About
Alumni Spotlight: Daniel Hirshorn, '23
From a small town just north of New York City to the mountains of Montana and now the historic city of Glasgow, Scotland, Daniel Hirshorn ’23 has followed his childhood dream of becoming a veterinarian across the globe. Along the way, his Carroll College experience has provided a foundation of academic preparation, lifelong friendships, leadership, and faith.
A biology graduate who earned his degree cum laude, Daniel is now in his fourth year of veterinary school at the University of Glasgow, a U.S.-accredited veterinary program in Scotland. He expects to graduate in July 2028 and is particularly interested in mixed-animal practice, although he remains open to exploring different areas of veterinary medicine.
Growing up just 30 miles north of New York City, Daniel was eager to experience life in Montana. He was drawn to Carroll's Catholic identity, small campus community, and pre-veterinary opportunities through its biology and anthrozoology programs. What ultimately made Carroll the right fit, however, was its people. During a prospective student visit, Daniel stayed with Carroll students Ray Shipman and Lane Buus, who introduced him to their friends and gave him a firsthand look at life on campus. Their hospitality helped him envision a future at Carroll and marked the beginning of friendships that continue today.
Nearly eight years later, Daniel has stood as a groomsman in both of their weddings. The friends have also visited one another in New York and Scotland, taking their Carroll connection around the world. Daniel always wanted to become a veterinarian, but the path wasn't without challenges. During his freshman year, he experienced a period of discouragement and considered abandoning that goal.
His advisor and professors encouraged him to persevere, helping him build the confidence to tackle Carroll's demanding biology curriculum. He particularly credits Dr. Sheafor's Comparative Anatomy and Animal Physiology courses with preparing him for the academic challenges of veterinary school. With the support of his professors, peers, and campus community, Daniel graduated cum laude in biology and was accepted into veterinary school on his first attempt.
Now studying in Scotland, he continues to draw on the academic foundation and encouragement he received at Carroll as he works toward completing his veterinary degree. Daniel's Carroll experience also helped him discover his voice as a leader. He served for two years as a peer minister and two years as a student senator in the Associated Students of Carroll College (ASCC). Both roles challenged him to become more confident, take initiative, and speak openly about the values that matter most to him.
His involvement in campus ministry has had a particularly lasting impact. At the University of Glasgow, Daniel has continued that commitment to faith and community by serving for two years on the student board of the Glasgow University Catholic Association, where he helps organize events that foster fellowship among students.
For Daniel, the leadership skills he developed at Carroll have carried over into both his professional preparation and his personal vocation. Moving from New York to Montana was a significant step for someone who had struggled with homesickness growing up. Yet the friendships and community Daniel found at Carroll helped him embrace the experience and ultimately gave him the confidence to venture even farther from home for veterinary school. Although he now lives thousands of miles away, he remains connected with the professors, friends, and campus ministry community who supported him throughout his undergraduate years. Those relationships continue to provide encouragement as he navigates veterinary school and prepares for the next chapter of his career.
Looking back, Daniel is grateful that he took the chance to attend Carroll, embraced its academic challenges, and became involved in campus life. He encourages prospective students to do the same: pursue their interests, step outside their comfort zones, and take advantage of opportunities to build meaningful relationships.
From Carroll's biology classrooms and campus ministry community to veterinary school in Scotland, Daniel's journey reflects the impact of an education that challenges students academically while encouraging them to grow in confidence, leadership, and faith.
