Veterinary Nursing Stethoscope Celebration Persistently Protects Important College Tradition

September 4, 2020

Brooke and Hannah stand socially distanced beside the Continuum sculpture outside Lynn Hall
Class of 2023 Veterinary Nursing Program ambassadors Brooke Toriani (left) and Hannah Rowe display the new stethoscopes they received August 26 at the 9th annual Veterinary Nursing Stethoscope Celebration.

Students in the Purdue Veterinary Nursing Program’s Class of 2023 stepped into the spotlight during the 9th annual Veterinary Nursing Stethoscope Celebration during the first week of the fall semester.  Organizers of the event took extraordinary steps to safely continue this beloved college tradition for the students in a way that is in line with the Protect Purdue campaign, by utilizing social distancing and hybrid event technologies.  Co-sponsored by Royal Canin and Patterson Veterinary, the hybrid virtual and in-person event on August 26 gave the second-year veterinary nursing students a chance to meet key administrators in the Purdue Veterinary Medicine family and receive complimentary stethoscopes as they start the clinical phase of their veterinary nursing education.

Dr. Chad Brown, director of the Veterinary Nursing Program, started the celebration by making opening remarks before introducing other college administrators who attended remotely. Dean Willie Reed then welcomed the veterinary nursing students to their first year of hands-on clinical learning in the college.  He pointed out the comprehensive training they will receive at Purdue, which is one of only four veterinary colleges that educates the entire veterinary team, including doctors of veterinary medicine, veterinary nurses, and specialists in a variety of fields.

Courtney Waxman, CVT, RVT, VTS (ECC), instructional technologist in the Veterinary Nursing Program and president of the IVTA, also spoke to the class, offering words of advice and encouragement.  Additionally, Pam Phegley, RVT, Veterinary Nursing Program clinical rotation/mentorship coordinator, read the preamble to the Veterinary Technician Code of Ethics, which gives veterinary nurses guidance for carrying out their professional duties.

The students also heard from Aimee Graves, of Royal Canin; Rob Fulkerson, of Patterson Veterinary; and Leslie Ferguson, of the Purdue Veterinary Alumni Association, who wished the students well on their journey to becoming veterinary nurses. After they received their stethoscopes, the students signed the Veterinary Technician Code of Ethics. The signed board will hang in the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital as a reminder of their commitment to the standards, values, and teamwork that supports animal and human health.

Writer(s): Susan Xiofaridou and Kevin Doerr | 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.