Merck Animal Health continued its commitment to the swine industry’s next generation of veterinarians by partnering with the American Association of Swine Veterinarians Foundation (AASVF) to sponsor the 2025 recipients of the AASVF and Merck Animal Health Veterinary Student Scholarships.
Scholarships, totaling $50,000, were awarded to 5 veterinary students for 2025. The recipients were announced on March 3 during the AASV Annual Meeting in San Francisco, California.
The following students were each awarded a $10,000 scholarship:
- Kaitlyn Forrest, North Carolina State University, Class of 2027
- Alek Goll, Iowa State University, Class of 2026
- Lauren Makovics, Michigan State University, Class of 2027
- Casondra Snow, University of Minnesota, Class of 2027
- Bailey Ward, The Ohio State University, Class of 2026
“Merck Animal Health is committed to the veterinary profession and is proud to honor these students who represent the next generation of veterinary leaders for the swine industry,” said Justin Welsh, DVM, executive director of livestock technical services, Merck Animal Health. “Through our partnership with AASV, we are helping to build students’ knowledge of swine health and well-being as they prepare for a career in the veterinary profession.”
“The AASV and the AASV Foundation appreciate Merck Animal Health’s long-standing support for the AASVF-Merck Veterinary Student Scholarship Program. Their generous donation enables the AASV Foundation to assist future swine veterinarians with their educational expenses,” Harry Snelson, DVM, AASV executive director. “This support has become increasingly important as educational expenses for veterinary students continue to rise.”
The scholarship program assists the foundation’s mission to support the development and scholarship of students and veterinarians interested in the swine industry. Second-and third-year students enrolled in American Veterinary Medical Association-accredited or recognized colleges of veterinary medicine in the US, Canada, Mexico, South America, and the Caribbean islands are eligible for the scholarship. The AASV Foundation thanks Drs. Brad Leuwerke, Whitney Lincoln, Michelle Sprague, and Ross Kiehne, for judging this year’s applications. Learn more at aasv.org.