The Equine Science Center’s fundraising initiative during New Jersey’s “Month of the Horse,” which is celebrated in June each year, will this year focus on raising funds for the Ronald S. Dancer Memorial Scholarship.
Launched at the 2022 “Evening of Science & Celebration,” the scholarship was named after former New Jersey Assemblyman Ronald Dancer, who passed away earlier that year. Assemblyman Dancer served as the assemblyperson from New Jersey’s 12th Legislative District, as the Deputy Republican Leader in the New Jersey Assembly, and in the New Jersey General Assembly since 2002. He was a former horseman, trainer, driver, and the son of the late Hall of Fame harness horse racing driver Stanley Dancer. Assemblyman Dancer professionally raced and trained harness horses from 1968 through 1998.
The scholarship will be given to an undergraduate student majoring in Animal Sciences with an equine emphasis, who has dedicated their time through service and leadership, just as former Assemblyman Dancer did throughout his entire career.
Foundation Equine Wellness and Performance (a mobile veterinary practice based out of Bordentown, New Jersey) has decided to participate in the Equine Science Center’s crowdfunding initiative this year, and have issued a challenge match to anyone willing to donate. For every dollar that the Equine Science Center raises, Foundation Equine will match dollar for dollar up to $1,000.
“We are so happy to take part in the Equine Science Center’s crowdfunding campaign,” said Dr. Daniel P. Keenan, Owner of Foundation Equine Wellness and Performance. “Knowing the importance of supporting the next generation of equine scientists and veterinarians, we knew that we just had to contribute to this scholarship; especially considering it is honoring former assemblyman Ronald S. Dancer, who was such an important and meaningful figure to the equine community.”
To help with this challenge-match visit the Equine Science Center’s crowdfunding webpage at: https://go.rutgers.edu/2023RSDMS
For additional information, contact Kyle Hartmann at kylehart@njaes.rutgers.edu or 848-932-9419.
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About Rutgers Equine Science Center
The Equine Science Center is a unit of the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. Its mission is “Better Horse Care through Research and Education” in order to advance the well-being and performance of horses and the equine industry. Its vision is to be recognized throughout New Jersey as well as nationally and internationally for its achievements in identifying issues in the horse industry, finding solutions through science-based inquiry, providing answers to the horse industry and to horse owners, and influencing public policy to ensure the viability of the horse industry.
For more information about the Equine Science Center, call 848-932-9419 or visit esc.rutgers.edu.