Meet the Veterinary Students Changing the Profession Before Graduation: Vet Candy’s June 2026 Rising Stars Issue Is Here

Vet Candy Magazine has officially released its highly anticipated June 2026 issue, and this year's annual Rising Stars edition showcases a new generation of veterinary professionals who are already reshaping the future of animal healthcare.

Leading the issue is cover star Jean Carlos Alvarado Colon, a veterinary student at Colorado State University whose journey embodies resilience, leadership, and service. After leaving Puerto Rico in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, Alvarado Colon arrived with a simple piece of advice from his parents: say yes to every opportunity.

That mindset led him to create FETCH, a community health initiative that has mobilized more than 120 volunteers, organized eight community outreach events, and provided veterinary care to 507 animals. In a single clinic day alone, the program served 144 animals, demonstrating the remarkable impact veterinary students can have long before earning their degrees.

The Rising Stars Redefining Veterinary Medicine

The June 2026 Rising Stars issue highlights more than 20 exceptional veterinary students from institutions across the United States and around the world. These future veterinarians are not waiting until graduation to make a difference.

Among the standout honorees:

Sydney Paris: Breaking Barriers at Cornell

Before entering veterinary school, Sydney Paris accumulated more than 2,000 volunteer hours while overcoming significant personal challenges, including homelessness. Today, she is a veterinary student at Cornell University and a powerful advocate for expanding access and opportunity within the profession.

Chloe Link: Building a Global Veterinary Career

Fourth-year veterinary student Chloe Link has already worked on five continents and cared for more than 100 animal species. Her unique career path bridges domestic herd health and endangered species conservation, creating opportunities in a niche she believes remains largely unexplored.

Courtney Ford-Franklin: Leading While Learning

While completing clinical rotations and preparing for the NAVLE, LSU veterinary student Courtney Ford-Franklin is already emerging as a leader whose influence is extending beyond the classroom.

Aaryn DuBose: The Ultimate Multitasker

Tuskegee University veterinary student Aaryn DuBose balances five leadership positions, academic responsibilities, and personal wellness while serving as an example of excellence and commitment.

Dilmeet "Twinkle" Kaur: Turning Challenges Into Purpose

After once struggling through organic chemistry, Purdue University veterinary student Dilmeet Kaur has transformed setbacks into motivation and now hopes to pursue a global career in wildlife medicine.

Megan Weidenbach: Building a Veterinary Brand

Lincoln Memorial University student Megan Weidenbach is developing a growing audience, professional platform, and influential voice within veterinary medicine before graduation.

A Powerful Message From Guest Editor Dr. Ashley Hopkins

The issue also features a compelling guest editor's note from Dr. Ashley Hopkins, DVM, founder of Hopper Vets. Invited by Vet Candy CEO Dr. Jill Lopez to lead the annual Rising Stars edition, Hopkins delivers a passionate call for the veterinary profession to better support and invest in the students entering the field.

Her message serves as both a challenge and an opportunity for veterinary leaders to help shape a stronger future workforce.

Veterinary Industry News You Can't Miss

In addition to the Rising Stars profiles, the June 2026 issue delivers extensive coverage of the latest developments affecting veterinary medicine, including:

• A historic $75 million gift to UC Davis

• Chewy's acquisition of Modern Animal

• The launch of the American Association of Credentialed Veterinary Technicians

• New research highlighting the growing pet care affordability crisis

• The increasing number of U.S. pet owners seeking veterinary care in Mexico due to rising costs

WVC Nashville 2026 Preview

Readers will also find a comprehensive preview of WVC Nashville, including exclusive coverage of Vet Candy's ambassador team activities during the inaugural conference taking place August 15–18.

Career Growth, NAVLE Success, and More

Additional features include:

• Two interactive veterinary career quizzes

• A detailed look at Vet Candy Match

• A spotlight on NAVLE Warriors, Vet Candy's free board preparation program

The program has already demonstrated measurable results, helping Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine increase its first-time NAVLE pass rate from 51% to 74% in just one year.

The Future of Veterinary Medicine Is Already Here

The June 2026 Rising Stars issue is more than a collection of student profiles. It is a glimpse into the future of veterinary medicine and the individuals who are actively shaping it today.

These students are leading organizations, launching community programs, influencing policy discussions, creating educational content, and expanding access to veterinary care long before graduation.

If you want to understand where the veterinary profession is headed next, this issue offers a front-row seat.

Read the full June 2026 Rising Stars issue at MyVetCandy.com.