting in the hard work necessary to finish the learning modules, activity assignments, volunteer community service assignment, and capstone paper that are required to earn the certificate.

Marsha Baker, assistant dean for diversity, equity and inclusion, announced the names of each of the certificate recipients as the class period began. Congratulations to the following members of the DVM Class of 2027:  Michaiah Galvin, Erin Ison, Madelynn Luebcke, Shion Otsuka, Amaya Ruffin, Jordan Toney, Hannah Williams, and Emma Zaicow. 

Mrs. Baker also points out that several other members of the DVM Class of 2027 had earned their Certificates for Diversity and Inclusion in Veterinary Medicine previously, when they were participants in the Vet Up! College program during the summer of 2022. Those students are Katerine Angeles, Yaileen Aponte Bracero, Zukari Castillo, Logan DeSchepper, Camille Harris, Jadon Hearns, Ramon Roberts, Luciana Watts, and Lauren Wilson. Vet Up! College provides a six-week residential summer learning experience geared toward undergraduate students who are educationally or economically disadvantaged, in order to prepare them to be competitive in the DVM applicant pool.

The Diversity and Inclusion in Veterinary Medicine Certificate 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. 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): Adrianne Fisch | pvmnews@purdue.edu

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