Penn Vet Students, Alumni, and Donors Celebrate at Annual Scholarship Reception

The School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania (Penn Vet) honored scholarship recipients and donors highlighting the impact of scholarships during brunch at the Morris Arboretum and Gardens on April 26.

Scholarship recipient Dana Bubka, V’25, a graduate of the University of Georgia’s (UGA) Avian Biology program, grew up in Chester County, Pennsylvania. She knew early on that she wanted to be a veterinarian and work with birds.

“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.”

It was Bubka’s time at UGA, that she recognized a career in poultry medicine can have a positive impact on the health and welfare of birds and have a direct role in safeguarding our food sources.

“I applied to veterinary school feeling confident that I could really make a positive difference in the lives of both people and birds,” she said. “I can now speak to how the scholarship I have received here has been life changing. Not a day goes by where I do not think about the enormous impact this scholarship has on my daily life. I would not have been able to afford the scope of internships and externships that have allowed me to build a network of poultry veterinarians had it not been for the scholarship support from Penn Vet. To the donors here today, your generosity is directly shaping the future of One Health, and I am here speaking with you all as real proof of that.”

After graduation in May, Bubka will begin a three-year residency at Penn Vet in veterinary anatomic pathology with the intent of becoming a poultry pathologist.

Associate Dean for Education Amy Durham, MS, VMD, MSEd, DACVP, began the morning by welcoming the 100 guests in attendance.

“Financial support from our alumni and donors make a remarkable impact on our veterinary students’ education,” said 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.”

Durham introduced the Gilbert S. Kahn Dean of Veterinary Medicine Andrew Hoffman, DVM, DVSc, DACVIM, who spoke to scholarships as significant catalysts for the Penn Vet legacies that are created and nurtured at the School.

“Donors impact students’ futures through scholarships while leaving their own legacy of philanthropy, said Hoffman. “The students who receive these scholarships lay the groundwork for their own legacies as they begin their careers here.”

Gary Lowitt, C’87, who also spoke at the event, established the Gwen Fernich Lowitt, V’94, Memorial Endowed Opportunity Scholarship in honor of his late wife. Lowitt spoke about the unique benefits of pairing Opportunity Scholars with mentors who offer students guidance as well as a network of support during their time in veterinary school, and beyond as they advance in their professional careers.

During the 2024-2025 academic year, Penn Vet awarded more than 190 scholarships totaling more than $3.2 million. So far this year, the School has raised just over $2 million in scholarships; with 10 new scholarships established. Go here to learn more about giving at Penn Vet, or here to support student scholarships.

To see photos of the event on Flickr, go here.