PVM Alumnus Gives Bird’s Eye Zoo View at Dean’s Club Luncheon
PVM Dean’s Club members ask questions of the Los Angeles Zoo’s Chief Veterinarian Curtis Eng (left on stage).
“From Purdue to a Zoo” was the theme for the 2013 Purdue Veterinary Medicine Dean’s Club Luncheon which featured a member of the College’s 25th Reunion Class, Dr. Curtis Eng, as the guest speaker. Dr. Eng serves as chief veterinarian and manager of the California Condor Program at the Los Angeles Zoo. Dr. Eng told the Dean’s Club members how his PVM training prepared him to tackle the challenges he faces as a veterinarian caring for some of the world’s most exotic species. He also described the success of the California Condor Program in preserving the rare birds from extinction. The Dean’s Club Luncheon was held in the Purdue Memorial Union North Ballroom. The Dean’s Club is for PVM alumni and friends who contribute $500 or more to the College of Veterinary Medicine during the calendar year.
Purdue DVM Graduates Find Success in Job Market Members of the Purdue Veterinary Medicine DVM Class of 2013 graduated in May with great expectations just like any new alumni. For most of the graduates, getting started in their new careers as veterinarians was next on their to-do lists. Other graduates, however, opted to continue their training in internships, residencies or graduate programs. Of the 63 new Purdue DVM graduates who left Purdue in May, 36 entered associate positions in private practices around the country. Another 19 are taking part in internship, residency or graduate studies programs. These alumni represent an 87.3% overall employment rate for the Purdue DVM Class of 2013. However, when only considering those students who were job seeking, the employment rate actually is 91.6%, which compares to a national employment rate for 2013 graduates of 90.3%. Thus, our Purdue DVM graduates are doing well in the job market. As the members of the Class of 2014 begin to seek employment, they will be prepared to take on their roles as new veterinary professionals just as our most recent graduates have done since May.
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Development Digest by Jeff Spielman, PVM Director of Advancement As I reflect on our Fall Conference and the fellowship that was shared during the Purdue Veterinary Medicine Class of 1963 dinner to help honor our College’s first 50th Class Reunion, I am reminded of the stories I’ve heard about the struggles that went into starting our College and the efforts of the students at that time to get into the very first PVM class. Each Jeff Spielman member or family member representing the Class of ’63 at the reunion shared stories about their experiences here at Purdue. I was amazed at the different routes those class members took to get into the profession and the paths their careers followed after graduation. This occasion truly marked a significant milestone for our College, as evidenced by the fact that we will be honoring a class every year from this point forward with a golden anniversary reunion. The College is also looking at some changes and focus with the leadership of our new President, Mitch Daniels Jr. He announced a set of new initiatives, called Purdue Moves, that the University will be focusing on as we move forward and a couple of those will affect our College in fundraising and research. As you look at this PVM Report you will find stories that show our commitment to assist in those endeavors. Evan and Sue Ann Werling have graciously decided to help fund research in cancer prevention being conducted by Dr. Deborah Knapp, Dolores L. McCall Professor of Comparative Oncology and director of the Purdue Comparative Oncology Program. The Werlings are providing a matching gift to strengthen Dr. Knapp’s research program. At the same time, we are introducing a grateful client giving program, led by PVM Development Director Becky Hershey. With these programs we are setting our goals very high this year. After very good success raising $5 million dollars for the College during the 2012-2013 fiscal year, we have set this year’s goal at $7 million. This will make for a record year in fundraising for the College and I know our team is in great shape to meet these goals with your help. Please consider a gift of any amount to be a participant and show your support for the College. Our friends Evan and Sue Ann Werling are stepping up and we need the help of all our alumni and friends to reach these goals. Additionally, we are committed to seeing the participation rate of our alumni increase. PVM Director of Alumni Relations and Special Events Wendi Ailor has worked with our alumni boards to increase membership in the Purdue Veterinary Alumni Association (PVAA). Lots of progress is being made and I hope you will send in your membership registration. I have been fortunate to meet many of you during this past year and look forward to enhancing the College’s image by continuing to help support and promote the work that we do here at the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine.