Victor Gonzalez and his canine companion Louie.
Victor Gonzalez, Class of 2027, and his canine companion Louie. Photo by Mike Bannasch

Philanthropy at Work

Transforming Career Trajectories and Lives

Scholarships and fellowships impact students’ lives during their journey to becoming veterinarians, often transforming career trajectories and the future of veterinary medicine itself.

 

Victor Gonzalez

For Victor Gonzalez, Class of 2027, the Harvey and Susan Wittenberg Scholarship helped turn his dream into reality.

Gonzalez wanted to be a veterinarian since he was five years old, growing up in Santa Ana, California. His kindergarten teacher Maribel Perez recommended that he attend UC Davis due to the school’s excellent reputation, so Gonzalez set his sights here.

To enhance his preparation for veterinary school, Gonzalez attended our Summer Enrichment Program—an intensive, four-week program designed to provide disadvantaged students with course work, admissions workshops, case presentations and hands-on veterinary experience.

Gonzalez’s inspiration to become a veterinarian comes from his beloved childhood pets, who offered emotional support and comfort as he was growing up. Although sadly when they became ill, his family could not afford treatment or euthanasia. He’s now determined to help make veterinary care more accessible and affordable for low-income communities.

While Gonzalez’s father passed away before he could witness Gonzalez receiving his white coat and joining the UC Davis veterinary community last August, he was definitely there in spirit.

“My father and I shared a love of animals. He always encouraged me to pursue my dream,” Gonzalez said. “His passing recently has only given me more drive to earn my DVM degree— honoring him and my entire family. They have all sacrificed so much for me.”

Gonzalez’s parents were both born and raised in Mexico where the rest of his extensive family resides. His parents, hoping to provide greater opportunities for their children, immigrated to the United States during the 1970s.

In addition to lifting a financial burden off Gonzalez’s shoulders, scholarship support has also created a sense of belonging for him.

“I am grateful and honored to be selected as the recipient of the Harvey and Susan Wittenberg Scholarship award,” Gonzalez said. “It has meant a lot to know I have people supporting me along my journey and willing to invest in my success.”

Gonzalez is interested in mixed animal radiology and oncology, and wildlife conservation. After graduation, he plans to serve his community and others that wouldn’t otherwise have access to veterinary resources.

Gonzalez was one of many extraordinary individuals recognized during the school’s annual Evening of Gratitude that took place on November 8, 2023—an event honoring benefactors and their scholarship and fellowship award recipients.


UC Davis SVM leads the nation among veterinary schools for student aid

2023 Student Aid

 

$2,913,197

Scholarships and fellowships awarded

475

Students awarded scholarships and fellowships

Over $105 million

Scholarship and fellowship endowment


Thanks to the generosity of individual, organizational and corporate friends, UC Davis leads the nation among veterinary schools for student aid. In 2023, we awarded scholarships and fellowships totaling $2,913,197 to 475 veterinary students. The school’s scholarship and fellowship endowment surpassed $105 million, a notable milestone. With our philanthropic partners, we are working to address one of the most pressing issues in the veterinary industry today—reducing student debt.

“Scholarships and fellowships are creating opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Our dedicated benefactors make dreams come true,” Dean Mark Stetter said. “I am so proud of Victor and our other remarkable students. The level of commitment, perseverance and optimism that I see every day is truly inspiring.”

Scholarship recipients at the Evening of Gratitude event on November 8, 2023
Scholarship recipients at the Evening of Gratitude event on November 8, 2023. From left, Adam Chism, Class of 2026, Jessica Carson, Class of 2026, Noah McNaughton, Class of 2026, Juliann “Juju” Hallum, DVM/VSTP Class of 2030, Trang Le, Class of 2026 and Bryan Puentes, Class of 2026.

The event also included a brief video in which Gonzalez and other students expressed appreciation for scholarships and fellowships they have received, including: Mikayla Aguilar, Class of 2025, Celeste Chen, Class of 2024, 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.

The evening concluded with the presentation of the inaugural Change Maker Award, created to recognize a benefactor who has made a transformative difference through scholarship and fellowship support.

Change Maker Award

Dean Stetter presented the inaugural Change Maker Award to Jan Miller Rich, a devoted 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.”

Dean Mark Stetter presented the inaugural Change Maker Award to Jan Miller Rich.
Dean Mark Stetter presented the inaugural Change Maker Award to Jan Miller Rich.

 

Jan is a world-class advocate and ambassador for the school, always thinking about our students and how she can help.”

—Dean Stetter

 

Miller Rich is the founder and CEO of Dupree/Miller & Associates, Inc., a premier literary agency representing authors, innovators, and brands across all genres and yielding 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.”

She and her husband Jeff Rich have supported the school since 2005 when the veterinary hospital saved their beagle Genny, who was battling renal disease.

They established the Schumacher Veterinary Student Scholarship in 2017 in memory of one of their other cherished beagles. 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.