March 3, 2025
Three veterinary medicine students receive national scholarships
Three College of Veterinary Medicine students have been recognized with national scholarships for their academic excellence, leadership and commitment to their respective fields within animal health.
Conrad Schelkopf, graduate student in diagnostic medicine and pathobiology, has been awarded the W.D. Farr Scholarship from the National Cattlemen's Foundation, which includes a $15,000 award. This scholarship honors outstanding graduate students for their academic achievements, leadership and dedication to advancing the beef industry.
Established in 2007 by the National Cattlemen's Foundation, the scholarship honors the legacy of the late W.D. Farr, a third-generation Coloradan, pioneering rancher, statesman and banker known for his extraordinary vision. Farr's dedication to improving agriculture, livestock production and water development led to significant advancements in farming methods that have influenced ranchers and farmers nationwide. He was the first president of the National Cattlemen's Foundation and served as president of the American National Cattlemen's Association, which later became the National Cattlemen's Beef Association. Farr passed away in August 2007 at the age of 97.
Amanda Bolinger, a third-year veterinary student, is one of 10 students nationwide to receive a $10,000 Zoetis Foundation Scholarship, presented by the Foundation for the Horse. This scholarship is awarded to outstanding veterinary students pursuing careers in equine practice.
The scholarship recognizes veterinary students at accredited colleges of veterinary medicine in the United States, Canada and the West Indies. Recipients are selected based on their academic achievements, leadership within their schools and American Association of Equine Practitioners student chapters, and commitment to long-term careers in equine practice. Applicants must be in their third year of veterinary school and have endorsements from association members and clinical instructors.
Serena Schotanus, a third-year veterinary student, has received the 2025 National Dairy Herd Information Association Veterinary Student Scholarship, which includes a $1,500 award.
Applicants for this scholarship are evaluated on their interest in working as veterinarians in the dairy industry, involvement in dairy medicine and extracurricular activities, and their use of dairy software and records to improve dairy management and animal health. To be eligible for a National DHIA Veterinary Student Scholarship, applicants must be third- or fourth-year veterinary students enrolled at a college accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education.