On April 4, 2020, Harlem lost part of its soul with the death of Dr. Julie Butler (DVM ’83), due to COVID-19.

Julie and the 145^th Street Animal Hospital she owned were icons in the neighborhood where she provided professional veterinary care with a personal touch – her motto and the reality she lived daily. She was more than a vet to so many. She was a friend and beloved family member even to her clients and staff. She educated and empowered owners to provide the best care for their pets. She ensured access to care for pets of families with limited ability to pay through her work with a non-profit and her own creativity. She mentored future veterinarians and vet techs and she inspired local kids – especially young Black girls – to reach for their dreams, including those who wanted to become veterinarians like her.

Julie forged her own path in a profession where Black female veterinarians still are not represented in large numbers. While a single scholarship will not cure systemic inequalities present in higher education and the veterinary profession, the Julie Butler, DVM ’83, Memorial Scholarship for underrepresented veterinary students is a step in the right direction. It honors her legacy as a trailblazer, helps advance the profession, and follows in her footsteps by investing in people.

As her sister, Dr. Sheila Butler, eloquently stated, “access to quality education and opportunities should not be dependent on how much money you have and where you live. This scholarship is one small way of doing that — it might open up doors for someone who might not consider that career because they lack the opportunities and support." 

Thank you for your role in making a student’s dream come true and making an investment in real change in veterinary medicine.

Photo above: Dr. Julie Butler (provided)