Merck Animal Health Continues Commitment to Future Swine Veterinarians; Announces 2021 AASVF Veterinary Scholarship Recipients

MADISON, N.J., March 2, 2021 – Merck Animal Health, known as MSD Animal Health outside the US and Canada, continued its commitment to the swine industry’s next generation of veterinarians by partnering with the American Association of Swine Veterinarians Foundation (AASVF) to sponsor the 2021 recipients of the AASVF/Merck Animal Health Veterinary Student Scholarships.

“At our core, we are committed to investing in veterinary students who are the future leaders in advancing the The Science of Healthier Animals®,” said Justin Welsh, D.V.M., Executive Director, Livestock Technical Services, Merck Animal Health. “Through our partnership with AASVF, we are helping to build students’ knowledge of swine health and well-being as they prepare for a career in this important field.”

“The Merck Veterinary Student Scholarship Program has been instrumental in expanding the AASV Foundation’s mission to develop veterinary students into swine veterinarians,” said Harry Snelson, D.V.M., AASV Executive Director. “The scholarships have a direct and immediate impact on the awardees by helping veterinary students address the financial challenges related to the tuition and fees involved in veterinary education. It is especially rewarding for the members of the AASV Foundation to see that Merck Animal Health shares their values of support for future swine veterinarians.”

The 2021 recipients of the $5,000 scholarship were announced on March 1, 2021, and include:

  • Hayley Bowling, University of Saskatchewan, Class of 2023
  • Tyler Dick, University of Minnesota, Class of 2022
  • Katyann Graham, Iowa State University, Class of 2023
  • Isaac Goldner, University of Illinois, Class of 2023
  • Anthony Holowka, Lincoln Memorial University, Class of 2022
  • Madison Kapraun, University of Illinois, Class of 2022
  • Kristofer Kovach, Iowa State University, Class of 2023
  • Seth Melson, University of Minnesota, Class of 2023
  • Rachel Patton, The Ohio State University, Class of 2022
  • Sydney Simmons, North Carolina State University, Class of 2023

            The recipients were announced at the 52nd Annual AASV Meeting held virtually due to COVID-19. Second-and third-year students enrolled in American Veterinary Medical Association-accredited or recognized colleges of veterinary medicine in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, South America and the Caribbean Islands are eligible for the scholarship. Learn more at www.aasv.org.

About Merck Animal Health

For 130 years, Merck, a leading global biopharmaceutical company, 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 digitally connected 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 or connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter at @MerckAH.

About the AASVF

            The American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) has approximately 1,300 members involved in practice, industry and academia in more than 40 countries. It is the mission of the AASV to: increase the knowledge of swine veterinarians, protect and promote the health and wellbeing of pigs, advocate science-based approaches to veterinary, industry, and public health issues, promote the development and availability of resources that enhance the effectiveness of professional activities, create opportunities that inspire personal and professional growth and interaction and mentor students, encouraging life-long careers as swine veterinarians. The AASV Foundation (AASVF) is the charitable arm of the AASV. One of the AASVF’s objectives is to provide oversight and manage veterinary student scholarship programs. For more information visit www.aasv.org.