Evening of Gratitude
The school celebrated its annual Evening of Gratitude on November 8—honoring our dedicated benefactors and extraordinary students pursuing their dreams of becoming veterinarians.
Scholarships and fellowships have significant impact on the lives of students and the future of veterinary medicine. The evening included presentation of the inaugural Change Maker Award, created to recognize a benefactor who has made a transformative difference through scholarship and fellowship support.
UC Davis SVM leads the nation among veterinary schools for student aid, assisting 475 students this year.
Thanks to the generosity of the many individual, organizational and corporate friends, we lead the nation among veterinary schools for student aid. This year we awarded scholarships and fellowships totaling $2,913,197 to 475 students. The school’s scholarship and fellowship endowment surpassed $105 million, a notable milestone for support of veterinary medical education. With our philanthropic partners, we are working to address one of the most pressing issues in the veterinary industry today—reducing student debt.
Your generous support is changing lives and creating opportunities for students of all backgrounds. You are making magic and dreams come true.”
—Dean Mark Stetter
“Your generous support is changing lives and creating opportunities for students of all backgrounds. You are making magic and dreams come true,” Dean Mark Stetter said during his opening remarks. “I am so proud of our remarkable students. The level of commitment, perseverance and optimism that I see every day is truly inspiring.”
Stetter introduced the master of ceremonies for the evening, Dr. Bill Vernau, professor of Clinical Pathology and director of Clinical Laboratories—selected because of his dedication to students and their successes. UC Davis recognized Vernau with its Distinguished Teaching Award in 2017, a year after the school recognized him with its Faculty Distinguished Teaching Award.
I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with our students for years and I can attest that the future is in great hands. They are bright, caring, dedicated and determined.”
—Dr. Bill Vernau
Transforming Career Trajectories and Lives
Scholarships and fellowships make a big difference for students in a multitude of ways—including exploring different career paths, fulfilling dreams, funding externships, giving pride and hope, and relieving financial burden.
Vernau shared this brief video expressing appreciation from students—Mikayla Aguilar, Class of 2025, Celeste Chen, Class of 2024, Victor Gonzalez, Class of 2027, Todd Le, Class of 2025, Luke Mase, Class of 2026, Gabriella Monico, Class of 2027, Danielle Oertle, Class of 2025, Daniel Ribal, Class of 2024 and Breanna Scranton, Class of 2024.
Expressing Heartfelt Gratitude
Later in the evening, Vernau introduced a panel of award recipients who shared their experiences, career goals and the impact of support on their journey. Each recipient offered a glimpse into the life of a veterinary student and expressed gratitude to benefactors.
- Bryan Puentes, Class of 2026—“Scholarships have been very impactful for my overall education and given me the ability to explore different interests and find community at our vet school. I’m thrilled and grateful to be here fulfilling my passions.
- Juliann “Juju” Hallum, Class of 2026—“Before receiving scholarship support, I had a full-time job and did not have the time to take advantage of all the opportunities that our vet school has to offer. This year I have been able to do so much more, including volunteer at the Covelo Clinic.”
- Megan Elcome, Class of 2024—“If you have ever had a conversation with me, you have probably heard me talk about the equine vet shortage and crisis. Scholarships have made me along with other equine students feel so supported in choosing this as a career path, setting us up for much success.”
- Victor Yanbin Fang, Class of 2024—“As an award recipient, I am grateful for the financial support and sense of community that keeps pushing me forward.”
Recognizing Change Making Impact
This year the school created the Change Maker Award, recognizing a benefactor who has made a transformative impact on the lives of students through scholarship and fellowship support. This award honors an individual whose actions not only support education but pave the way for change, leadership and a brighter future for the veterinary community.
Stetter had the honor of presenting this inaugural award to Jan Miller Rich, a dedicated member of the Dean’s Leadership Council since 2014.
Through her commitment to supporting scholarships, she instills hope, inspiration and optimism in the hearts of those pursuing careers in veterinary medicine.
Jan is a world-class advocate and ambassador for the school, always thinking about our students and how she can help,” Stetter said. “She’s a true change maker in their lives and goes above and beyond for them.”
Miller Rich is the founder and CEO of Dupree/Miller & Associates, Inc., a premier literary agency representing authors, innovators, and brands across all genres. She has been called “a supernova in a galaxy of literary agents,” and has used her unwavering instincts to yield thousands of international bestsellers.
“I love UC Davis with all of my heart. I’m just so impressed with everything that you are doing here at the school,” Miller Rich said. “Your students have such passion and great futures and are going to make a difference.”
Miller Rich was appreciative of receiving the award and offered these words of gratitude.
She and her husband Jeff Rich have been passionate supporters of the school since 2005 when the veterinary hospital saved their beloved beagle Genny, who was battling renal disease. They are grateful to the school for offering unparalleled expert and compassionate care and having outstanding clinicians and researchers.
They established the Schumacher Veterinary Student Scholarship in 2017 in memory of their cherished beagle. Inspired by their appreciation for higher education and love of animals, they look to the future and value the importance of investing in tomorrow’s veterinary leaders.