Zoetis and the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) announced this year’s winners of the Zoetis Veterinary Student Scholarship Program. The program recognized 353 second-and third-year veterinary students at the 2016 Student American Veterinary Medical Association (SAVMA) Conference, awarding more than $700,000 in scholarships. Now in its sixth year, the Zoetis Veterinary Student Scholarship Program operates as part of Zoetis Commitment to Veterinarians, a platform created by Zoetis to support leadership and diversity among future veterinarians, while also helping to offset the significant costs associated with a veterinary education. “At Zoetis, we are committed to the veterinary community and the animals in their care,” said Christine Jenkins, DVM, DACVIM, chief veterinary medical officer, U.S. Operations at Zoetis. “We are proud to reward and recognize these veterinary students who are already demonstrating academic excellence, a strong commitment to veterinary medicine, and leadership. By awarding these scholarships, we hope to not only lessen the financial burden felt by many of these students, but encourage every recipient to focus on their future and become leaders in the field.” Nearly 1,500 applicants from universities throughout the United States and the Caribbean were evaluated based on several criteria, including academic excellence, financial need, diversity, sustainability, leadership, and career path. Students applied through VetVance, a free educational resource sponsored by Zoetis, that provides students and recent graduates with online content relating to professional development, business skills, professional stewardship, financial literacy, and much more. “The AAVMC is proud to partner with Zoetis on this important program,” says Dr. Andrew Maccabe, executive director of the AAVMC. “Their ongoing contributions and commitment to the veterinary profession continue to address some of the most critical challenges our industry faces. We’re grateful for the opportunity to join Zoetis to help veterinary students achieve their academic and professional goals and ultimately, shape the future of the profession.” "Zoetis has gone above and beyond to hear and respond to the need for financial support of veterinary students,” said Jennifer R. Rowntree of the University of Wisconsin, School of Veterinary Medicine. “The financial support I have received from Zoetis has allowed me to gain valuable practical experience that has further prepared me for graduation."
