Brookfield Central Class of 1998

Dr. Sara Colopy is a Lancer graduate whose passion for animals has led her to become a veterinarian at the University of Wisconsin.

Sara's family moved to Brookfield in 1993 where she attended Elmbrook Middle School (now Pilgrim Park) for 8th grade before continuing to Brookfield Central. At Central, Sara was predominantly active in the arts including Choir, Vocal Jazz, and Drama. Her time in Choir gave her incredible opportunities for learning, competition, performance, and travel. Sara highlighted James Barnes for inspiring her passion for biology, as well as teachers Mary Ruetten, Scott Nelson, Kay Esposito, Jerilyn Kien, and Karlyn Coleman.

"Elmbrook gave me a very well-rounded education with amazing teachers who genuinely cared about their students," reflected Colopy. "Beyond the focus of just school and career, my teachers also taught me to be a good citizen. Elmbrook also gave me exposure to a mentored veterinary career program and a solid educational foundation for success in college." During her senior year, Sara started work as a veterinary assistant in a local clinic where she worked for several years.

Sara graduated from Brookfield Central in 1998 and continued her education at the University of Wisconsin- Madison where she completed two years of undergraduate prerequisites for veterinary school, graduating with a Doctor in Veterinary Medicine in 2004. After completing a one-year residency at North Carolina State University in 2005, Colopy returned to Madison for a residency in small animal surgery. She completed her Ph.D. in 2012 and accepted a faculty position at the UW School of Veterinary Medicine.

In her position, Sara performs a combination of teaching, research, and time in the clinic performing surgery on small animals. "I love working with animals and people, and teaching future veterinarians and surgical residents," she stated. "It's a rewarding career full of compassionate colleagues."

Today, Sara has two children, Maggie and Em, and recently married her partner, Lydia. When she is not working, Sara enjoys spending time with her family, exploring the outdoors, and volunteering at Wisconsin Companion Animal Resources, Education, and Social Services (WisCARES). Sara also helps provide animal surgery services to families facing financial hardships, volunteers at her children's elementary school on weekends, and serves on the Board of Directors of the Dane County Humane Society.

In 2018, Sara received Dane County Humane Society Volunteer Veterinarian of the Year award. "I've wanted to be a veterinarian ever since I was a child," said Colopy. "I'm very appreciative of the education I received from Elmbrook and how those opportunities contributed to me achieving my career goals."

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