2021 AVMA/AVMF Scholarships

Overview

The American Veterinary Medical Foundation believes that by investing in the education of America’s veterinary students we play a role in ensuring that future veterinarians have the skills and training necessary to treat our pets, safeguard our food supply and protect public health. The scholarships below are designed to help students achieve their goals and go into the world and accomplish great things. Students are encouraged to consider both traditional and non-traditional careers as they move forward in their education to understand the many options that the veterinary profession offers.

  • AVMA/AVMF Scholarship for Veterans
    • In honor of the 100th anniversary of President Woodrow Wilson’s signing of the National Defense Act of 1916 and creating a Veterinary Corps within the U.S. Army, the AVMA and AVMF established a special scholarship for military veterans pursuing an education in veterinary medicine. Scholarships of $5,000 are available to veterans of the U.S. Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, and Navy currently in their 1st, 2nd or 3rd year of veterinary school at any AVMA accredited school.
  • AVMF/EveryCat Health Foundation Scholarship
  • Arizona Veterinary Medical Association Scholarship
    • Through a partnership with the Arizona Veterinary Medical Association, five $1,000 awards are given to veterinary students with a strong connection to the state of Arizona.
  • Michael and Gail Ames Scholarship and the Panzero Family Scholarship
  • Mildred Sylvester Scholarship
    • This $1,000 scholarship, established by the estate of Mildred Sylvester, is available to an outstanding 1st, 2nd, or 3rd-year veterinary student with a connection to the state of New Jersey (current or past resident, high school, or college graduate)
  • Dr. Elinor McGrath Scholarship

Meet the 2021 AVMA/AVMF Scholarship for Veterans recipients

Oklahoma State University

Cody Blalock

“The AVMA / AVMF Scholarship for Military Veterans is much more than an award. For those that have served, it is a way to acknowledge their service. I am humbled and so thankful for the receipt of this scholarship. My family and I are truly grateful for the financial assistance that has been bestowed on us in the form of this scholarship and we will strive to uphold what it means. To us it means Freedom.”

Colorado State University

Ryan de Kay

“This scholarship helps to lessen the financial burden placed on my family and me by attending veterinary school, allowing me to better focus on school. Additionally, it is good to see opportunities for veterans in the field as they tend to be underrepresented. Thank you.”

University of Arizona

Krystal Eddis

“I want to thank the AVMA and AVMF for this incredible opportunity. I am so grateful for being selected to receive the AVMA/AVMF Scholarship for Military Veterans. The support of this scholarship enables me to pursue a career in veterinary medicine while continuing to serve my country. Thank you for supporting veterans and their dreams.”

Auburn University

Joshua Trumble

“I want to express my gratitude to the AVMF and those that make these scholarships possible for veterinary students. This scholarship enables me to search farther than previous for externships and preceptorships due to travel expenses. I served in the United States Marine Corps from 2010 to 2014. It has molded me into the person I am today and the veterinarian I will be tomorrow. Semper Fidelis!”

Michigan State University

Nathaniel VanDenTop

“I am very thankful to AVMA/AVMF for selecting me for this scholarship. These funds will go a long way in supporting my family through my education and pursuing my future career. This honorable contribution to America’s veterans affords us the opportunity to better serve our community, even after our military service.”

Meet the 2021 AVMF/EveryCat Health Foundation Scholarship recipients

Kansas State University

Ariel Carruth

“I am honored to receive an AVMF/EveryCat Health Foundation Scholarship. I am fascinated by feline medicine and this scholarship will allow me to delve deeper into feline-specific topics and actively participate in advancing feline health and welfare by attending conferences and participating in externships at feline-only clinics. Thank you for believing in me and supporting me in my goal of becoming a feline clinician and researcher of feline infectious diseases.”

Michigan State University

Laura Hartung

“I am incredibly honored to accept the AVMF/EveryCat Health Foundation Scholarship. This scholarship will lighten the financial burden of veterinary school and help me pursue my life-long goal of becoming a small animal emergency veterinarian. My interests include implementing techniques that help decrease the fear, anxiety, and stress of cats in the emergency room. Thank you to AMVF and the EveryCat Health Foundation for granting me this award.”

Meet the 2021 AVMF AzVMA Scholarship recipients

Colorado State University

Bonni Beaupied

“As a first-generation college student, the support I receive is invaluable to achieving my dream of working in a career where I can impact the lives of animals and their humans. Opportunities like the Arizona VMA Scholarship do more than support students financially. Your belief encourages me to continue along this challenging path and to pay it forward.”

Iowa State University

Meghan Marner

“I am so grateful to the AzVMA for this incredible scholarship and for the greater financial freedom it provides. This will allow me to be one step closer to dedicating my life to the people and animals of Arizona with a lessened financial burden. My lifelong dream has been to serve as a veterinarian in my beautiful desert home and I look forward to a lifetime of providing the highest quality care that I can to its furred, hooved, and feathered patients.”

Colorado State University

Christina McBroom

“I am honored to receive this award, and I am thrilled to be able to represent my home state, Arizona. I cannot tell you how appreciative I am to use these funds towards my education as I finish this challenging final year of veterinary school. Arizona is a special place, and I cannot wait to return to contribute to the field of veterinary medicine.”

Oregon State University

Alyssa Pires

“I am excited to receive the AzVMA Scholarship because it will allow me to focus on becoming the best veterinarian I can be. Once I become a veterinarian, I will be able to contribute to animal health and welfare in Arizona. I am excited to provide educational opportunities to future clients by engaging them and other community members in animal welfare concerns which will benefit public education and improve practice management principles.”

The Ohio State University

Jocosa Yasenchack

“This scholarship has gifted me with feelings of validation in my decision to pursue a career in veterinary medicine, gratitude for this assistance during my final year in school, and support from my community and home. Words cannot adequately convey my immense appreciation. Thank you!”

Meet the 2021 Michael and Gail Ames Scholarship and the Panzero Family Scholarship recipients

University of Arizona

Santana Nez

“The Michael and Gail Ames Scholarship goes beyond helping me, it helps communities where I come from and plan to return to practice. And communities like mine depend greatly on their animals from a socioeconomic standpoint. This endeavor of mine brings all the items I am passionate about, rural communities and animal health care. I am extremely grateful to have your support.”

University of Arizona

Kaitlyn Benally

“Thank you AVMF and AzVMA, I am incredibly grateful to be awarded the Panzero Family Scholarship. Through your valued support, I can alleviate some of the financial strain from attending professional school. Upon completion of my degree, I anticipate I will return to my community on the Navajo Nation to provide much needed veterinary services.”

Meet the 2021 Mildred Sylvester Scholarship recipient

The University of Wisconsin-Madison

Sophia Chao

“Thank you so much to the Mildred Sylvester Foundation for awarding me this scholarship! I am extremely honored and grateful for the support they have provided. This will allow me to continue my pursuit of providing veterinary care to low-income communities and shelter animals.”

Meet the 2021 Dr. Elinor McGrath Scholarship recipient

University of Arizona

Kaitlyn Benally

“I would like to thank you for your generosity in funding the Dr. Elinor McGrath Scholarship. It is an honor to be the 2021 recipient. I am inspired by Dr. McGrath’s passion and dedication toward the veterinary profession that created a trail for future women in Veterinary Medicine.”