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 the North American Veterinary Conference in Orlando in order to received 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.

2011 SEF Award Winner

Emily Marcus -- Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine

Emily Marcus was presented with the SEF Business Aptitude Award —which consisted of $15,000 and an all-expense paid trip to the North American Veterinary Conference (NAVC) — at the Veterinary Business Management Association’s (VBMA) national meeting.

“I learned that hard work, diligence and perseverance can pay off in a multitude of ways. Not only was I able to receive significant aid financially through the generous SEF Award, but the insight that I gained into the challenges involved in running and working in a veterinary practice will last me a lifetime.” Emily Marcus

Emily was selected from among 29 national candidates based upon her resume and her exceptional response to the SEF Business Case Study. Emily is the current Senior Advisor/Representative of the VBMA and has served in the offices of vice president and president in the past. She plans to pursue an internship and residency in ophthalmology or oncology. Emily would eventually like to own a multi-specialty practice and develop veterinary medical products that will increase the efficacy and efficiency of quality veterinary care.

“It gives me great pleasure to congratulate Emily. The competition for this award was solid, and she is a very deserving winner. This award program has proven to be a successful tool for recognizing the deserving students who have demonstrated how to effectively integrate business education into veterinary practice.” Dave Gerber, DVM, a Simmons professional and SEF trustee

Read Emily Marcus’ Winning Essay - PDF Format

View the 2010 and 2011 Winners

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