![\"Veterinary](\"https:\/\/vet.purdue.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/25oath_059-e1748011256334-1024x683.jpg\")
\u201cOur college is committed to, and takes pride in, educating the entire veterinary medical team. Therefore, we unified the oath ceremonies for Veterinary Nurses and Veterinarians into one program,\u201d Dean Marsh explained. He then introduced special guest speakers who each addressed the graduates: Leslie Popplewell Ferguson, RVT, a 2001 Purdue veterinary technology graduate and president of the Purdue Veterinary Alumni Association; Kelsey Guenther, RVT, who is the Central District representative for the Indiana Veterinary Technician Association; and Dr. Lindsey Hedges, who earned her Purdue DVM degree in 2011, and is the immediate past president of the Indiana Veterinary Medical Association.
The ceremony continued with recognition of the college\u2019s veterinary nursing graduates. Dean Marsh explained that the Purdue Veterinary Nursing Program Associate in Applied Science and Bachelor of Science degree recipients have attained a valued position on the veterinary health care delivery team. \u201cThese graduates have earned the right to be identified by wearing the Purdue University veterinary nursing pin, which they will receive when they come forward to the stage as their names are called,\u201d Dean Marsh explained. He then introduced their class responder, Aaliyah Turner, BS, RVT, of Fairland, Indiana. Turner served as president of the Veterinary Nursing Student Organization.<\/p>\n\n\n
![\"Aaliyah](\"https:\/\/vet.purdue.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/25oath_120-898x1024.jpg\")
Speaking on behalf of her peers, Turner thanked their families, the faculty, and everyone in the Veterinary Nursing Program Office. She also expressed appreciation to the DVM Class of 2025. \u201cI enjoyed working alongside you and learning from one another,\u201d Turner said. \u201cFinally I want to thank my fellow classmates. We formed a bond that many classes are not fortunate enough to have. From scrambling in the locker rooms trying to figure out which pair of scrubs to wear to lab, to meeting after an exam to cry together, we were a team always.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Turner then reminded her classmates of where they started when they began their studies in Lynn Hall. \u201cRemember what it took to become who you are as a veterinary nurse. You have accomplished so much!\u201d She added, \u201cGood luck out there, even though you guys really don\u2019t need it, and congratulations!\u201d Once all the graduates had taken their places on the risers, they posed for a class photo. Then Jennifer Smith, RVT, senior instructional technologist for the Veterinary Nursing program, led the graduates in reciting the Veterinary Technician Oath. Then he took a moment to remember a missing and dearly loved classmate who tragically lost his life in an accident two years ago, sharing, \u201c\u2026to those who aren\u2019t with us here physically, but are forever with us in spirit, including our friend and classmate, Aaron Lewis, we carry you on in everything we do.\u201d Indiana Veterinary Medical Association Award for Clinical Proficiency in All Species<\/em> American Association of Feline Practitioners Award<\/em> Indiana Association of Equine Practitioners<\/em> 12th District of the Indiana Veterinary Medical Association Award<\/em> American College of Veterinary Surgeons Award American College of Theriogenologists Clinical Proficiency Student Award<\/em> IDEXX Award for Proficiency in Clinical Pathology<\/em> American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Certificate of Clinical Excellence Comparative Ophthalmology Award American Academy of Veterinary Dermatology Award Bob Rosenthal Senior Student Award in Clinical Oncology G. Edward Cummins Compassionate Care Award Bastien Award<\/em> Shelter Medicine Program Award<\/em> Central Indiana Veterinary Medical Association Award Class of 1983 Award<\/em> Purdue Veterinary Alumni Association Senior Leadership Award<\/em> American Animal Hospital Association Award for Proficiency in Primary Care<\/em> American College of Veterinary Pathologists Award for Excellence in Veterinary Pathology<\/em> Zoetis and Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society Award for Proficiency in Emergency and Critical Care<\/em> Once all the DVM graduates had been introduced, they paused for a class picture and then were led by Dean Marsh in reciting the Veterinarian\u2019s Oath. Before stepping down, they were joined by the veterinary nursing graduates who returned to the stage for a photo of all the graduates together as the comprehensive veterinary team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At that point all the graduates went back to their seats and Dean Marsh continued the ceremony by announcing the recipients of three teaching awards that recognized faculty and staff members who had instructed and worked alongside the graduates:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Beth Laffoon<\/strong>, MS, RVT, instructional technologist, received the Elanco Veterinary Technology Outstanding Teaching Award<\/em>, which is given to honor a Veterinary Nursing educator who has clearly communicated course content, facilitated skill acquisition, motivated students, shown a continued willingness to facilitate learning outside of a formal setting, counseled and mentored students, and served as a positive role model.