SEF Business Aptitude Award

What will your winning essay be?

We are proud to announce that every year, the SEF awards $3,000 to one veterinary student from each participating school in the nation through its Business Aptitude Award Program. From the total winners, one student receives $15,000 for an award-winning essay submission. In addition, the national award winner will receive a trip to either the North American Veterinary Conference in Orlando or the Western Veterinary Conference in Las Vegas in order to receive the award.

SEF Business Aptitude Award Details

Mission: To recognize students who distinguish themselves by demonstrating a keen interest in and aptitude for the pursuit of business excellence in veterinary medicine.

• The award is offered to a 3rd year veterinary student at each veterinary school in the U.S.
• The awards are given at the school’s spring awards ceremonies
• Recipients are chosen either by a school committee or by a Simmons regional leader. Please check with your school for details.
• All $3,000 winners are eligible to compete for the $15,000 grand award
• All regional winners submit to the SEF board a resume and a short essay
• The SEF board will choose the $15,000 winner

How to Apply

If you are a student or would like to recommend our program to an aspiring veterinarian in school, check with your schools’ Student Affairs Coordinator or contact the Simmons office in your area for details.

2010 SEF Award Winner

John Graham – Ross University

The SEF awarded Graham with $15,000 and an all expense paid trip to the North American Veterinary Conference in Orlando where the award was presented at the National Veterinary Business Management Association (VBMA) meeting.  Graham is in his last year at Ross University and is an executive member of the Ross chapter of the VBMA.  He plans on exploring opportunities in small animal surgical residencies and wants to contribute to medical product development in the veterinary field.

“The SEF award provides an opportunity unlike any other veterinary scholarship program I can think of. Not only does the SEF program challenge participants to think critically, but it drives them to analyze and understand the inextricable link between medical and business knowledge in veterinary practice,” said Graham.

Ross University is the first and only international school participant to compete in the SEF awards.  Emphasizing the importance of business education and the significance of the award to Ross, Guy St. Jean, DVM, dipl., ACVS and associate dean for academic affairs at Ross University, also attended the award ceremony. 

“The competition for this award is stiff, and John is a deserving winner,” said Dr. Guy St. Jean. “His professional aptitude and goal-oriented nature make him a good ambassador for Ross University.”

View the 2008 and 2009 Winners

View the 2006 and 2007 Winners

View the 2004 and 2005 Winners

"Congratulations - SEF has taken our Business Aptitude Program to one of the leading such programs among veterinary colleges! Thank you!"

Claire Eldridge, UTCVM