College of Veterinary Medicine presents Dr. Walter C. Bowie Scholarship to Bairon Madrigal
Tuesday, April 19, 2022
Professors and leadership in the College of Veterinary medicine congratulate third-year student Bairon Madrigal on being selected as the recipient of the 2022 Dr. Walter C. Bowie Scholarship. From left are Elizabeth Davis, professor and head of clinical sciences, Bonnie Rush, Hodes family dean of the college; Kate KuKanich, professor of small internal animal medicine; Madrigalt; Callie Rost, associate dean for admission; James Roush, associate dean for academic programs and student success; and Butch KuKanich, professor of anatomy and physiology. | Download this photo.
MANHATTAN — Bairon Madrigal, a third-year Kansas State University veterinary student from the Miami-Fort Lauderdale area, is the recipient of a K-State College of Veterinary Medicine scholarship that honors the legacy of a renowned alumnus from the college and promotes diversity among future veterinarians.
The Dr. Walter C. Bowie Scholarship was created to demonstrate the college's commitment to bringing diverse people together and/or to serving disadvantaged populations.
"Extraordinary students like Bairon help future generations envision themselves in this amazing profession," said Bonnie Rush, Hodes family dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine. "Bairon is generous with his time to mentor and support classmates, underclassman and aspiring veterinary students. We know Bairon will do exciting things in his career, and the Walter C. Bowie scholarship is a wonderful way to recognize his efforts and support his future."
"Dr. Walter Bowie and his career are the embodiment of the profound impact that each of us can make as veterinarians," Madrigal said. "Our commitment to making veterinary medicine diverse and inclusive is key to improving access to quality care for our animals and quality service to our community. This is why being chosen as the recipient for the Dr. Walter Bowie Scholarship has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I am inspired every day to be the best version of myself through the mentorship I receive from faculty and the support from my colleagues here at K-State."
Callie Rost, the college's associate dean for admissions, said Madigral's commitment to diversity is seen in the co-founding of the Latinx Veterinary Medical Association at the K-State College of Veterinary Medicine.
"Representation of Latinx individuals in the veterinary profession is low and Bairon saw the need to form an organization that offered these students community support," Rost said.
Rost also cited Madrigal's efforts to empower others and to support and educate all in the college's veterinary community.
"Bairon stands out as a leader of his peers," Rost said. "This year, he joined the college's 'This is How We ROLE' team and carried out activities with students from the Boys and Girls Club of Manhattan."
This is How We ROLE introduces the many aspects of veterinary medicine to young students and encourages them to consider veterinary medicine as a career path in the future. Kate KuKanich, professor of small animal internal medicine, coordinates This is How We ROLE at K-State.
"Bairon has brought great energy and innovative ideas as a Latinx mentor and role model in our This is How We ROLE program, inspiring elementary students at the Boys and Girls Club in Manhattan to explore veterinary and STEM careers," KuKanich said. "The kids adore him as he makes science fun, and his success and enthusiasm exemplify how they too can have bright and exciting futures as veterinarians or scientists."
Bowie earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at K-State in 1947. He earned a Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in mammalian physiology from Cornell University in 1955 and 1960, respectively. He performed a postdoctoral study at Michigan State University and was a scholar-in-residence at Howard University.
In March 1947, Bowie joined the faculty at Tuskegee University and served as a teacher, research scientist, head of the physiology department and associate dean. In 1972, he was appointed as dean at Tuskegee's School of Veterinary Medicine and served in that position for 18 years. He died in October 2009.
To support future scholarship recipients, gifts can be made to the Dr. Walter C. Bowie Scholarship online at giving.ksufoundation.org/campaigns/18031/donations/new.
