You could argue that Joanne Troutner (BA ’74, MS ’76) has long been a pacesetter for Purdue University.
The distinguished lifelong Indiana educator, digital media pioneer, author, and consultant continues to lead by example, donating her time, talent, and treasure to numerous affiliations at her alma mater.
Now, she’s setting the pace for a “pet project” dear to her heart.
In conjunction with the Purdue College of Veterinary Medicine’s (PVM) 60th anniversary and approval to build the new veterinary teaching hospital, Joanne became one of the first 60 “Pacesetters” who made leadership gifts to support PVM’s upcoming Leave a Print fundraising campaign.
“I have a great love for animals,” states the Gaston, Indiana, farm girl who once bottle-fed Holstein calves. She showed Angus cattle and Hampshire hogs throughout her 10 years in 4-H, but a constant presence and pleasure are the canine companions in her life.
Joanne’s ongoing “love affair” began with Suzy, a Brittany spaniel. Over time, Saint Bernards, border collies, and a variety of hybrid dogs found a warm home—and heart—in the Troutner household.
A black Labrador retriever, Sammy, enjoyed “a wonderful and active life of 13 years thanks to the Purdue College of Veterinary Medicine and Community Practice,” Joanne noted in a testimonial. Today, two more black Labs, Billie Sue and Brandy, are part of the Troutner pack—and the PVM clientele.
“My love of animals is coupled with a deep admiration and respect for the vets who help provide these companions with healthy, happy, long lives,” Joanne says. “Of course, I would choose to join the Vet Med Pacesetters as I look forward to new facilities and teaching options for the future vets educated at Purdue.”
A President’s Council leadership-level donor since 1981, Joanne has given back as a mentor for the Purduettes vocal ensemble and has served on various committees and boards, including the Dean’s Advisory Board for the College of Education. And, of course, she cherishes her time serving the President’s Council family as an advisory board member and, notably, as recent past chair:
“No one will ever know just how much my experience as chair has meant to me. It’s truly been a pinnacle of my experience at Purdue. I have had the opportunity to expand my circle of friends, travel to wonderful locations on President’s Council cruises, and give back to my University.”
Up next, Joanne will continue setting the pace as the volunteer chair for the reconstituted Women for Purdue organization, whose founding members meet this November to chart a course for women philanthropists at our University.
For Joanne Troutner, “Hail Purdue!” is more than a fight song. Staying involved is her way of staying ever true. And she says: “My Purdue experience has given me lifelong friends, a wonderful husband, a fulfilling career, and a life for which I am ever grateful.”
