Westie Foundation of America names first scholarship recipient for new program

A nonprofit organization dedicated to the health and well-being for West Highland white terrier dogs has awarded its first scholarship to a veterinary student through a new program. The Westie Foundation of America (WFA) has recognized Briana Guerra, a first-year student at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) School of Veterinary Medicine, with the inaugural scholarship from the WFA /Thomas and Roxanne Austin Veterinary Scholarship program that was launched in 2024.¹

Centrally focused on UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, the program aims to support and celebrate future veterinarians who display a “keen interest in the Westie breed” and who strives for veterinary excellence.“These students represent the future of veterinary medicine, and we’re honored to celebrate their admission together,” Angela Reynolds, senior director of development, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, said in the release. “Thank you for trusting UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine to award this scholarship to a deserving and inspiring rising star.”

Guerra was selected by UC Davis to receive the scholarship, based on a rigorous set of criteria proposed by the WFA. She previously gained clinical experience at the Los Angeles Veterinary Center in California. She plans to practice veterinary medicine in an area with a bilingual clientele and traditionally underserved pet owners, upon graduation.

“We are pleased to say Briana meets and exceeds the scholarship criteria of academic excellence and we are honored to help further her veterinary goals,” Kay McGuire, DVM, vice president, health for the Westie Foundation of America, said in the release. “It is an honor to work with UC Davis on this important contribution to the new veterinary generation.”

Guerra is 1 of 154 students in her UC Davis class. She was selected from more than 3000 applicants, of which 57% are first-generation college students. A daughter of immigrants who fled civil war in El Salvador, she is the first in her family to pursue a college education.

“Your support means more than words can express,” Guerra said in a news release. “Thank you for helping me pursue my lifelong dream.”

Roxanne Austin said she and Tom Austin are proud to support the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and the Westie Foundation of America through the program that bears their names. “Our pets have brought us immense joy, and we understand firsthand the vital role quality veterinary care plays in helping them live long, healthy and happy lives. We are thrilled to congratulate Briana Guerra as the inaugural recipient of this scholarship,” she said in the release.

The WFA also provides funding opportunities to veterinarians and students through other programs. Most recently, in March 2025, the organization announced clinical oncologist Selvi Jegatheeson, DVM, FANZCVS, as a clinician-fellow sponsored by WFA through the Canine Health Foundation of the American Kennel Club. Jegatheeson is pursuing a PhD in Australia, where she is investigating immunotherapy treatments for people and dogs.²

References

1. First scholarship awarded in new veterinary scholarship program. News release. Westie Foundation of America. September 30, 2025. Accessed October 6, 2025. https://www.einnews.com/pr_news/853750971/first-scholarship-awarded-in-new-veterinary-scholarship-program
2. Dr Selve Jegatheeson. Westie Foundation of America. March 6, 2025. Accessed October 6, 2025. https://westiefoundation.org/not-a-post/Dr-Selvi-Jegatheeson