American Veterinary Medical Foundation and Hill's Pet Nutrition partner to offer scholarships for Tuskegee University veterinary students
(SCHAUMBURG, Illinois) August 21, 2020—Hill's Pet Nutrition and the American Veterinary Medical Foundation today announced a new scholarship program for students at Tuskegee University's renowned College of Veterinary Medicine.
A $45,000 endowment from Hill's will fund the program at Tuskegee, the alma mater of 20 percent of Black veterinarians practicing in the United States. Tuskegee's veterinary scholarship committee will identify the awardees annually, starting with the 2021-2022 academic year, based upon criteria to be developed by the College and the Foundation.
"We are very grateful to Hill's for its vision and generosity, and we look forward to working with colleagues at Tuskegee University to help open doors of opportunity for students seeking careers in veterinary medicine," said Dr. John Howe, chair of the AVMF Board of Directors.
Dr. Jolle Kirpensteijn, Chief Professional Veterinary Officer, Hill's US says: "Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine under the leadership of Dean Ruby Perry has been the veterinary school that promotes diversity within veterinary medicine and all professions associated with our great profession. Hill's Pet Nutrition is proud to support our only HBCU Veterinary College in our commitment to promote diversity and equality all over the world."
"I concur with Dr. Howe and thank Hill's for their support of our veterinary college and students to support the future of veterinary medicine. We at Tuskegee focus on our students being career-ready veterinarians when they complete the curriculum and encourage their pursuits of the vast areas of career choices in the veterinary profession. The generosity of Hill's will help our students achieve this goal," said Dr. Ruby L. Perry, dean of the Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine.
The specific number and dollar amount of the scholarships that will be awarded each academic year under the initial endowment will be determined by the College and Foundation, which also will seek to raise additional funds so that in the future, the amount and number of scholarships can be increased.
For more information, contact Michael San Filippo, AVMA media relations manager, at 847-732-6194 (cell) or msanfilippo
avma [dot] org.
Serving more than 100,000 member veterinarians, the AVMA is the nation's leading representative of the veterinary profession, dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of animals, humans and the environment. Founded in 1863 and with members in every U.S. state and territory and more than 60 countries, the AVMA is one of the largest veterinary medical organizations in the world. Informed by our members' unique scientific training and clinical knowledge, the AVMA supports the crucial work of veterinarians and advocates for policies that advance the practice of veterinary medicine and improve animal and human health.
About Hill's Pet Nutrition
Founded more than 75 years ago with an unwavering commitment to pet nutrition, Hill's mission is to help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets. The right nutrition combined with the devotion of veterinary professionals can transform the lives of pets, and healthier and happier pets can transform the lives of pet parents. Hill's is dedicated to pioneering research and groundbreaking nutrition for dogs and cats based on a scientific understanding of their specific needs. HILL'S® Prescription Diet® therapeutic pet foods, HILL'S® Science Diet® and HILL'S® Ideal Balance™ wellness pet foods are sold through veterinarians and pet specialty retailers worldwide.
About the Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine
The College is the only veterinary medical professional program located on the campus of a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in the United States. Since its founding, the College has educated more than 70 percent of the nation's Black veterinarians and is recognized as the most diverse of all 32 schools/colleges of veterinary medicine in the United States. The College's primary mission is to provide an environment that fosters a spirit of active, independent and self-directed learning, intellectual curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, problem solving, ethics, and leadership; and promotes teaching, research and service in veterinary medicine and related disciplines.