A University of Wyoming academic professional has been named a recipient of the prestigious UW Foundation Stewardship Award for 2026.
Alison Doherty, an associate research scientist in the Department of Veterinary Sciences, was one of two UW employees recognized for exceptional leadership in fostering strong relationships with donors. Doherty will receive $5,000, and her college or department will receive $2,500. She can direct another $2,500 toward a separate university unit or club.
The UW Foundation Stewardship Awards recognize the pivotal role faculty and staff members play in donor philanthropy. Stewardship is critical for the university, as it connects donors with the mission of campus and inspires private funding for areas that need it most. It also builds lasting relationships that promote loyalty and generosity. The UW Foundation funds the award.
“These awards recognize the extraordinary impact that thoughtful stewardship has on the University of Wyoming and the people we serve,” says John Stark, president and CEO of the UW Foundation. “[The awardees] showcase how meaningful relationships, authentic communication, and genuine care for donors can inspire generosity that changes lives. Their dedication strengthens the connection between donors and the students and faculty who benefit from their support every day.”
The UW Foundation Stewardship Awards honor faculty and staff who go above and beyond in nurturing connections that support the university, their colleagues and—most importantly—UW students.
Building support for canine dysautonomia research
Doherty has been instrumental in growing donor support of canine dysautonomia (CD) research within the Department of Veterinary Sciences since joining UW in February 2024. CD is a rare and usually fatal neurodegenerative disorder affecting a dog’s autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions. The underlying cause of the disease remains unknown. UW is the only institution in the U.S. that is actively studying CD.
As a member of the CD research lab, Doherty’s responsibilities include raising awareness of CD, supporting veterinarians and dog owners through a very difficult disease from a distance, and coaching them on sample collection and shipping. Often, those who contribute samples also contribute financial support throughout the year and during UW Giving Day to try to prevent what happened to their dogs from happening to others in the future.
Doherty’s efforts have led to significant increases in giving to the cause. In 2023, before Doherty joined UW, 44 donors gave $12,083 during UW Giving Day. In 2024, 156 donors gave $48,174, and 93 donors gave $148,225 in 2025.
“Alison has helped build the path to giving for those who are open to supporting this cause,” says Jonathan Fox, a professor emeritus in the Department of Veterinary Sciences and Doherty’s nominator. “Donors are mainly dog owners, especially those who have lost dogs to CD. They often have no affiliation with UW but give because we are the only group researching something they want to support.”
To prepare for UW’s annual day of giving, Doherty used social media tools to build support and relationships and to communicate about ongoing research throughout the year. She discussed research efforts with dog owners, veterinary clinics, and dog shelters around the country. She also consulted with the Annual Giving team at the UW Foundation on how best to reach the target audience by strategizing posts, emails, and other communications. She then created social media posts for the fundraising event and flyers that were distributed around Laramie.
Doherty has developed positive relationships with donors and has met some of them. These efforts have been important in promoting increased giving by repeat donors on Giving Day. Additionally, she has provided periodic and clear research updates to CD supporters.
Following the 2025 UW Giving Day, Doherty handwrote letters to donors, and she mailed special thank-you gifts to those providing larger gifts. She provided dog tags with the message “proud supporter of canine dysautonomia research” to donors who gave more than $100 and personalized dog bandannas with the “proud supporter” message to donors who gave more than $15,000. She personally communicated with special donors after the event.
“These thoughtful actions mean a lot to the donors, many of whom are still emotional about losing beloved family members,” Fox says.
Doherty says stewardship is at the heart of her work.
“Building meaningful connections and communicating the importance of our work are essential to advancing our mission,” she says. “Without the support of donors, dog owners, and veterinarians, our research would not be possible.”
This story was originally published on UW News.
