What a Difference a Day Makes!

April 28, 2023

Support Pours in to Purdue and College of Veterinary Medicine During Purdue Day of Giving

A chocolate lab enjoys some love from students who took some time to sit in the grass enjoying the sunshine on Wednesday
Passers-by were happy to make a gift in conjunction with taking a few minutes to interact with the Canine Educators during the college’s “Pet a Pup!” event on Purdue’s Memorial Mall.

It was a day much like any other 24 hour day. But Wednesday, April 26, also was a day unlike any other day for Purdue University, which hosted the most notable Purdue Day of Giving, yet, to benefit the university and all the colleges, including Purdue Veterinary Medicine. This year marked the 10th year for the annual event, which started at midnight Wednesday and ran for 24 consecutive hours. By the time the clock struck 12 the next night, the one day fund-drive had shattered the previous world record (also set by Purdue in 2022), raising a total of $110,802,950, donated in the form of 27,855 gifts!

The College of Veterinary Medicine ended the day with $1,451,193 raised through 226 gifts. The university also granted the college an additional $1,314 in bonus funds for ranking 13th on the donation leaderboard.

Special Purdue Day of Giving events also garnered attention for the college, including the “Pet a Pup!” session from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the Memorial Mall, featuring the popular Canine Educators. The loveable Beagles and Labradors soaked up all the attention while inciting passers-by to give donations in conjunction with the opportunity to pet the furry companions.

Dean Reed starts his leg of the relay event held as part of the Purdue Day of Giving events
Dean Willie Reed accepts Purdue Pete’s hammer from Golden Girl Emily Cowette, accompanied by members of the Purdue Space Program, along Marstellar Street near Lynn Hall during the Purdue Day of Giving relay. Led by the college’s Canine Educators, Dean Reed proudly carried the hammer on his leg of the run/walk.

The Canine Educators also stepped into the limelight with PVM Dean Willie Reed, as they accompanied him on his leg of the official Purdue Day of Giving Relay. The event featured student organizations and university celebrities who came together for the campus-wide relay run/walk that started at 12:15 p.m. at the corner of University Street and Stadium Avenue. At about 1:45 p.m., Dean Reed and the Canine Educators were in position to receive Purdue Pete’s hammer from Purdue Golden Girl Emily Cowette, who was accompanied by members of the Purdue Space Program, along Marstellar Street just north of Lynn Hall, and carry the unique baton to the next relay point. The relay ended with Purdue President Mung Chiang as the final baton recipient at 4:00 p.m. near Hovde Hall. Boilermakers were invited to either join him on the run or line the streets to cheer him on as he headed toward the conclusion on Memorial Mall, where he kicked-off a student celebration.

A Beagle stands with her front legs on a students leg who looks on smiling
Canine Educators had a busy day on Wednesday, April 26, spreading joy on Purdue’s campus during the “Pet a Pup!” event.

Other special College of Veterinary Medicine events during the Purdue Day of Giving included free donuts and coffee in the morning at the main Lynn Hall entrance. The incredible showing of support from PVM alumni, friends, faculty and staff, hospital clients, and students will have a huge impact. Donors to the Purdue Day of Giving gave to a variety of PVM programs including Priority 4 Paws, to support medical care for animals at partner animal shelters in Indiana; the David and Bonnie Brunner Purdue Veterinary Medical Hospital Complex, to help meet equipment and other facility needs; PVM research programs, to assist with studies that lead to advancements in animal and human health; and scholarships that meet financial needs of students. 

To view the full summary of the day’s highlights, visit dayofgiving.purdue.edu. Thank you to all who supported the College of Veterinary Medicine during the Day of Giving by donating and participating in events and activities. Click here to view the Purdue Day of Giving Thank You video.

Students and pups join for a group photo in front of the Canine Educator banner on Purdue's Memorial Mall
Thank you to everyone who showed their support for the College of Veterinary Medicine during the 2023 Purdue Day of Giving!

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