Five Dedicated Equine Veterinary Students Awarded $5,000 Merck Animal Health Scholarships by The Foundation for the Horse
Five outstanding veterinary students in the class of 2023 intent on careers in equine medicine have received $5,000 Merck Animal Health Scholarships awarded by The Foundation for the Horse:
- Ashley Bonnette, University of Tennessee
- Brittany Campbell, Texas A&M University
- Hannah Evans, Iowa State University
- Morgan Falk, University of Wisconsin
- Taylor Tuso, Auburn University
The Merck Animal Health’scholarship program, managed through The Foundation, rewards veterinary students at colleges of veterinary medicine in the U.S., Canada, Caribbean and Europe for their academic excellence, leadership in their school and American Association of Equine Practitioners student chapter, and their long-term goals in equine practice. Applicants apply during their second and third year of school and must also have the support of AAEP members and their clinical instructors.
“We are incredibly proud to support these five future equine veterinarians through our ongoing partnership with the AAEP and its charitable arm, The Foundation for the Horse,” said Merck Animal Health Director of Equine Sales Ron McDaniel. “These students are exceptional leaders and I’m confident that they will help move our mission forward by advancing The Science of Healthier Animals® in the years to come.”
The awards were presented December 6 prior to the Frank J. Milne State-of-the-Art Lecture during the AAEP’s 67th Annual Convention in Nashville, Tenn.
The AAEP Foundation, the forerunner of The Foundation for the Horse, established the Merck Animal Health scholarship program in 2016. The award is made possible through gifts made by AAEP Educational Partner Merck Animal Health.
For more information about this program and other scholarships offered through The Foundation for the Horse, visit www.foundationforthehorse.org.
About Merck Animal Health
For over 130 years, Merck, known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, has been inventing for life, bringing forward medicines and vaccines for many of the world’s most challenging diseases. Merck Animal Health, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA, is the global animal health business unit of Merck. Through its commitment to The Science of Healthier Animals®, Merck Animal Health offers veterinarians, farmers, pet owners and governments one of the widest ranges of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and health management solutions and services as well as an extensive suite of connected technology that includes identification, traceability and monitoring products. Merck Animal Health is dedicated to preserving and improving the health, well-being and performance of animals and the people who care for them. It invests extensively in dynamic and comprehensive R&D resources and a modern, global supply chain. Merck Animal Health is present in more than 50 countries, while its products are available in some 150 markets. For more information, visit www.merck-animal-health.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
About The Foundation for the Horse
Established in 1994, The Foundation for the Horse is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to improving the welfare of the horse through Education, Research, and help for Horses at Risk. Governed and stewarded by world-renowned equine veterinarians and equine stakeholders, The Foundation in 2021 awarded over $1 million in scholarships and grants to impact equine health and well-being throughout the U.S. and developing countries. To learn more, visit www.foundationforthehorse.org.
Five Future Horse Doctors Receive $5,000 Zoetis Scholarships from The Foundation for the Horse
The Foundation for the Horse has awarded $5,000 Zoetis Scholarships to five exceptional veterinary students pursuing a future career in equine practice:
- Jessica Conner, Western University of Health Sciences, class of 2023
- Hannah Fain, Colorado State University, class of 2023
- Meghan Marner, Iowa State University, class of 2022
- Deianira Smith, University of Arizona, class of 2023
- Bailey Ziegler, Iowa State University, class of 2022
Now in its ninth year, the Zoetis scholarship program, managed through The Foundation, reward veterinary students at colleges of veterinary medicine in the U.S., Canada, Caribbean and Europe for their academic excellence, leadership in their school and American Association of Equine Practitioners student chapter, and their long-term goals in equine practice. Applicants apply during their second and third year of school and must also have the support of AAEP members and their clinical instructors.
