Shannon Randall ‘26 came to the University of Vermont from Gorham, Maine, already deeply connected to the university. The third Catamount in her family, Shannon grew up hearing stories about UVM from her father, a 1995 graduate of the animal science program, and later watched as her older sister decided to follow in their father’s footsteps.  

“When I was a kid, UVM was a big part of growing up and knowing that it was part of my family’s story,” Shannon says. 

As she began exploring colleges herself, UVM stood out not only because of those family ties, but because of the university’s strong animal science program, close-knit community, and access to a rural setting that reminded her of home. During her first campus visit, Shannon remembers seeing the mountains for the first time and immediately feeling like she belonged. 

“I felt like I was home,” she says. 

Though it was always a dream to come to UVM, scholarship support ultimately helped make it possible.  

“Scholarships made UVM more accessible and available to me,” she says. “It’s just been a huge help to allow me to worry less and just focus on my education.” 

Since arriving at UVM, Shannon has immersed herself fully in both academics and campus life. An animal science major with minors in food systems and equine studies, she quickly found community through the UVM Horse Barn Cooperative, Dairy Club, and the CREAM program. 

Bringing her horse to college had always been part of Shannon’s dream, and the Horse Barn Cooperative became one of the places that shaped her UVM experience most deeply. When she injured her ankle during her first week on campus, fellow students and staff at the barn immediately stepped in to support her. 

“Without that community, I don’t think I would’ve made it as far as I have,” she says. “It’s always been a great place to be.” 

Shannon also credits faculty mentors with helping shape her experience at UVM, especially Chrissy Rohan at the UVM Horse Barn, Stephen Wadsworth through the CREAM program, and Jenny Wilkinson in equine studies. 

Outside the classroom, Shannon served as president of the UVM Dairy Club and became involved in Burlington’s small business community through her work at Champlain Leather downtown. She also found joy in many of the outdoor experiences that make Vermont special, from walking along the waterfront to exploring trails and spending time outdoors with friends. 

We talked to Shannon right before graduation. When reflecting on moving on to the next stage in life, Shannon says the idea of leaving Burlington feels “really bittersweet.” Looking back, she feels proud not only of earning her degree, but of the community and support system she built along the way. 

“Even though my time at UVM is coming to a close, I’m still going to have the community I have here,” she says. “It’s not the end. It’s just a different part of my story.” 

After graduation, Shannon plans to return to Maine to work at a local camp. Her goal is to eventually pursue work abroad on a farm in the next few years – hopefully in either New Zealand or Ireland. Long term, she hopes to pursue a master’s degree in animal science or agricultural education. 

Reflecting on the scholarships that helped make her experience possible, Shannon says donor support allowed her to fully immerse herself in everything UVM had to offer. 

“Just being able to worry less about finances and just get involved in everything I want to,” she says. “I definitely think that it’s allowed more people than just me to continue on and explore interests.” 

“The first thing I would say is just a very big thank you,” Shannon says. “I know personally, I wouldn’t have been able to come to UVM without all of the support I’ve received.”