Virtual Event Gives Donors Birdseye View of New Purdue University Veterinary Hospital Project

August 7, 2020

screen shot of PVM leaders participating in the Zoom meeting — College and hospital leaders along with members of the development team “zoomed” in for a virtual gathering to give donors an update on the new Purdue University Veterinary Hospital project.

Friends and alumni of the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine who have committed a major gift to the new hospital project recently joined Dean Willie Reed and the college’s development office for a live, virtual hospital update. More than 25 alumni and friends participated in the Zoom event Tuesday, July 21.

screen shot of Dean Reed sharing a rendering — Dean Willie Reed shares an architect’s illustration of the waiting area for the new Equine Hospital.

The evening began with a welcome from Chief Development Officer Tanya Finkbiner and continued with a comprehensive construction site update utilizing live camera footage from Cy Rangel, the construction project manager. Flad Architects provided fly-over animation videos for each of the hospitals – Small Animal, Equine, and Farm Animal – allowing all attendees to get a visual taste of what is on the horizon.

In addition to the opportunity to see the visual updates of the building project, participants also were able to sense the excitement of hospital team leaders and the hospital director, Dr. Ellen Lowery. “It is important for donors to see and hear from the people they are supporting through this building project,” Dr. Lowery said. “This unique time provided a fantastic opportunity for the hospital unit leaders to share their excitement and gratitude to the people who are making it possible.”

Hospital team leaders who participated in the virtual event included:

Dr. Nolie Parnell – Small Animal Chief of Staff
Dr. Paula Johnson – Emergency and Critical Care
Dr. Stephanie Thomovsky – Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
Dr. Melissa Lewis – Neurology
Dr. Mark Rochat – Small Animal Surgery
Dr. Wendy Townsend – Ophthalmology
Dr. Larry Adams – Small Animal Internal Medicine
Dr. Caroline Fulkerson – Diagnostic Imaging
Dr. Ann Weil – Anesthesiology
Dr. Jan Hawkins – Large Animal Surgery
Dr. Laurent Couëtil – Large Animal Internal Medicine

screen shot of Zoom meeting — During the Zoom meeting, Dean Reed shared an architect’s drawing of the new Small Animal Hospital reception area.

The team leaders shared their excitement about the advantages that the new hospital will offer, including increased room space, better workflow, heightened safety measures, design enhancements for animals’ comfort and well-being, and added space for intermediate care.

“It was a wonderful night of sharing and celebration of what is to come,” said Tanya, speaking on behalf of the development team. “We have a long way to go with a lot to be thankful for.” Continued updates will be posted to the college and campaign websites and social media platforms.

Purdue Veterinary Medicine is at 41% of its fundraising goal of $8.1 million.

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

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