Lara Sobel graduated from UVM with a BA in Political Science in 1989 and earned her MSW from UVM in 2002. From 2002 until her passing in 2015, she worked for the Vermont Department of Children and Families as a case worker advocating for the state's most vulnerable children.

In memory of their daughter, Alex and Bobbi Sobel established the Lara Sobel Memorial Scholarship — the first permanent fund to benefit UVM's Social Work program. The scholarship supports graduate students committed to working with children and families at risk, carrying on Lara's legacy of dedication and selflessness.

To date, the Sobel Scholarship has supported the education of eight MSW students who have been selected for their potential to carry on the legacy and commitments of Lara and the Sobel family.