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Dave Cookman, ��ɳ����'s plumbing and boiler specialist, is about a lot more than pipes.

"There are people there who are willing to support you and help your dreams come true," says Mai Vo, a Vietnam-born student who dreams of becoming a pharmacist.

In 2015, Danika Gilbert '94 led 13 Afghan girls on a mountain climbing expedition, helping them build leadership skills and confidence in a part of the world that often tells them, "You can't."

A family gift allowed Judy Mason '60 to attend ��ɳ���� University — and it changed her world. Mason has given back to ��ɳ���� for more than 30 years, hoping to create the same opportunities for others.

A passion for ��ɳ���� earns four new members a place in the President's Circle, honoring the university's $100,000 lifetime donors.

At their 30th class reunion in 2003, his classmates honored his efforts by unveiling the Mad Dog Scholarship Fund. The fund reached the endowment level in 2009 and offered its first scholarship to an optometry student in 2010.

Priscilla (Rader) Culp '12 paired a love of animals with a ��ɳ���� philosophy degree on her way to law school and a career protecting animal rights.

Martha Rampton originally published this piece online in conjunction with the Fall 2008 issue of ��ɳ���� magazine.

Ron Tammen '65 was an "accidental" ��ɳ���� student, recruited by the famous Charles Trombley. He went on to his own success as a global expert in political science.

The ��ɳ���� difference spans generations. Kres Pedersen '79, OD '82 and his daughter Amy (Pedersen) Park '08, OD '11 both found personal connections and meaningful careers through ��ɳ����'s undergraduate and graduate programs.

“I feel really lucky to have found what I want to do for the rest of my life.”

��ɳ���� biology degree offered strong route to veterinary school for 2009 alumna. "I actually think it helped set me apart from other applicants."