Merck Animal Health Launches Scholarship Program With the American Veterinary Medical Foundation
Awards $100,000 to Veterinary Students
SUMMIT, N.J., March 20, 2014 – Merck Animal Health today announced the recipients of the Merck Animal Health Veterinary Student Scholarship Program, awarding $100,000 in scholarships to 20 veterinary students. Through a partnership with the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF), the program recognizes outstanding second and third year students who are pursuing careers in large animal and companion animal medicine.
“These students are our future visionaries and will become the backbone of the veterinary profession,” said Norman Stewart, D.V.M., livestock technical services manager for Merck Animal Health. “Through this program, we are reinforcing our long-standing commitment to education, personal development and the science of healthier animals. It also allows us to help support the cost of veterinary education, as well as recognize and celebrate the next generation of leaders.”
Every year, Merck Animal Health collaborates with numerous educational and veterinary organizations to ensure the advancement of animal health. This scholarship program is part of a broader commitment to education, students and the future of the industry. AVMF, the charitable arm of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), has a 50-year history of providing opportunities that foster the academic success of veterinary students.
“We think Merck Animal Health is a great partner in the animal health industry and are grateful for their commitment to the future of veterinary medicine,” said Mike Cathey, executive director, AVMF. “With increasing education costs and potentially significant debt coming out of school, the generous financial support that Merck Animal Health provides certainly makes it easier for these students to pursue their dreams of becoming veterinarians.”
More than 800 students from 13 veterinary schools accredited through the AVMA applied for the scholarships. Award recipients were selected based on academic excellence, financial need, leadership and area of interest within the profession. The following students have been awarded the 2014 Merck Animal Health Veterinary Student Scholarships.
- Joseph Caldwell, Tuskegee University
- Brandi Flanagan, University of Georgia
- Kelsey Gerbig, The Ohio State University
- Julia Herman, Colorado State University
- Katlin Hornig, Colorado State University
- Tracy Huang, University of California – Davis
- Molly Johnson, Kansas State University
- Shannon Kells, Texas A & M University
- Teresa Linder, University of Wisconsin
- Tiffany Makowski, University of Tennessee
- Maggie McQuillan, North Carolina State University
- Elena Millard, Michigan State University
- Jennifer Munhofen, University of Georgia
- Eric Nickerson, University of California – Davis
- Brett Rabe, University of Minnesota
- Eric Shepherd, University of Georgia
- Sarah Will, University of Tennessee
- Cynthia Wise, University of Wisconsin
- David Worth, Texas A & M University
- Stephanie Zec, University of Illinois
Merck Animal Health invests in the future of the veterinary profession by supporting research, education and specialized skills training so veterinarians have the resources they need to provide the best care possible. The scholarship program with AVMF supports the next generation of veterinarians and expands the future careers of students who are committed to veterinary and animal sciences.
About Merck Animal Health
Today’s Merck is a global healthcare leader working to help the world be well. Merck Animal Health, known as MSD Animal Health outside the United States and Canada, 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 range of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and health management solutions and services. Merck Animal Health is dedicated to preserving and improving the health, well-being and performance of animals. 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-usa.com.
About the American Veterinary Medical Foundation
The American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) is the charitable arm of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). For more than 50 years, the AVMF has been dedicated to embracing and advancing the well-being and medical care of animals. Charitable contributions and support to the Foundation help veterinarians help animals. Initiatives include: Humane Outreach-Animal Welfare, Education and Public Awareness, Research Support, Student Enhancement, and support of American Veterinary Medical Association and its initiatives. The AVMF, a two-time, four-star rated nonprofit by Charity Navigator, has awarded more than $50 million in grants since it began in 1963. As we just celebrated our golden anniversary, we want to do even more.
Established by the AVMA in 1963, AVMF based its national headquarters in northwest suburban Chicago. The AVMA, founded in 1863, is one of the oldest and largest veterinary medical organizations in the world, with more than 80,000 current members.
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