In April, nearly 100 students, faculty, alumni, and supporters gathered to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Penn Vet’s Opportunity Scholarship (OS) Program.
Established in 1998 by Dr. Charles W. Raker, V’42, the program is built upon four core values of caring, compassion, competence, and communication. In addition to financial support, the scholarship also offers a structured platform for networking and mentorship opportunities among Penn Vet alumni and students.
During the event, Dr. Stephen Cole, V’15, a lecturer in Microbiology, was honored with the 2018 Charles W. Raker Opportunity Scholarship Award, which recognizes individuals within the Penn Vet community who serve as outstanding mentors and key contributors to the veterinary profession.
“Dr. Cole is a selfless mentor who is extremely giving of his time and wants to ensure that those he mentors learn as much as possible,” said Rachel Durrwachter, V’20, who presented the award. “He is especially empathetic to students and understands the student experience here, an understanding that he uses to tailor his teaching in a way that makes every lecture memorable and relevant.”
Also honored during the event was Dr. Ray Hostetter, V’69, who received the inaugural OS Founders Award. The Award is for Penn Vet alumni who have had a profound impact on the scholarship program.
(Top) Dr. Ray Hostetter, V’69, pictured with his wife, Jane, received the inaugural OS Founders Award, which recognizes Penn Vet alumni who have had profound impact on the OS Program. (Second down, left to right) Dr. James Stewart, V’68, pictured with OS students Kaitlyn Moss, V’21; Erika Klemp Pilon, V’19; and Patrick Pilon, V’19. (Third down, left to right) Dr. Patricia Sertich, V’83, with Chandler Navara, V’21; Lisa Wu, V’21; and Denis O’Flynn O’Brien, guest of Dr. Sertich. (Center) Dr. Lindsay Shreiber, EE’84, V’96, with (left to right) Emily Goodell, V’18; Daniel Bruce (guest); Elisabeth
Hasslacher, C’84; Elizabeth Snyder, V’21; and Matt Charman (guest).