The annual Ag Day celebration took place at Ross-Ade Stadium last weekend, coinciding with a double overtime loss for the Boilermakers against Wake Forest. Despite the loss, the event provided a great opportunity for agricultural alumni to gather, particularly due to a new partnership between the College of Agriculture and the College of Veterinary Medicine that helped boost attendance.
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The Ag Alumni Tailgate focused on fostering connections between these two programs, creating a communal space for networking.
Julia Wickard, Executive Director of the Purdue Veterinary Alumni Association, highlighted the significance of their collaboration, stating, “We have so many joint alumni that it just makes sense that if we can do things together from an alumni or development standpoint, we should do it.”
Organized in collaboration with Danica Kirkpatrick and the Purdue Ag Alumni Association, the tailgate attracted notable participation. “We had over 450 registered, and I know we’ve had several walk in,” said Wickard, noting the event's prime location just outside the stadium.
Among the attendees, approximately 100 were graduates of the veterinary school, underscoring a key objective of fostering professional ties early, specifically for the incoming veterinary class of 2030. Wickard explained, “We’re trying to figure out a way—and it’s working—to make them feel a part of that alumni network now while they’re in college.”
The collaboration aims to strengthen relationships between the College of Agriculture, the College of Veterinary Medicine, and their respective deans.
Looking ahead, both associations plan to continue their partnership by connecting alumni at industry events nationwide. Wickard mentioned upcoming opportunities, including the U.S. Animal Health Association meeting in Madison, Wisconsin, next month.
Alumni and friends can find information about upcoming events and networking resources on the Purdue Veterinary Alumni Association and Purdue Ag Alumni Association websites.