Interview with Gerald D. Goetsch, D.V.M., Ph.D.
Interviewer: Ann E. Kerker
Date: November 9, 1989
Kerker This is an interview with Professor Emeritus Gerald D.
Goetsch, School of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University,
held on November 9, 1989, in the Library Conference Room,
Stewart Center, Purdue University. The interviewer is Ann
E. Kerker, Professor and Veterinary Medical Librarian
Emeritus.
Kerker Gerry, would you give us some background of your
pre -college years?
Goetsch I was born in Western Kansas but grew up in Eastern Kansas
on a typical grain and livestock farm. We raised a
variety of animals and fowls and had a number of dogs and
cats over the years. We often called veterinarians to
treat our sick animals but I never seriously considered
veterinary medicine as a career until I entered college.
Kerker Prior to coming to Purdue, I believe you attended Kansas
State University. What courses of study did you pursue
there? And what degrees were you awarded?
Goetsch I entered Kansas State College in 1940 on a Sears Roebuck
Scholarship to enroll in Agriculture. During my second
year in college, I roomed with a student who was a
first-year veterinary student. Through my conversations
with him and contacts with other persons in the Veterinary
School, I realized that a degree in Veterinary Medicine ·
offered a wide variety of career opportunities.
Consequently, I completed my pre-veterinary requirements
during my second year and enrolled in Veterinary Medicine
in the fall of 1942.
Kerker Were you in a training program associated with the Armed
Forces?
Goetsch As was the case with most students in veterinary school
during this period, I enlisted in 1943 in a special
program called the Army Specialized Training Program
(ASTP) and was assigned to continue my veterinary
schooling in the army. We were required to complete three
full semester terms each year and I received my DVM degree
in 1945. Several persons who have been or are on the
staff here at Purdue were also in the ASTP units. Dean
Jack J. Stockton, Dean Erskine V. Morse, Dr. Donald P.
Gustafson, Dr. Russell K. Jones, Dr. Lewis Runnells and
Dr. William Pritchard are some that were assigned to those
units.
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