Brothers Clifford and Gilbert Hoppenstedt grew up in Pine Bush, New York, and each became veterinarians. Clifford graduated from Cornell University in 1935 and practiced in Gardiner, New York. Gilbert graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1940 and practiced in nearby Kingston. They credit their parents for making the necessary sacrifices and encouraging them to attain a professional education. Cornell's land grant program placed a high priority on agricultural animals. The School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, being a private institution affiliated with the medical school, also emphasized pet medicine. Though both classes were diverse, Clifford's class at Cornell was unique for that era. Two women and 17 Jews were among the 82 students who matriculated in 1931.