Endowed Scholarships & Fellowships

Joe and Sophie Witten Scholarship

History

Joe Witten spent one semester at UF in the 1930s as a pre-med student before he had to return home. His father, an immigrant from Russia, was involved in an accident on the family farm near Jacksonville, Fla., and Joe was needed to help run the dairy. After his father recovered, he put Joe on a train to Auburn, Ala., so Joe could continue his college education. Joe graduated at the top of his class in 1940 and returned afterward to the family farm. He eventually expanded the family dairy and served the community by performing veterinary work at 40 dairies in the Duval County area.

The Witten family was inspired to donate this gift through their lifelong connection with animals, and because of an experience with a family pet who underwent cataract surgery at UF's Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital in the mid-80s.

Joe and Sophie, his wife, created this endowed scholarship so that people interested in becoming veterinarians would not be denied the opportunity because of lack of financial resources.

Criteria

DVM students; based on financial need.

Application Information

Contact the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Click here to visit the College of Veterinary Medicine website.