United Way Shares PVM Family’s Story as College Approaches it’s Purdue United Way Goal

Angela Pickett, PVM United Way champion, with her son, Charlie.

With the Purdue United Way Campaign in week 6, the United Way of Greater Lafayette shared the story of a Purdue Veterinary Medicine family to highlight just how much impact giving local has on the local community. The story is that of Angela Pickett, executive assistant to the dean, and her son, Charlie, who both have experienced the impact of the United Way and its programs.

Angela shared that Charlie, now 17, has participated in various Autism support programs over the last few years. “Grant’s House and the Wabash Center is a bright spot for my family,” Angela said. “My son participated in their after-school care and summer camp programs, and benefited from their job coaching. I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact of these services.”

As a partner agency of the United Way of Greater Lafayette, Wabash Center is dedicated to providing life-changing services for our neighbors with disabilities or special needs. “With the support of United Way of Greater Lafayette and our partnership with the Purdue Autism Research Center, Wabash Center is growing our services for children and young adults with Autism and more,” said Wabash Center President and CEO Jason McManus.

Giving to Purdue United Way helps you make stories like Angela’s possible. Donations support 24 local nonprofits, including the Wabash Center, ensuring that every dollar stays right here in our community. “For Boilermakers, Purdue United Way isn’t just tradition – it’s how we show up for our own community,” said Jim Bullard, 2025 Purdue United Way Campaign Champion and the Dr. Samuel R. Allen Dean of the Mitch Daniels School of Business. “We give because we care about our friends, neighbors, and the funded partner agencies making a difference every day. Together, our local giving has a lasting impact.”

Angela, who is PVM’s United Way Campaign champion, emphasizes it’s easy to make your 2025 pledge today by visiting Purdue United Way. You can participate by either selecting “Give Now” or “I don’t wish to give.” The college is steadily approaching its Purdue United Way fundraising goal. To date, nearly $15,000 has been raised toward the PVM goal of $20,000.

For more information, check out Purdue United Way Frequently Asked Questions.

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

Recent Stories

PVM Faculty Member is among 11 Purdue University Teaching Academy inductees for 2026

Mindy Anderson, PharmD, BS, RVT, assistant dean for Veterinary Technology Programs and clinical associate professor of basic medical sciences, is one of the newest Purdue faculty members to be announced as an inductee into the Purdue University Teaching Academy. The university just announced this week a total of 11 Teaching Academy inductees for 2026, in recognition of their outstanding and scholarly teaching in graduate, undergraduate or engagement programs.

Distinguished Professor of Cytometry Paul Robinson Highlighted as National Academy of Inventors Fellow at Purdue

The Purdue Research Foundation is spotlighting National Academy of Inventors fellows at Purdue whose collaborative, multidisciplinary research is translated into real-world technologies that benefit society. And this week the highlighted faculty member is J. Paul Robinson, PhD, Distinguished Professor of Cytometry and SVM Professor of Cytomics in the College of Veterinary Medicine’s Department of Basic Medical Sciences, who holds a joint appointment as professor of biomedical engineering in the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering and serves as director of the Purdue University Cytometry Laboratories.

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

This week, we extend our gratitude to Priscilla Paradise, RVT, who is an instructional technologist for our Veterinary Technology Distance Learning Program.

In Memory – Jessie Farrington (PU AS-VT ’87)

The Purdue Veterinary Medicine community is saddened to learn of the passing of an alumna and retiree, Jessie Farrington, of Rochester, New York, on February 14, 2026, due to a difficult recovery from a broken hip. She was just one month shy of her 97th birthday.

Purdue Veterinary Medicine Celebrates Indiana Agriculture at Farm to Capitol Event

The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine was well represented at the second annual Farm to Capitol celebration last week in downtown Indianapolis. Hosted by Indiana’s Family of Farmers (IFOF), the event on Thursday, May 7, was held at the Bicentennial Plaza and brought together agricultural organizations, industry leaders, state employees, legislators, and members of the public.

PVM’s Senior Send Off Showcases New Graduates’ Next Giant Leaps

Regardless of the weather, spirits were bright during two special events that heralded the arrival of graduation day for veterinary technician and DVM students in Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s Class of 2026. The College of Veterinary Medicine hosted two Senior Send-off events in the past week to give the new graduates a chance to celebrate their post-graduation plans in the company of classmates, faculty and staff.

Asthmatic Horses Can Breathe Easier Thanks to Purdue Health and Human Sciences and College of Veterinary Medicine

A collaboration between the Purdue University School of Health Sciences and the Purdue College of Veterinary Medicine will enable horses to breathe easier. In turn, their human owners will too.

“Paws Up” for the Fortin Drug Discovery Lab Students and Trainees – brought to you by the PVM Wellness Committee

This week a group of Purdue students and trainees in the Fortin Drug Discovery Lab are being appreciated for their clear dedication to their research.

Awards and Presentations Highlight Scholarship of PVM Researchers

The importance of scientific discovery and the research contributions of veterinary students, graduate students, residents, and faculty alike, were recognized during the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine’s annual PVM Research Day this spring. During a day long program in Lynn Hall on April 15, PVM scholars shared research findings during lectures and poster presentations, and were honored with awards.