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!

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.