February 6, 2009

School of Veterinary Medicine celebrates 50th anniversary

The yearlong celebrations begin Friday (Feb. 6) with a kick-off pep rally at the Indiana Veterinary Medical Association's annual meeting at the Indianapolis Marriott East. The event, which includes a 50th anniversary book release, will take place from 6:30-10 p.m. at the hotel's Veterans Ballroom.

"This is a very important milestone in the life of our school, and it's wise for us to take this opportunity to recognize the history of a great school that serves a great profession," said Dr. Willie Reed, dean of Purdue's School of Veterinary Medicine. "We want to appreciate the contributions and accomplishments of so many who've given so much to our school since it first opened its doors in the fall of 1959. We want to spend some time – much as a family would – taking stock of our heritage, lauding our success and looking together into a future filled with new opportunities."

Purdue's School of Veterinary Medicine is the only veterinary school in Indiana and one of only 28 in the country. In addition to the doctor of veterinary medicine degree, the school offers associate's and bachelor's degrees in veterinary technology, postgraduate internships and residencies for doctors of veterinary medicine seeking specialty training, and graduate degrees in the departments of basic medical sciences, comparative pathobiology and veterinary clinical sciences. Home to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital and the Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, the school serves as a major referral center for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of all species of companion and food animals, as well as exotic pets and wildlife.

Here's a list of other events celebrating the 50th anniversary:

Phi Zeta Day, April 14: Poster presentations about current studies on understanding and improving treatment of animal and human diseases. A distinguished group of speakers will talk about major health issues. Max Essex, chair of the Harvard School of Public Health AIDS Initiative, will speak about the progress and problems in the fight against AIDS in Africa; Guy Palmer, director of the School for Global Animal Health at Washington State University, will speak on global health and the human-animal Interface; and Thijs Kuiken of the Eraasmus Medical Centre in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, will speak on avian influenza. Essex begins the series of lectures at 8:30 a.m. in Lynn Hall, Room 1136.

Dog Days of Summer Continuum Art Project: Forty painted sculptures of dogs will go on display around Lafayette, West Lafayette and the Purdue campus from May through September. The project celebrates both the school's 50th anniversary and the 100th anniversary of the Art Museum of Greater Lafayette. For more information, visit https://www.lafayettedogdays.com

Derby Day at Indiana Downs, May 9: A special thoroughbred race, open to alumni, friends, faculty, staff and students, will take place.

Service project/mission trips: During May and June, veterinary school alumni, faculty, staff and students will participate in two service projects, one in Indiana and the other overseas. From May 17-31, a group of veterinary volunteers will serve the Yetebon community in Ethiopia through Project Mercy, a U.S.-based non-profit relief and development agency. In June a second group will travel to the Spirit Lake Sioux Indiana Reservation to provide animal health care to communities where no veterinary services exist. The Spirit Lake project is being planned in cooperation with Rural Area Veterinary Services, a non-profit group that seeks to improve animal health and well-being in remote rural communities.

Indiana State Fair: An exhibit to showcase the school’s growth since its inception will be on display Aug. 7 during Purdue Day at the Indiana State Fair. The exhibit will include antique veterinary medical instruments and artifacts.

Gala Event, Sept. 24: A black-tie event at the Purdue Memorial Union ballrooms will feature entertainment and recognition of key events and personalities in the school's history.

Writer: Soumitro Sen, (765) 496-9711, ssen@purdue.edu

Sources: Willie Reed, (765) 494-7608, wreed@purdue.edu

Kevin Doerr, School of Veterinary Medicine director of alumni relations and public affairs, (765) 494-8216, doerrkr@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

Note to Journalists: For a complete list of events celebrating the 50th anniversary, visit https://www.vet.purdue.edu/50thanniversary/index.html

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