The GOAT Named Oreo Captures Attention for PVM at Annual Purdue Ag Alumni Fish Fry

A black and brown goat faces the camera and is wearing a gold and black Purdue-themed jersey — Oreo the GOAT, owned by Small Animal Hospital Clinical Services Coordinator Tami Lind, made a stunning appearance on behalf of PVM at the Purdue Ag Alumni Fish Fry. (Purdue University photo/Joshua Clark)

Purdue Veterinary Medicine joined in the festivities as the annual Purdue Ag Alumni Fish Fry earlier this month celebrated alumni and friends who have shaped Purdue Agriculture’s legacy and will help define its future. In particular, this year’s event on February 7 at the Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds provided an opportunity to highlight the longstanding partnership between the College of Agriculture and College of Veterinary Medicine.

Prior to the main Ag Fish Fry program that Saturday, attendees had the opportunity to explore “Purdue Ag Avenue,” a pre-event exhibition showcasing departments and programs from across the University, including the College of Veterinary Medicine. The Purdue Veterinary Medicine booth featured information and updates from the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital and the Indiana Animal Disease Diagnostics Laboratory. But the real show-stopper was the GOAT – actually a true goat, named Oreo, who has become an unofficial PVM mascot and spent time at the PVM booth greeting guests. Oreo is owned by Tami Lind, BS, RVT, VTS (ECC), clinical services coordinator for the Small Animal Hospital.

A man and a woman are crouched down to interact with a goat. The woman is holding her hand out to give the goat a treat — Event attendees took advantage of the opportunity to get up close and personal with Oreo. (Purdue University photo/Joshua Clark)

Also as part of Purdue Ag Avenue, the Department of Food Science offered samples of new, student-developed products — including popcorn seasoning, muffin mix, chili crisps, and jerk seasoning — available exclusively for on-site purchase. In addition, attendees could purchase the popular Purdue-branded hot sauce line, Boilermaker Hot Sauce: Black Edition and Gold Edition.

Then during the main Ag Fish Fry program, Stephanie Mowery, secretary of Purdue Ag Alumni Association, hosted the presentation of the 2026 Certificate of Distinction Awards. As the Purdue Ag Alumni Association’s highest honor, the awards recognize individuals who have made exceptional contributions to agriculture, forestry or natural resources. The 2026 recipients are Harold Cooper, Larry DeBoer, Barry Delks, Tom Hooper, Jay Hulbert, the late S. Suzanne Nielsen, Karen Plaut and Dan Strahl.

Following the event, many attendees stayed for a Purdue men’s basketball game watch party as the Boilermakers played the Oregon Ducks.

Writer(s): PVM News | pvmnews@purdue.edu

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