Retirement Gift ‘Pays it Forward’ Through Veterinary School Scholarships

Dr. Edward Sommers Honors Former Professor

Dr. Ed Sommers, as a freshly minted veterinary school graduate, established a successful practice in Bourbon, Indiana, that continued to serve the community for many years. He always remembered and attributed much of his success to a professor at Purdue University.

While a Purdue student, Ed spent a great deal of time with Dr. C. James Callahan. Ed wasn’t alone in his respect and appreciation for his mentor. Dr. Callahan’s career at Purdue brought him several commendations, including Outstanding Teacher in Veterinary Medicine (1969), Outstanding Clinician (1969), Faculty Award for Excellence in Service (1994) and Alumni Faculty Award for Excellence (1998.)

Ed found Dr. Callahan’s guidance to be so influential that he often said he owed his former instructor fifty cents for every dollar he earned! Dr. Callahan’s retirement party was the perfect opportunity for Ed to honor his former professor in a way that will carry forward for generations. Ed started the Dr. C. James Callahan Veterinary Student Scholarship Fund to support senior veterinary students at Purdue. Dr. Sommer’s goal was to give back to those who gave to him. In turn, he experienced benefits too. He shared, “Never wait to give gifts away that you can afford to give now. You’ll miss out on a lot of pride and joy.”