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dr. Jim Weisman<\/strong>, former assistant dean of clinical education, received the Weedon Faculty Recognition Award, which is given to the faculty member who is determined by the fourth-year students to have made the greatest contribution to their class during their progress toward their DVM degree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dr. Tim Bolton<\/strong>, clinical assistant professor of small animal internal medicine, received the PVM Award for Excellence in Teaching Fourth Year DVM Students, which is given on the basis of a student ballot in which teaching effectiveness is evaluated using this standard: \u201cAn outstanding teacher is one who demonstrates superior ability in communicating the chosen material to students and stimulates their desire to master the material. This teacher will also recognize that their teaching responsibility does not stop at the classroom door, and therefore, will be ready to aid and motivate students in a counseling and advisory capacity, either formally or informally.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The awards for the top teachers in each of the three other years of the DVM program, based on the same balloting system described above, were presented before spring semester classes ended during a special midday ceremony in Lynn 1136:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dean Marsh concluded the May PVM graduation ceremony by thanking everyone present as well as those watching via the live stream for sharing in this momentous occasion in the lives of the newest PVM graduates. Then the graduates recessed to the back of the ballroom and out into the lobby for the Graduation Celebration reception, where they were able to pick up a gift from the Purdue Veterinary Alumni Association, mingle with faculty, staff, friends and family, and pose for numerous photos! A recording of the live stream is available and can be accessed here:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Dr. Kathy Salisbury, then stepped to the podium to announce the names of the veterinary nursing graduates as they ascended the stage and were congratulated by Dean Marsh before taking their positions on risers. First the Associate in Applied Science degree recipients were recognized, followed by the Bachelor of Science degree recipients. As graduate Teaira Abels<\/strong> crossed the stage, Dr. Salisbury also announced that she is the recipient of this year\u2019s Outstanding Veterinary Nurse Award<\/em>, which is given for outstanding academics and excellent clinical skills.<\/p>\n\n\n![\"Jennifer](\"https:\/\/vet.purdue.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/25oath_130-1024x658.jpg\")
After the veterinary nursing graduates returned to their seats, Dean Marsh stepped to the podium again to address the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program graduates. He reminded them that, as members of the college\u2019s 63rd graduating DVM class, they join more than 3,500 Purdue veterinary alumni. \u201cOur faculty members have witnessed your transformation from junior colleagues with high ideals and aspirations, to full-fledged veterinary professionals,\u201d Dean Marsh said. \u201cWe believe that you are indeed ready to assume your new role as veterinarians.\u201d
Dean Marsh then introduced Dr. Frank Leitgeb, of Astoria, New York, as the DVM class member chosen by his peers to give the formal class response. \u201cWe\u2019ve earned this,\u201d Dr. Leitgeb said as he looked toward his classmates. \u201cNo matter how chaotic or overwhelming things got, we didn\u2019t give up. We earned this title, every single one of us.\u201d But he added, they couldn\u2019t have done it alone, and, on behalf of his classmates, he thanked their mentors, families, partners, and friends.<\/p>\n\n\n![\"Dr.](\"https:\/\/vet.purdue.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/25oath_147-1024x901.jpg\")
Dr. Leitgeb concluded by emphasizing, \u201cThis moment is for all of us\u2026Our partners, who made sure we ate and slept; our families, who made sure we were ok; and our friends, who made sure we weren\u2019t alone. Here\u2019s to the future, to the work ahead, and to finally getting to call ourselves doctors.\u201d
Dr. Salisbury then returned to the podium to announce the names of the class members as they stepped onto the stage to be congratulated by Dean Marsh before taking their places on the risers. As the students were introduced, those receiving senior class awards were recognized:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Recognizes proficiency in small animal medicine and surgery, large animal medicine and surgery, or in all species
