Applications open July 29 for Mike Dunn, DVM veterinary student scholarship; 2026 recipients named

The VIN Foundation has announced the recipients of the third annual Mike Dunn, DVM Veterinary Student Scholarship created by Becky Godchaux, who was inspired by the care she received from her Florida Keys veterinarian. The organization also announced the opening date for the 2027 application cycle.

Two veterinary students have been awarded scholarships for fall 2026. Each awardee will receive up to $35,000 per year, for a total of up to $140,000 per student for the duration of their attendance at veterinary school, up to 4 years.¹

This year's recipients are Lily Ciel Behnam, who will attend the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine in Mississippi State, and Adam Trimmier, who will attend the Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine at Clemson University in Clemson, South Carolina.

"Words cannot describe how grateful I am to have been selected for such a life-changing scholarship," Behnam said in an organizational release.¹ "This generosity from Becky Godchaux and the VIN Foundation will allow me to progress my education without the overwhelming burden of financial debt, allowing me the freedom to focus on what matters the most: dedicating my life to improving the health of animals and the communities that care for them."

"I am very grateful to be a recipient of the 2026 Mike Dunn DVM Scholarship," Trimmier said.¹ "The generosity of Ms Godchaux and the VIN Foundation are truly appreciated."

Godchaux created the scholarship in 2023 in recognition of her veterinarian, Mike Dunn, DVM, with the goal of nurturing the creation of more veterinarians like him, according to the release.¹ "The happiness of my dogs is only as good as their health, and that is dependent on good veterinary care," Godchaux said.¹

Godchaux has extended the scholarship for a fourth cohort of first-year veterinary students entering school in fall 2027. The application window for the 2027 cycle will open on July 29, 2026, at 12 pm PT.

The scholarship annually awards 2 students entering a United States veterinary school up to $35,000 each per year, for a total of up to $140,000 each over 4 years. It is restricted to veterinary students who are committed to practicing companion animal veterinary medicine. Awardees also receive mentorship and support through school and beyond, including mental wellness support and student debt support, through VIN Foundation programs.

"While I am supporting the students by providing the scholarship for the school tuition, it feels good to know the VIN Foundation is providing the support of helpful programs and tools to guide them through their careers and set them up for success," Godchaux said.1

The VIN Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides programs to veterinarians throughout their careers. It was created by members of the Veterinary Information Network, an online community of veterinarians and veterinary students with more than 113,000 members worldwide, according to the organization. More information about the scholarship is available on the VIN Foundation website.

Reference

1. VIN Foundation announces 3rd annual Mike Dunn, DVM veterinary student scholarship created by Becky Godchaux recipients and 2027 application cycle open date. News release. VIN Foundation. July 17, 2026. Accessed July 20 2026. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vin-foundation-announces-3rd-annual-mike-dunn-dvm-veterinary-student-scholarship-created-by-becky-godchaux-recipients-and-2027-application-cycle-open-date-302828117.html