The Purdue Veterinary Medicine community is saddened by the passing of a beloved alumnus, Dr. Glenn \u201cEd\u201d Cummins, who was well known for a student award named in his honor. Dr. Cummins, of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away peacefully May 15, 2026. He was 83.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A native of Vincennes, Indiana, Dr. Cummins developed a love of animals as a child on his grandmother\u2019s farm. As a youth, he raised and showed Angus cattle on the fair circuit, with his uncle. He decided to pursue Veterinary Medicine as a way to continue working with animals, and earned his Purdue DVM degree in 1966. He served as a private practice veterinarian for nearly 50 years, initially caring for pets at his clinic in Nora Plaza in Indianapolis, and then at his E. 91st Street location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The G. Edward Cummins Compassionate Care Award was established in Dr. Cummins\u2019 name by a couple who were longtime clients, to be given annually to a veterinary student for exemplifying clinical training and compassion for animals and clients alike. For years, Dr. Cummins personally attended the presentations of the award during the college\u2019s award ceremonies in the Purdue Memorial Union ballrooms. Those who had the privilege of meeting him will always remember his kind and gentle manner and his personal interest in the Compassionate Care Award. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Purdue Veterinary Medicine community lost an alumnus and a very dear friend with the\u00a0\u00a0passing of Dr. Cummins.\u00a0\u00a0The donors have asked that the award be given in the future in his memory. Gifts in Dr. Cummins memory may be made to the award fund. Click here<\/a>\u00a0to reach the College of Veterinary Medicine giving site, choose \u201cOther Fund\u201d in the lower right-hand corner, select \u201cadd gift\u201d and specify \u201cG. Edward Cummins Compassionate Care Award\u201d in the space provided. Then, when you check out, you will have an opportunity to designate the gift as \u201cin memory of.\u201d If you have questions, contact\u00a0pvmgiving@purdueforlife.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A member of the Knights of Columbus and the Sertoma Club, Dr. Cummins and his wife, Nancy, were longtime members of St. Luke Catholic Church. A Funeral Mass was held May 22, 2026, at Our Lady of Peace Cemetery Chapel in Indianapolis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n