WVC doles out $120,000 in student scholarships

LAS VEGAS — Thirty-one veterinary students landed a $2,500 scholarship and $1,000 stipend from the Western Veterinary Conference (WVC).

The scholarships are meant to help defray the rising costs of veterinary education, and the stipend was granted so the students could attend the conference, WVC organizers say. The students represent each of the veterinary colleges in the United States and Canada.

Dr. Jack O. Walther, chairman of the WVC scholarship program, says: "As I traveled to our veterinary schools as the American Veterinary Medical Association vice president, I became painfully aware of the huge financial burden that was incurred by our future veterinarians. I felt that WVC had the financial ability to help in a significant way and thus proposed this scholarship program."

A committee at each veterinary institution awards one student for the scholarship each year. The selections are based on leadership and need.

"Recognizing our future leaders is critical," Walther says. "Our future as a profession depends on getting good young leaders involved in organized veterinary medicine. WVC is giving these students a chance to meet and interact with current leaders."

The scholarship program is in its third year.