UF College of Veterinary Medicine
Public Relations Office

Himes scholarship reaches $100,000 threshold
to be eligible for state matching funds

by SARAH CAREY

Thanks to several last-minute gifts from UF College of Veterinary Medicine alumni, the James A. Himes Alumni Scholarship fund has surpassed the $100,000 threshold amount needed to become eligible for state matching funds.

Dean Glen Hoffsis made the announcement Jan. 20 at the North American Veterinary Conference during the CVM alumni reception, drawing huge applause from the packed crowd. The college will now request $50,000 in matching funds, which, if obtained, would allow the scholarship to provide approximately $6,000 per year -- $1,000 each -- indefinitely to six senior veterinary students in need of financial aid.

A total of $108, 625 was raised for the fund. Created in 1998, the Himes Scholarship was named in honor of the college's associate dean emeritus for students and instruction. Himes' service to UF began more than 40 years ago and continues today.

“For 15 of those years, Dr. Himes served as associate dean for students and instruction,” said Link Welborn, D.V.M., '82, who helped conceive of and develop the scholarship when it was first formed and who has been instrumental in keeping alumni involved in the fundraising effort.

“His unselfish and caring nature has touched the lives of thousands of students, families and colleagues. This $1,000 scholarship is awarded to a veterinary student with financial need and who has demonstrated what we call ‘the Himes attitude.'”

As professor and associate dean emeritus, Himes continues to go to his office at the college almost every weekday.

“At 88 years young, he remains dedicated to helping veterinary and pre-veterinary students in every way that he can,” Welborn said.