Penn Vet Honors Student Scholarship Impact

By Blake Jackson

The School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania (Penn Vet) recently hosted a special brunch event at the Morris Arboretum and Gardens to honour scholarship recipients and donors. The gathering highlighted how scholarship support plays a vital role in shaping students’ careers and advancing the field of veterinary medicine.

One such recipient, Dana Bubka, a third-year student at Penn Vet, shared how the One Health Scholarship allowed her to pursue her passion for birds. Growing up in Chester County, Pennsylvania, Bubka always wanted to become a veterinarian working with birds. Her journey began at the University of Georgia, where she explored poultry medicine and saw its importance in improving animal welfare and food safety.

“My passion was never with dogs or cats, or even horses or cows, it was always birds,” said Bubka, a recipient of Penn Vet’s One Health Scholarship. “I knew I wanted to work with birds as a career. As an undergraduate at the University of Georgia, I discovered the world of poultry veterinary medicine.”

“Financial support from our alumni and donors make a remarkable impact on our veterinary students’ education,” said Penn Vet’s Associate Dean for Education, Dr. Amy Durham. “For many students, receiving scholarships allow them to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. And relieving financial stressors allows our students to focus on their passions and have enriching experiences while completing their degree. For those of you who generously support our scholarship programs, you are a part of our students’ ongoing and future success.”

Dean Andrew Hoffman added that scholarships help shape legacies—for both donors and students—by nurturing future leaders in veterinary medicine.

Donor Gary Lowitt, who established a memorial scholarship in honor of his wife, spoke about the added value of mentorship for students.

During the 2024–2025 academic year, Penn Vet awarded over 190 scholarships, totalling more than $3.2 million. With continued donor support, the school has raised over $2 million this year and added 10 new scholarships.

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