Veterinary Nursing Graduates Recognized at December Commencement

Veterinary nursing students join together for a group photo in their cap and gowns
Purdue veterinary nursing graduates who attended Purdue’s winter commencement ceremonies paused for a group photo: (left-right) Tye Anderson, Jeanna Zito, Kimberly Whitcomb, and Rachel Abbott.

The 2019 holiday season was extra special for 12 Purdue veterinary nursing students who earned their degrees in December.  A total of nine students completed the Veterinary Nursing Distance Learning Program, earning their Associate in Applied Science degree, two on-campus Veterinary Nursing Program students earned their Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Nursing degree, and one student earned her Associate in Applied Science degree.

Graduates of both the on-campus and distance learning programs were recognized as part of Purdue’s December commencement exercises on Sunday, December 15, 2019 in the Elliott Hall of Music.  College of Veterinary Medicine graduates were honored during the afternoon program along with winter graduates in the Colleges of Health and Human Sciences, Management, Pharmacy, and Science, and the Purdue Polytechnic Institute. Three of the nine Veterinary Nursing Distance Learning Program students came to West Lafayette to attend the commencement ceremony.

Congratulations to the following Purdue veterinary nursing graduates:

On-campus Veterinary Nursing Program | Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Nursing degree:

  • Kimberly J. Whitcomb
  • Melissa M. Celestin

On-campus Veterinary Nursing Program | Associate in Applied Science degree:

  • Kay J. Hagen

Veterinary Nursing Distance Learning Program | Associate in Applied Science degree:

  • Rachel A. Abbott
  • Melanie L. Albano
  • Tye L. Anderson
  • Abigail T. Goldman
  • Lori G. C. Sargent
  • Cassidi R. Stefishen
  • Jennifer R. Tulleners
  • Brittany H. Wessel
  • Jeanna M. Zito

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

Recent Stories

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

This week we offer a very special “Paws Up” to Dr. Kathy Salisbury as she nears retirement as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and concludes a remarkable career during which she gave more than 40 years of dedicated and steadfast service to the veterinary profession, the College of Veterinary Medicine and Purdue University.

Petula the Papillon: from Heartache to Healing and Beyond

Our series of articles about animals and their owners who’ve found help and healing at the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital continues as we share the story of Petula, the Papillon. Ann Bruno will never forget the moment her Papillon puppy, Petula, jumped out of the bath and landed wrong. In an instant, her young agility partner could not put weight on her leg. Ann’s heart sank. Petula was more than a beloved companion. She was already in training for agility competitions, and Ann was determined to do everything she could to get her back on track.

2025 Purdue Veterinary Conference to Feature Top-Level Continuing Education and Events

The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine is set to host the 2025 Purdue Veterinary Conference September 16–20, and registration is open! The annual event held on Purdue’s West Lafayette campus brings together veterinary professionals, educators, students, and industry partners for a week of continuing education complete with opportunities for practical learning, collaboration and networking.

In Memory: Dr. Jennifer Anderson-Schmeltz (PU DVM 2009)

The Purdue Veterinary Medicine community is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of a member of the Purdue DVM Class of 2009, Dr. Jennifer Anderson-Schmeltz, of Mishawaka, Indiana, who died June 13 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was 42.