Dr. Jennifer Pollic, Small Animal
Dr. Kallie Knott, Large Animal
Dr. Brayden Burbrink, All Species<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Presented to a student demonstrating highest proficiency in feline medicine and surgery
Dr. Sophie Scheer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Recognizes students exhibiting highest proficiency in equine medicine and surgery and displaying the highest degree of professionalism
Dr. Melissa Fiebelkorn
Dr. Emily Prugh<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Presented to a student who demonstrates excellence in academic performance, research, or service in veterinary public health and preventive medicine
Dr. Mary Nowak<\/strong>
15th District of the Indiana Veterinary Medical Association\/American Association of Bovine Practitioners Excellence in Bovine Veterinary Medicine Award<\/em>
Recognizes a student who has demonstrated exceptional proficiency and interest in bovine production medicine and surgery
Dr. Kelsey D\u2019Amico<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/em>Presented to students who demonstrate academic and clinical proficiency in surgery, as well as aptitude and interest in surgery
Dr. Madeleine Arndt, Small Animal
Dr. Zachary Sayre, Large Animal<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Honors a DVM student who exemplifies clinical proficiency in theriogenology
Dr. Devon Anderson<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Recognizes a student who demonstrates a strong understanding of clinical pathology and its practical application to clinical cases
Dr. Mary Nowak<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/em>Awarded to two students in small animal and one in large animal who have demonstrated sincere interest in internal medicine
Dr. Rachel Stucky, Small Animal
Dr. Cameron Vaughn, Small Animal
Dr. Eve Neumann, Large Animal<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/em>Awarded to a student who demonstrates excellence in academic performance, research, or service in comparative ophthalmology
Dr. Candis Hoskins<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/em>Presented to a student who excels in clinical dermatology
Dr. Jennifer Pollic<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/em>Recognizes a student who demonstrates proficiency in the care of veterinary oncology patients and aptitude in clinical oncology
Dr. Jennifer Pollic<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/em>Recognizes a student exemplifying clinical training and compassion for animals and clients alike
Dr. Kaitlyn Wolfe<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Presented to a student exemplifying empathy and exceptional care to canine patients
Dr. Juli Soda<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Recognizes a student who exemplifies compassion for shelter pets, excellent interaction with shelter clients, and proficiency in shelter medicine
Dr. Sharon Meoli<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/em>Honors a student with outstanding client communication skills
Dr. Devon Anderson<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Presented to students who have overcome obstacles or persevered despite difficult circumstances in pursuit of the DVM degree
Dr. Madeleine Arndt
Dr. Sharon Meoli<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Honors a student selected by classmates for demonstrating leadership through involvement in school activities, service to community, and engagement with the veterinary medical profession
Dr. Megan Colborn<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Presented to a veterinary student with proficiency in primary care
Dr. Aric Swihart<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Recognizes an outstanding veterinary student who demonstrates exceptional proficiency and interest in anatomic and\/or clinical pathology
Dr. Frank Leitgeb<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Honors a student who demonstrates extraordinary commitment and exceptional proficiency in caring for emergency and critical care patients (regardless of species)
Dr. Megan Colborn<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Dean](\"https:\/\/vet.purdue.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/385A9874-1024x683.jpg\")
![\"Instructional](\"https:\/\/vet.purdue.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/25oath_204-867x1024.jpg\")
![\"The](\"https:\/\/vet.purdue.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/25oath_209-881x1024.jpg\")
![\"Dr.](\"https:\/\/vet.purdue.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/25oath_207-871x1024.jpg\")
\n
<\/li>\n\n\n\n
<\/li>\n\n\n\n![\"Dr.](\"https:\/\/vet.purdue.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/IMG_2129-copy2_teaching_awardees-1024x683.jpg\")
![\"The](\"https:\/\/vet.purdue.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/25oath_203-1-1024x522.jpg\")
Congratulations to all the award recipients and the entire PVM Class of 2025!<\/p>\n\n\n![\"Hugs](\"https:\/\/vet.purdue.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/25oath_247-1024x764.jpg\")
\n\n\n\n