Jessica Vester

Dear Viersen-Brown Family, I am writing to express my sincere gratitude to you for making the Betsy V Brown Veterinary Scholarship possible. I was thrilled to learn of my selection for this honor, and I am deeply appreciative of your support. The financial assistance you provide will be of great help to me in paying my educational expenses, and it will allow me to concentrate more of my time on studying. Thank you again for your generosity and support. I promise you I will work very hard and eventually give back to others, both as a veterinarian and possibly a scholarship to future students like myself. Sincerely, Jessica Vester

Yuxuan Xia

Dear Viersen-Brown Family, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation for selecting me as the recipient of the Betsy V Brown Veterinary Scholarship. It means so much to be recognized by a family who so deeply values both diversity and animal welfare. Receiving this scholarship is truly a life-changing opportunity. Because of your generosity, I can focus more fully on my studies and work towards my D.V.M. at Cornell. Your support makes it possible for students like me, whose families have limited resources, to pursue our dreams and give back to the veterinary community. As someone whose journey began in China and now continues at Cornell, I strive to bring a unique global perspective to veterinary medicine. My experiences—from running an exotic pet hotel in Los Angeles to researching public health issues, and leading social justice initiatives—have shaped my passion for advancing animal care and challenging stereotypes, especially about non-traditional pets. I hope to bridge science, empathy, and education in ways that lift up both animals and the diverse communities who love them. I'm honored to carry on Betsy V Brown’s legacy through this scholarship. Learning about her dedication to animal welfare and her vision for a more inclusive field inspires me to continue advocating for all species and to support my peers from underrepresented backgrounds. Thank you for your kindness, your belief in BIPOC veterinary students, and for allowing Betsy’s passion to live on through your generosity. Your support empowers me to keep moving forward and to make a meaningful difference in the world. Thank you, Yuxuan Xia

Loren saunders

Being a winner of this scholarship is an honor. I truly cannot express to you how thankful I am to you. Thank you to the Viersen-Brown Family in believing in me and helping me to become the best veterinarian I can be.