Veterinary student receives Dean’s Circle Scholarship

UF veterinary student Luke Viramontes is shown with Dean Jim Lloyd at a luncheon held Feb. 6 for Dean’s Circle of Excellence members during the North American Veterinary Conference. (Photo by Sarah Carey)

Luke Viramontes is the recipient of a Dean’s Circle of Excellence scholarship, becoming the second UF veterinary medical student to receive the award.

Viramontes, a third-year student, was acknowledged during a Feb. 6 luncheon held for Dean’s Circle members during the North American Veterinary Conference in Orlando. The Dean’s Circle’s first scholarship was awarded last year to Chris Alling, now a fourth-year student.

Viramontes received his undergraduate degree in biology, graduating cum laude from UF in 2013. While an undergraduate, he completed research on comparative ophthalmology of the black rhinoceros and bobcat species, as well as the West Indian Manatee. He has taken on numerous leadership roles, including serving as a Student Ambassador, a member of the student chapter of the American Veterinary Dental Society, treasurer of Alpha Psi, Xi Chapter, and social chair for the Class of 2018.

As a result of his demonstrated leadership and academic excellence, Viramontes received the Zoetis Veterinary Student Scholarship in 2016.

Following his graduation from veterinary school, Viramontes plans to work with small animals.

“My ultimate goal is to own a practice in the South Florida/Miami area,” he said. “I am very interested in veterinary dentistry and neurology and have externships scheduled this summer to allow me to learn more about these fields.”

Viramontes said he has one dog, named Daisy, that he adopted last year following sophomore spay-neuter labs.

“I spend as much time as possible with her after school and extracurricular activities,” he said, adding that his interests outside of veterinary school include travel and attending concerts.

“One of my favorite quotes actually comes from my brother at the white-coat (sophomore professional coating) ceremony, who told me, ‘Don’t pet the sweaty things and don’t sweat the petty things,'” Viramontes said. “It makes me laugh when I think about it, but it is also a quote that I try to live by, especially while pursuing a career in this rewarding, although challenging, field.”

 

 

Share this article with others:
  • E-mail this story to a friend!
  • Facebook
  • Digg
  • Twitter

March-April 2017

Veterinary student receives Dean’s Circle Scholarship

The Dean’s Circle of Excellence recently awarded a scholarship to a third-year UF veterinary student.

Hospital to offer free eye screenings to service animals

The UF Small Animal Hospital will provide free eye screening exams to service animals on May 12.

Riley Shugg with poster.

UF small animal surgery service well represented at conference

UF’s small animal surgery service was well represented at a national conference.

Dolphins swimming

UF to form new aquatic animal stranding network

UF has received a federal grant to form a new aquatic animal stranding network.

Faculty member leads national ophthalmology group

A clinical professor at UF leads national veterinary ophthalmology group.

2016-2017 Superior Accomplishment Award winners named

The college’s 2017 Superior Accomplishment Award winners were honored at a luncheon held March 2.

Tread mill demo during Open House 2017.

College open house will be April 15

Tours, educational demonstrations and more will be offered during this year’s UFCVM open house.

...also in this issue

People

News

Around the College