Oath Ceremony and Graduation Gala Celebrates Success of PVM Class of 2018

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Veterinary Technology and DVM Program graduates join together for a photo op featuring the PVM Class of 2018 at the conclusion of the Oath Ceremony in the Purdue Memorial Union Ballrooms.

Dean Willie Reed places the doctoral hood on Tierra Rose, signifying her success in completing the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree program, during the University commencement ceremony in the Elliott Hall of Music Saturday, May 12. (Purdue University/ Mark Simons)

Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s Class of 2018 graduated last Saturday, May 12, with pomp, circumstance, and the traditional College of Veterinary Medicine Oath Ceremony.  Commencement exercises began in the morning with the Purdue University commencement ceremony in the Elliott Hall of Music for the Colleges of Veterinary Medicine, Liberal Arts, Education, and the School of Management.  Then the graduates and their families moved to the Purdue Memorial Union ballrooms for the PVM Oath Ceremony.

“On this wonderful gradation day, we have a special opportunity to continue a long-held and beloved tradition of our College,” Dean Willie Reed said as he began the Oath Ceremony.  “Since our first class graduated in 1963, we have held the Veterinarians’ Oath Ceremony in conjunction with the main university commencement exercises in May.”  The Dean continued by explaining how the Veterinary Technician Oath Ceremony was added after the College established the Veterinary Technology Program to train veterinary nurses in the mid-1970s.  More recently, the ceremonies were unified in one program.

Veterinary Technology Program graduates celebrate on the occasion of their commencement ceremony.

Noting that only four of the 30 veterinary schools and colleges in the country have both DVM and veterinary technology programs, Dean Reed explained, “This unified ceremony enables us to exemplify the concept of the veterinary team in a unique and beautiful way.”  He then told the graduates, “…as you embark on your careers in the veterinary medical profession, you join an alumni network that embodies the ‘veterinary team.’  Numbering more than five-thousand, our College’s alumni include veterinarians, veterinary technicians and technologists, and recipients of graduate degrees.”

The ceremony continued with remarks by Dr. Nathan Rich (PU DVM 2006), president of the Indiana Veterinary Medical Association, and Tami Lind, RVT (PU BS-VT 2010), president-elect of the Indiana Veterinary Technician Association.  Then it was time to recognize graduates in the Veterinary Technology program.  Before being called individually to step onto the stage, the graduates heard from the Veterinary Technology Program Class Responder, Hailey Parr, BS, RVT.  Once all of the Veterinary Technology graduates assembled on stage, Liane Shaw, RVT, Diagnostic Imaging instructional technologist, and Tami Lind, Intensive Care Unit and Emergency and Critical Care technologist supervisor, who were selected by the students, led the graduates in reciting the Veterinary Technician Oath.

Next, Dean Reed addressed the members of the DVM Class of 2018.  “Fifty-five classes of Purdue DVM alumni have gone before you, equaling about 3,300 veterinarians, who have demonstrated that their Purdue education prepared them to succeed in one of the greatest professions on the planet,” Dean Reed said.  “Now, as members of the Class of 2018, you are ready to build on that legacy, and demonstrate anew that Purdue University educates the best veterinarians an animal-owner can find.”

New DVM graduates Justin Knoll, Cristina Christianson, Jasmine Jackson, and Sheena Sanil pose for a photo op at the reception following the PVM Oath Ceremony.

Then the students heard from their Class Responder, Dr. Janet Roque-Torres, before being called individually on stage.  “I have one last assignment for our DVM graduates,” Dean Reed said, before asking them and all other veterinarians in attendance to recite the Veterinarians’ Oath.

Diagnostic Imaging Instructional Technologist Liane Shaw, RVT, receives the Elanco Veterinary Technology Outstanding Teaching Award from Dean Reed at the Graduation Gala Friday night, May 11.

The ceremony concluded with a photo-op featuring all members of PVM’s Class of 2018.  Following the program, the graduates, their families, and PVM faculty and staff in attendance enjoyed the opportunity to visit and offer congratulations at a reception in the South Ballroom.

Dean Willie Reed presents the Weedon Faculty Recognition Award to Dr. Jim Weisman, assistant dean for student affairs and clinical associate professor.

The evening before the Oath Ceremony, the College honored several graduates for outstanding accomplishments at the Graduation Gala, held at the Four Points by Sheraton in West Lafayette.  The event included the presentation of Veterinary Technology Program awards for leadership, academic achievement and technical proficiency, as well as the Outstanding Veterinary Technologist Award.  Then awards for DVM graduates were presented in categories that included Excellence in Clinical Performance, Excellence in Patient Care and Client Communications, and Special Recognition.  In addition, awards for interns and residents were presented, as were two faculty and staff recognition awards that recognize PVM educators for contributing to the success of the new graduates.  Liane Shaw, RVT, received the Elanco Veterinary Technology Outstanding Teaching Award and Dr. Jim Weisman, assistant dean for student affairs and clinical associate professor, received the Weedon Faculty Recognition Award.  Following the awards program the graduates and guests were able to stay for dancing and socializing at the “Final Discharge” after-party.

Look for more comprehensive coverage of the PVM commencement and awards programs as well as additional photos in the next issue of the Vet Gazette June 1.

Writer(s): Kevin Doerr | pvmnews@purdue.edu