Evening of Gratitude

On March 4, the UC Davis Weill School of Veterinary Medicine welcomed donors, students, faculty and school leadership for our annual Evening of Gratitude, a celebration of the philanthropic support that makes scholarship and fellowships possible.  

A Special Moment: Stability and a Bright Future

Fourth year DVM student Noah McNaughton shared a personal reflection on support he received during the time he has been at the UC Davis Weill School of Veterinary Medicine. 

Joined by family, friends, and mentors, Noah reflected on how receiving the Dr. Mysliwiec Scholarship provided stability and the freedom to pursue the career he envisioned.

Dr. Tom Willis (B.S., ’80, DVM ’82), one of Noah’s mentors named by Noah in his video, surprised him by attending the event in person. 

Noah expressed his gratitude to the donors of the Dr. Mysliwiec Scholarship, and to supporters of scholarships and fellowships: 

“Receiving scholarship support has changed what is possible for me. Because of the support, I have more freedom to choose what opportunity is best for my family, my learning, and what I want to do for my future career. Ultimately, it created a career trajectory for me. Without it, I wouldn’t be who I am. Thank you for believing in students like me. Your generosity truly changes lives.”

Watch Noah’s story here:  

The Difference Support Makes

The evening’s program began with a student panel moderated by the evening’s emcee, Dr. Jonathon Dear, professor of medicine and epidemiology. “Each of these students brings a distinct perspective to veterinary medicine, but they share a deep commitment to service, discovery, and compassionate care. They represent the future of veterinary medicine, and your support plays a direct role in making their journeys possible.”

Each student shared their gratitude to those who support their paths through scholarships and fellowships. Their statements of gratitude paint a picture of direct impact, and a motivation to continue to advance their careers thanks to the support they received. 

Maxwell Bales, DVM Class of 2033 and VSTP Ph.D. Candidate

“Thanks to your support, I can now devote myself fully to my academics and service without the burden of financial stress. Your investment in my education is more than a gift; it’s a catalyst.”

Tyler Misraje, DVM Class of 2028

“Your support allows me to focus on making a positive impact in the school, both now and as I continue toward my future career in small animal surgery, teaching, and access-to-care medicine. Thank you for believing in me and helping make my goals possible.”

Hector Nunez Lopez, DVM Class of 2029

“It gives me a profound sense of encouragement knowing that someone believes in me and my goals. Your support motivates me to push forward, stay resilient, and never lose sight of the impact I want to make.”

Christian Smith, DVM Class of 2026

“I am committed to the welfare of horses and I am eager to discover all that I can offer in this field, whether that be in racetrack medicine, general practice, or a specialty. Your generous donation will give me the chance to uncover the path I am meant to follow, and I am so grateful.”

By the Numbers

In the academic year 2024-25, 487 Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)/Dual DVM/MPVM, and Ph.D. students received scholarships or fellowships. More than 700 individual awards were distributed, amounting to $4.4M. The school’s FY2024-25 scholarship endowment was $134.1M, which is believed to be the largest endowment in veterinary education. 

Equally as notable is the number of philanthropic partners who contribute to the school’s scholarships and fellowships. In the fiscal year 2024-25, there were 506 donors, and in the school’s lifetime, there have been 4,915. In the last fiscal year alone, 18 new scholarships were created. 

Addressing those who contribute to scholarships and fellowships, Dean Mark Stetter, DVM, DACZM, expressed his gratitude. “We couldn’t be more grateful for the fact that when you look at the national averages for veterinary student debt which is at $180,000-$200,000, our students leave, on average, with less than $100,000 in debt. That is because of the people who contribute to scholarships, so thank you for everything you do.”

Looking ahead, Dean Stetter shared the school’s vision to expand the veterinary profession by increasing enrollment from 600 students to 800, a step that will require continued partnership from donors to ensure scholarship support grows alongside student opportunity.

Learn more about the school’s plans to expand the Veterinary Medical Complex here.

A Change Maker 

Dean Stetter then presented the Change Maker Award, an annual award shared with a benefactor who has made a significant impact in students’ lives through scholarship support. Dean Stetter awarded Dr. Thomas Campi (B.S., ’83, DVM, MPVM, ’89) with the 2026 Change Maker Award. 

“Tom’s generosity exemplifies the very spirit of the Change Maker Award,” he said. “His support has eased financial burden, expanded opportunity, and allowed students to focus on learning, service, and impact. Tonight, we celebrate not only Tom’s philanthropy, but the lives he has touched and the future he continues to help shape. 

Tonight, we celebrate not only Tom’s philanthropy, but the lives he has touched and the future he continues to help shape.”

—Dean Mark Stetter
 

Dr. Campi shared his reflections on what the Change Maker Award means to him, and his wish to share it with students who are forging a path to the future of veterinary health.  

“Thank you for this tremendous honor. I need to call out that the true change makers are the people on the ground. The true change makers are the student leaders.” Read more about Thomas Campi, DVM, here.

Scholarship and fellowship support continues to shape the future of veterinary medicine at the UC Davis Weill School of Veterinary Medicine. Through the generosity of dedicated philanthropic partners, students are able to pursue their education, follow their passions, and prepare to serve animals, people, and communities around the world.

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Learn more about scholarship support for the school.