INDIANAPOLIS— Dr. Jerry Rodenbarger, Valparaiso, IN, received honors from the Indiana Veterinary Medical Association (IVMA). Dr. Rodenbarger was presented the IVMA Lifetime Achievement Award. This award recognizes an IVMA member for cumulative service and accomplishments benefiting the profession, organized veterinary medicine, and the community.
Dr. Rodenbarger grew up on a small farm in West Lafayette, IN. He went to Purdue for his undergraduate studies and received his DVM in 1979 from the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine. Following two years at a small animal hospital in South Bend, Dr. Rodenbarger moved to Valparaiso, IN, and took a position in a small animal/equine practice. He has owned or partnered in three practices in the Valparaiso area over the past 39 years.
Dr. Rodenbarger met his wife, Linda, at the Methodist Church, singing in the choir. They have been married for 37 years. They have three adult children and three grandchildren all of whom live in the Zionsville/Indy area.
The Valparaiso community has been so supportive of his veterinary practices throughout the years. Because of this, he has returned the favor by giving back through active involvement in local, charitable organizations. Dr. Rodenbarger has had the privilege of serving on many boards and committees during his professional career: the Valparaiso Parks Foundation, the YMCA, the Boys' and Girls' Club, the United Way, Our Greater Good, Family House and Housing Opportunities.
At his church, Dr. Rodenbarger has served on the Pastor/Parish Council and twice chaired the annual stewardship campaign. Along the way, he and his wife have been blessed to be honored with several awards, including the Park Foundation Legends Award in 2010, the United Way Dorothy Porter outstanding volunteer award in 2013, the Valparaiso Chamber Legacy of Service Award in 2014, and the Carolyn and Dr. John Wolf YMCA Legacy Award in 2017.
Dr. Rodenbarger believes strongly in supporting organized veterinary medicine. He serves, or has served, in several capacities. Dr. Rodenbarger has been the District 1 representative to the IVMA Board of Directors. He has chaired the IVMA Ethics Committee. He will continue as the Region I representative to the IVMA board beginning in 2020. Dr. Rodenbarger is the secretary/treasurer of the Purdue Veterinary College Alumni Board and he also currently serves on the Indiana Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.
The award presentation took place on January 31, 2020, during the Crossroads Veterinary Conference meeting in Noblesville, IN. Surgery, internal medicine, dermatology, equine medicine, small animal surgery, and large animal issues, along with many other topics, were on the scientific meeting agenda.
The IVMA is the professional organization for veterinarians who care for Hoosier pets, farm animals, zoo animals, wildlife, and public health, and is the human side of animal health.
