Eight exceptional veterinary students committed to careers in equine medicine received $2,500 scholarships from the American Association of Equine Practitioners Foundation and Markel Corporation on Monday, Dec. 7 during the Frank J. Milne State-of-the-Art Lecture at the AAEP’s 61^st Annual Convention in Las Vegas, Nev.

Now in its 27^th year, the annual scholarship program awards financial support to fourth-year veterinary students who are proven leaders at their veterinary schools, advocates for equine welfare, and academic achievers. Since inception of the program in 1989, 194 veterinary students have received $419,000 in scholarship support. 

Congratulations to the following 2015 recipients: 

• Holly Brown, University of Wisconsin

• Annie Chavent, North Carolina State University

• Lauren Fischer, Michigan State University

• Drew Koch, Colorado State University

• Tate Morris, Cornell University

• Kathleen Morriss, Auburn University

• Shanna Nelson, University of Missouri

• KT Steward, University of Florida

“Markel has been a leader in equine insurance for many years,” said AAEP Foundation Chairman Jeff Berk, VMD. “We can’t thank Markel and its dedicated team enough for continuing its leadership by supporting this scholarship program.

“Equine veterinary students need financial assistance now more than ever, and Markel’s continued dedication is so important in helping these students as veterinary school debt loads increase.”

Julian Bowen-Rees, managing director of Markel Specialty, Equine & Livestock, noted that honoring excellence among the newest colleagues in veterinary medicine is something that Markel is proud to support. “We are delighted to honor these exceptional senior veterinary students who have taken a special interest in equine medicine and surgery. We understand and appreciate the roll of veterinarians, especially in relation to our business, and we are pleased to continue the legacy established by American Live Stock.” 

“As a member of the AAEP for over 30 years, I am especially pleased and honored to represent Markel in supporting the newest equine veterinarians.” added Dr. Lance Allen, veterinarian and Director of the Markel Direct office, located in Overland Park, Kansas. 

Veterinary students are nominated for the scholarship by representatives from their colleges with supporting references from AAEP members and clinical instructors. In addition to academic excellence, nominees are evaluated by their leadership abilities and involvement with activities benefiting the health and welfare of horses. Using its own criteria for nomination, each accredited college or school of veterinary medicine may nominate one fourth-year veterinary student who intends to enter private practice. 

Additional information about this program and other scholarships offered through the AAEP Foundation is available through the scholarship section of the AAEP Foundation’s website at www.aaepfoundation.org.

About Markel Corporation:

Markel Corporation is a diverse financial holding company serving a variety of niche markets. The Company’s principal business markets and underwrites specialty insurance products. In each of the Company’s businesses, it seeks to provide quality products and excellent customer service so that it can be a market leader. The financial goals of the Company are to earn consistent underwriting and operating profits and superior investment returns to build shareholder value. Visit Markel Corporation on the web at www.markelcorp.com.

Markel Corporation has more than 50 years of expertise in insuring horses and horse businesses. Headquartered in Glen Allen, Va., the Company also has dedicated equine offices located in Warrenton, Va., Lexington, Ky., Overland Park, Kan., and Geneva, Ill. The Company is committed to the horse industry and licensed to do business in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. For more information on the horse insurance programs available, visit www.horseinsurance.com.

About AAEP Foundation:

The AAEP Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization created in 1994, serves as the charitable arm of the American Association of Equine Practitioners to improve the welfare of the horse. Since its inception, the Foundation has allocated more than $3.3 million to support its mission. For more information, visit www.aaepfoundation.org.

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