VVMAF Scholarship for Vermonters Attending Veterinary School

Instructions

Instructions and Paper Application

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The VVMAF scholarship program for 2025/2026 is now closed.  The Vermont Veterinary Medical Association Foundation, Inc. (VVMAF) is a non-profit charitable organization whose main mission is to award scholarships to deserving Vermont veterinary students who plan to return to Vermont to practice.  Established in 2011 under the auspices of the Vermont Veterinary Medical Association, the VVMAF is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.  It is supported by donations from veterinarians, the New England Veterinary Medical Association, and a very generous donation from the John Rhodes Trust.

Since 2012, the VVMAF has contributed $141,000 to Vermonters attending veterinary school.  With YOUR help, we hope to continue to make meaningful contributions to more future Vermont veterinarians!

The application deadline for scholarships from the VVMA Foundation for the 2025/2026 academic year was July 15, 2025.  

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2025 Recipients of the VVMA Foundation Scholarship Awards 

 Emily Bushey is entering her third year at the Ontario Veterinary College. A lifelong Vermonter, her passion for veterinary medicine began on her uncle’s dairy farm and through early experiences with 4-H and job shadowing. She is particularly drawn to building strong client relationships and compassionate communication. Emily plans to return to Vermont after graduation to practice clinical veterinary medicine, with interests in surgery and internal medicine, and to actively contribute to her community as both a veterinarian and mentor to future students.

Siobhan Stimpson is a student at Long Island University, Class of 2026, and  has called Vermont home since 2015.
With a background in emergency veterinary medicine at BEVS and a passion for shelter medicine, she has fostered dozens of cats and kittens and remains committed to supporting Vermont’s animal community. Actively involved in veterinary school leadership, she serves as Treasurer of the Student Chapter of the Association of Shelter Veterinarians and Chair of the Special Species Committee. Siobhan plans to return to Vermont after graduation to address the state’s veterinary shortage, provide low-cost spay/neuter services, and continue her strong community involvement.

 Rachel Kendrick-Schwartz is a veterinary student with deep Vermont roots, tracing her family history in the state back to the 1840s. Originally from Waterbury, she left Vermont to gain experience in specialty veterinary medicine, with interests in oncology, internal medicine, and surgery. Dedicated to increasing access to care, she has volunteered with organizations providing low-cost veterinary services and plans to continue this work throughout her career. Rachel intends to return to Vermont after graduation to bring advanced veterinary expertise to the state while supporting her community through affordable care and strong client relationships.

Sophia Schwartz-Cutler is a student at The Ohio State University, Class of 2026, with strong personal and professional ties to Vermont. Since her undergraduate years at UVM, she has worked in rural small animal and large animal practices across the state and plans to return to the state to start a sustainable permaculture farm. Passionate about farm animal medicine, equine care, and veterinary education, Sophia aims to support Vermont’s agricultural community while mentoring future veterinarians.

 Molly Loucy is a student from Vermont at The University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, and the only New Englander in her class. Strongly connected to her home state, she returns each summer to work with local veterinarians and plans to complete clinical externships in Vermont. Passionate about veterinary neurology, Molly aims to pursue an internship and residency in the field, inspired by her current research on canine gliomas through the Georgia Veterinary Scholars Program. She plans to return to Vermont to build a career in neurology, making specialized care accessible in rural communities while enjoying the outdoor lifestyle she loves.