Scholarships fund PA students at PA’s only vet school for training that will benefit PA agriculture
[April 15, 2015; Philadelphia, PA] – Penn Vet Dean Joan Hendricks announced today the selection of two Pennsylvania students as recipients of the inaugural Commonwealth One Health Scholarship. Recognizing the students’ potential to the School, to the veterinary profession, and to Pennsylvania agriculture, the scholarships provide full tuition subsidy for four years at Penn Vet, Pennsylvania’s only veterinary school.
The Class of 2019 recipients – Allyson Elliott of Coudersport, PA, and Amy Kraus of Aliquippa, PA – have demonstrated a strong commitment to food animal medicine.
“The Commonwealth One Health Scholarship recognizes the important role of veterinarians in production agriculture,” said Joan C. Hendricks, the Gilbert S. Kahn Dean of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. “We are thrilled to offer an array of scholarships to decrease student debt burden and recruit the best and brightest to Penn Vet. Allyson and Amy were selected from a group of highly competitive applicants, and we look forward to watching them proudly serve Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry.”
“This scholarship showcases Penn Vet’s enduring commitment to Pennsylvania’s top industry and the School’s position as the leading academic training institution for large animal veterinarians,” said Chris Herr, Executive Vice President of PennAg Industries Association.
“The Commonwealth One Health Scholarship builds upon our ongoing partnership with Penn Vet,” said Lou Sallie, Administrative Secretary/Chief Administrative Officer of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau. “The scholarship further illustrates Penn Vet’s leadership in serving Pennsylvania agriculture and public health.”
About the Scholarship Recipients
Allyson Elliott, age 22, graduated from Penn State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences. Since high school, Elliott wanted to be a large animal veterinarian. Her love of food animal medicine was fostered while working for a local dairy.
“The role of the veterinarian is very important in increasing the efficiency of animal agriculture and protecting our food supply,” she said. “I look forward to fulfilling that role by serving the needs of both animals and farmers.”
Amy Kraus, age 22, will graduate next month from Penn State University’s Schreyer Honors College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science. Kraus’ interest in agriculture was fostered during her years of participation in her county 4-H program. After learning how to milk cows at her neighbors’ farm, Kraus considered working with food animals. She gained more experience working in a dairy nutrition lab, milking cows at the Penn State Dairy Barns, and shadowing food animal veterinarians. Most recently, Kraus represented Penn State as part of the National Dairy Challenge Team.
“I grew up riding and owning horses, and wanted to be a veterinarian for as long as I can remember,” she said. “My decision to become a food animal veterinarian is based on my passion for serving both dairy farmers and cows. I look forward to giving back to the Pennsylvania dairy industry.”
About Penn Vet
Penn Vet is a global leader in veterinary medicine education, research, and clinical care. Founded in 1884, Penn Vet is the only veterinary school developed in association with a medical school. The school is a proud member of the One Health Initiative, linking human, animal, and environmental health.
Penn Vet serves a diverse population of animals at its two campuses, which include extensive diagnostic and research laboratories. Ryan Hospital in Philadelphia provides care for dogs, cats, and other domestic/companion animals, handling more than 31,000 patient visits a year. New Bolton Center, Penn Vet’s large-animal hospital on nearly 700 acres in rural Kennett Square, PA, cares for horses and livestock/farm animals. The hospital handles more than 4,000 patient visits a year, while the Field Service treats nearly 36,000 patients at local farms. In addition, New Bolton Center’s campus includes a swine center, working dairy, and poultry unit that provide valuable research for the agriculture industry.