Winn Feline Foundation
Vicki Thayer, DVM, DABVP (Feline)
Executive Director
888-963-6946, extension 702
Media Info
Steve Dale, CABC
Media Contact and Winn Board Member
773-895-8696
Media Info
For Immediate Release
Winn Feline Foundation / AVMF Student Scholarship Recipients Announced
Wyckoff, N.J. (September 23, 2020) – Winn Feline Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the health and well-being of cats, is pleased to announce the two recipients of the 2020 Winn Feline Foundation and American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) Student Scholarships.
Beginning with one scholarship in 2009, there are now two annual scholarships of $2,500 each, one focusing on clinical practice and the other emphasizing clinical research, are awarded to second or third year students (in the 2019-2020 school year) who demonstrate an interest in feline veterinary medicine and a history of leadership in activities that benefit the health and welfare of cats, including research, shelter work, cat clubs and other community service programs.
With a strong clinical practice interest, Rebecca Rosas, a second-year student from the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, was selected for the $2500 scholarship in clinical practice. Rebecca’s enthusiasm for cats was evident from comments in her application, “My passion for feline medicine is an intrinsic part of me. It is like breathing. Something so second nature that I no longer have to think about it.” Upon learning of being a scholarship recipient, Rebecca stated, “I am incredibly grateful to the AVMF/Winn Feline Foundation for this honor. This scholarship will help me pursue my goal of becoming a feline specialist and advancing the health and welfare of cats. Thank you for supporting me in this journey and giving me this opportunity to contribute to feline medicine.”
Mary Coleman, a third-year veterinary medical student at The Ohio State University,
was selected to receive the $2500 scholarship in the clinical scientist category. Mary stood out among the applicants with her application response, “I came to veterinary school determined to become a feline practitioner and cat advocate. Now, in my fourth year, my passion hasn’t dwindled, but the manner in which I choose to help them has. I’ve spent much of vet school involved in feline-focused research and ultimately intend to complete a residency in surgery. My true love is surgical oncology, as well as research and teaching; I hope to use these passions advance feline cancer care.” Additionally, she stated when learning of her selection to receive this scholarship, “I sort of stumbled upon a deep passion for research during vet school thanks to wonderful mentorship, but now I know that asking questions and looking for answers will be a large part of my career.”
“Winn is pleased to partner with the AVMF on this scholarship which encourages veterinary students with an interest in feline medicine to pursue this important field,” said Dr. Vicki Thayer, interim executive director, Winn Feline Foundation. “There was a large number of excellent candidates applying for these scholarships. The committee found it was difficult to choose our two recipients from such an outstanding group of finalists. Cats will be in excellent, caring hands with these future veterinarians.”
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About Winn Feline Foundation
Winn Feline Foundation is a nonprofit organization established in 1968 that supports studies to improve cat health. Since 1968, the Winn Feline Foundation has funded more than $7 million in health research for cats at more than 30 partner institutions worldwide. For further information, go to www.winnfelinefoundation.org.