“We are proud to partner again with The Foundation to offer this opportunity benefiting new equine veterinarians,” said Jeannie Jeffery, Zoetis equine business unit head. “We are thankful for yet another chance to showcase Zoetis’ ongoing commitment to horse health and to the veterinary profession, especially during these challenging times.”
The awards were presented December 7 prior to the Frank J. Milne State-of-the-Art Lecture during the AAEP’s 67th Annual Convention in Nashville, Tenn.
The AAEP Foundation, the forerunner of The Foundation for the Horse, established the Zoetis Scholarship in 2013. The award is made possible through gifts made by AAEP Educational Partner Zoetis’ charitable arm, Zoetis Foundation.
For more information about this program and other scholarships offered through The Foundation for the Horse, visit www.foundationforthehorse.org.
About Zoetis
Zoetis is the leading animal health company, dedicated to supporting its customers and their businesses. Building on nearly 70 years of experience in animal health, Zoetis discovers, develops, manufactures, and commercializes medicines, vaccines, and diagnostic products, which are complemented by biodevices, genetic tests and precision livestock farming. Zoetis serves veterinarians, livestock producers and people who raise and care for farm and companion animals with sales of its products in more than 100 countries. In 2020, the company generated annual revenue of $6.7 billion with approximately 11,300 employees. For more information, visit www.zoetis.com.
About The Foundation for the Horse
Established in 1994, The Foundation for the Horse is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to improving the welfare of the horse through Education, Research, and help for Horses at Risk. Governed and stewarded by world-renowned equine veterinarians and equine stakeholders, The Foundation in 2021 awarded over $1 million in scholarships and grants to impact equine health and well-being throughout the U.S. and developing countries. To learn more, visit www.foundationforthehorse.org.
The Foundation for the Horse Bestows Inaugural Dr. Bill Rood Leadership Scholarship Upon North Carolina State University Veterinary Student
Alexandra Grobman, an exemplary fourth-year veterinary student at North Carolina State University, is the first recipient of the Dr. Bill Rood Leadership Scholarship. Managed through The Foundation for the Horse, the endowed scholarship was established by friends, colleagues and clients of the retired co-founder of Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, Ky.
Grobman, who has special interest in equine sports medicine and podiatry, accepted her $5,000 award Dec. 6 prior to the Frank J. Milne State-of-the-Art Lecture at the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) 67th Annual Convention in Nashville, Tenn.
The Dr. Bill Rood Leadership Scholarship rewards a veterinary student at a college of veterinary medicine in the U.S., Canada, Caribbean and Europe for their academic excellence, leadership in their school and AAEP student chapter, and their long-term goals in equine practice. Applicants must also have the support of AAEP members and their clinical instructors.
“We are delighted to be able to have this endowment secured, and we thank all who participated in making this special honor for Dr. Rood remain in perpetuity,” said Dr. Rick Mitchell, Foundation Advisory Council chairperson. “Dr. Rood’s legacy of leadership for the profession will continue through this scholarship award, starting with the excellent selection of Ms. Grobman.”
Dr. Rood received his DVM degree from the University of California, Davis in 1972 and his JD degree from the University of Kentucky in 1975. He started an ambulatory equine practice in Lexington while in law school. In 1982, he partnered with Dr. Tom Riddle to form what is now Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, which has grown to encompass the original hospital and a veterinary pharmacy in Lexington as well as satellite hospitals in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., and Wellington, Fla.
For more information about this program and other scholarships offered through The Foundation for the Horse, visit foundationforthehorse.org.
About The Foundation for the Horse
Established in 1994, The Foundation for the Horse is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to improving the welfare of the horse through Education, Research, and help for Horses at Risk. Governed and stewarded by world-renowned equine veterinarians and equine stakeholders, The Foundation in 2021 awarded over $1 million in scholarships and grants to impact equine health and well-being throughout the U.S. and developing countries. To learn more, visit www.foundationforthehorse.org.
Contact: Keith Kleine
Director of Industry Relations
kkleine@aaep.org or (859) 327-8750