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

Recent Stories

Fourth Purdue AMR Conference Promotes Collaboration to Address Global Health Threat of Antimicrobial Resistance through PVM’s One Health Initiative. 

Purdue University served as the place where local, national and international experts came together in-person and online recently for concentrated sharing of research, expertise and insight targeting the threat of multi-drug-resistant infections. The fourth annual AMR Conference February 25-26, 2026, held in Stewart Center, attracted more than 100 attendees from across the U.S. and six other countries.

Presentation of Research Poster Prizes Wraps up Antimicrobial Resistance Conference 

Purdue University’s fourth Antimicrobial Resistance Conference concluded February 26 with remarks from Purdue Vice President for Health Affairs and Jeannie and Jim Chaney Dean of Pharmacy Eric Barker, PhD, who also announced the winners of the conference’s research poster session.  The poster contest, which attracted more than 20 entries, was divided into categories for undergraduate and graduate students.

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

Today we are glad to highlight one of our own committee members. Charlene Evans, Toxicology Laboratory Supervisor in the Reed Animal Disease and Diagnostic Laboratory, is a wonderful champion for mental health and wellbeing on the PVM Wellness Committee and within the ADDL community.

Purdue Professor of Large Animal Surgery Named Veterinary Clinical Sciences Department Head

Dr. Timothy Lescun, a board-certified large animal surgeon, has been appointed head of the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences in the Purdue university College of Veterinary Medicine.

Purdue Veterinary Medicine Engages with Swine Health Leaders at AASV

The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine was well-represented at the 2026 American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) Annual Meeting, which provided important continuing education and networking opportunities for swine practitioners. The conference in Las Vegas February 28 through March 3, 2026, also provided the opportunity for the college to engage with alumni and partners who are influencing the future of animal agriculture.

Boilers, Ballgowns, Boilermaker Pride and PVM!

With a fun twist on classic title, the 2026 Purdue Boilermaker Ball provided a meaningful evening of celebrating Purdue University’s distinguished heritage and traditions, and the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine was proud to be part of the event. Dubbed “A Midwinter Night’s Dream,” the festive function February 28 at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown proved to be one enchanted evening! PVM alumni and donors were among the guests for the creative black-tie event, and enjoyed the opportunity to visit and share the common commitment to veterinary medicine, animal health, and the mission of the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Purdue Alumni Honored with IVMA Awards for Achievement, Volunteer Service and Contributions to Profession

The Indiana Veterinary Medical Association (IVMA) recognized several Purdue Veterinary Medicine alumni with awards and honors at the association’s 2026 Crossroads Veterinary Conference.  The annual meeting in Noblesville, Indiana, was held February 5-7 and featured scientific and practice management sessions for veterinary professionals as well as an exhibit hall. As part of the conference, the IVMA hosted its membership meeting February 5, when awards and honors were presented.

Keeping Your Pets Safe from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)

The Purdue Veterinary Hospital has not detected Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in its practices but is providing important information to help pet and livestock owners stay informed. HPAI affects various species, including birds, cats, dogs, and livestock, and can spread through contact with infected animals or raw food. To reduce risk, avoid feeding raw meat or unpasteurized dairy to pets, limit wildlife exposure, and use protective gear when handling animals. Owners of feline and avian patients will be asked screening questions during appointments.

Purdue Engineering Hosts PVM Canine Educators for ‘Canines, Cookies, and Calm’ During Mental Health Action Week

Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s beloved Canine Educators found themselves amidst a throng of engineering students last Friday, March 7, in the Herman & Heddy Kurz Atrum of Armstrong Hall, where they were the center of attention during an event on the final day of Purdue’s Mental Health Action Week (MHAW). Named “Canines, Cookies, and Calm,” the event hosted by the College of Engineering fostered smiles, laughter, and endless thanks from a total of some 300 engineering students.

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

March is National Social Work Month! It’s a perfect time to recognize our very own Veterinary Hospital Social Worker, Jennifer Dehn, LSW, MSW.