Congratulations 2026 Alumni Award Winners
The UC Davis Weill School of Veterinary Medicine hosted its annual Alumni Weekend from October 23-25. On Saturday evening, the 2026 Rising Star and Alumni Achievement Awards were presented to our outstanding alumni. Congratulations to this year’s awardees!
2026 Recipients
Alumni Achievement Award
The Alumni Achievement Award is the highest honor bestowed by the school. One or more alumni are honored each year for outstanding personal and professional contributions to veterinary science or one of its branches, veterinary practice, or service to humankind and the advancement of human welfare.
Academic
Tony Buffington DVM ’81, Ph.D. ’88
Dr. Buffington was recognized for his lifetime dedication to improving the lives and welfare of cats and humans suffering from complex chronic primary pain conditions.
Johanna (Joie) Watson DVM ’86, Ph.D. ’94
Dr. Watson was recognized as a visionary leader in veterinary education. Her compassion, innovation, and service has transformed learners, institutions, and the veterinary profession.
Non-Academic
Robyn Stoddard DVM ’00, Ph.D. ’06
Dr. Stoddard was recognized for her exceptional contributions to front-line diagnostics, infectious disease control, and mentorship of veterinarians to advance public health in the U.S. and globally.
Jennifer Walker DVM ’00
Dr. Walker was recognized for her work in improving the welfare and stewardship of dairy cattle by creating and implementing welfare, educational, and outreach programs in the corporate and non-profit sectors.
Rising Star Award
The Rising Star Alumni Award recognizes a DVM graduate of the school who, within 15 years of graduation, has demonstrated outstanding professional achievement.
Bethany Cummings Ph.D. ’09, DVM ’11
Dr. Cummings was recognized for outstanding and innovative leadership of the UC Davis Weill School of Veterinary Medicine's Veterinary Science Training Program, a combined Ph.D./DVM degree training program.
Kate Farrell DVM ’13, Internship ’15, Resident ’18, MAS Clinical Research ‘24
Dr. Farrell practices and embodies the true meaning of Lifelong Learning. She was recognized for taking strides to personalize, modernize, and create new learning tools to achieve excellent outcomes for her learners.
Nominations for 2027
Nominations are now open for the 2027 Alumni Achievement and Rising Star awards and are due January 31, 2027.