Hunter Holoubek ‘26 came to UVM from Cumberland, Rhode Island. He ultimately made his decision after hearing about the university’s strong psychology program and visiting campus during Admitted Students Day. A lifelong skier who loved winter and the outdoors, Hunter quickly fell in love with both the academic opportunities at UVM and the atmosphere he experienced on campus. 

“Everyone I talked to seemed genuinely interested in who I was,” he says. “The faculty that I talked to seemed really involved in making sure students were not only academically successful, but just in general comfortable.” 

Hunter entered UVM as a Psychological Science major and later added a minor in neuroscience. Though he had heard UVM had strong programs in both fields, he says he was still surprised by just how impactful his academic experience would become. 

“I truly do mean I’ve had an incredible experience,” Hunter says. “Every faculty member I’ve talked to is so involved in their research and involved in teaching the community.” 

One of the faculty members who had the biggest impact on Hunter was psychology professor Sue Festermacher, who taught his first psychology course at UVM. After excelling in her class during his first semester, Hunter approached her about potentially becoming a teaching assistant in the future. Instead, she offered him a TA position immediately for the following semester. 

“She told me, ‘I’ve just filled up my TA slots, but if you’re interested, I’ll make a new one for you,’” Hunter recalls. 

Outside of the classroom, Hunter immersed himself fully in campus life. One of his proudest accomplishments was helping re-establish the Psychology Club after it had become inactive during the COVID-19 pandemic. Alongside several friends, he helped rebuild the organization into a thriving student group that now hosts faculty speakers, collaborates with researchers, and connects students interested in psychology and neuroscience. 

“I’m truly very proud of that organization that we helped create,” he says. 

Hunter also embraced the broader Vermont experience during his time at UVM. He discovered new hobbies like rock climbing and volleyball, explored Vermont’s hiking trails and swimming holes, and found community both on and off campus. 

Reflecting on his four years at UVM, Hunter says the university transformed him both personally and academically. 

“UVM was my first foray into just truly throwing myself into being as social as I can be,” he says. “I’ve found that I love human connection.” 

He also credits UVM with helping him grow from a student into an independent researcher. Through work in multiple research labs and close mentorship from faculty, Hunter discovered a sense of purpose and fulfillment in the work he was doing. 

“I’m now not only just doing work for an assignment, but I’m doing my own work that I’m proud of,” he says. “I feel like I’m contributing to a field greater than myself.” 

After graduation, Hunter plans to work in research before eventually pursuing a PhD in clinical psychology with a specialization in neuropsychology. 

Throughout his time at UVM, scholarships played an important role in making those experiences possible. Hunter says scholarship support helped reduce the financial burden of college and allowed him to dedicate more time to research, mentorship, and involvement across campus. 

“I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for the scholarship I was given,” he says. 

“The scholarships that I’ve received have gone straight towards my experience here at UVM, allowing me to take on more things, become involved in a million different organizations, and do all the things that I’ve been able to do.” 

The Summer of Scholarships campaign has ended, but you can still make a gift to the UVM Scholarship Fund here to support students like Hunter!