Eight outstanding equine veterinary students selected for annual scholarship program

 The American Association of Equine Practitioners Foundation and Markel Insurance Company have partnered to provide scholarships to a group of exceptional fourth-year students committed to careers in equine veterinary medicine. 

Eight veterinary students who have dedicated their careers to equine health care will each be awarded with $2,500 scholarships from Markel Insurance Company and the AAEP Foundation. The annual scholarships are presented to fourth-year veterinary students who are proven leaders at their veterinary schools, advocates for equine welfare and academic achievers. The 2011 award recipients will be announced during the AAEP’s 57^th Annual Convention, Nov. 18-22, in San Antonio, Texas. 

Since 1989, the AAEP Foundation has collaborated with American Live Stock Inc., now Markel Insurance Company, to offer this annual scholarship program. Over the past 22 years, the program has allocated nearly $320,000 to assist 154 veterinary students in their pursuit of a career in equine medicine. 

“Markel Insurance Company has been a leader in equine insurance for many years,” said Wayne McIlwraith, BVSc, Ph.D, Diplomate ACVS, AAEP Foundation Chairman.  “We can’t thank Markel and its dedicated team enough for continuing its leadership by supporting this scholarship program.” 

“Equine veterinary students need help now more than ever and Markel’s dedication is so important in helping these students during these difficult economic times,” added Dr. McIlwraith. 

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

Dr. Lance Allen, veterinarian and Director of Agri-Risk Services, Markel’s Midwest office in Kansas City, Mo., noted that honoring excellence among our newest colleagues in veterinary medicine is something that Markel Insurance Company is proud to support.  “We understand and appreciate the roll of veterinarians, especially in relation to our business, and we are pleased to continue more than 20 years of support established by American Live Stock. As a member of the AAEP for over 30 years, I am particularly pleased and honored to represent Markel in awarding these scholarships to these senior veterinary students with a special interest in equine medicine and surgery.” 

Markel Insurance Company has more than 40 years of expertise in insuring horses and horse businesses. Headquartered in Glen Allen, Va., Markel also has dedicated equine offices located in Warrenton, Va., Lexington, Ky., Kansas City, Mo., 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. Rated "A" (Excellent) by A.M. Best.  

The AAEP Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization, was created in 1994 as the charitable arm of the American Association of Equine Practitioners. The AAEP Foundation’s mission is to improve the health and welfare of the horse through support of research, education, benevolence and the equine community.  Since its inception, the Foundation has allocated more than $2.2 million to support its mission.  

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