Source:  News Release

AAEP Foundation/Markel Honor Top-Achieving Veterinary Students with Scholarships
Eight outstanding equine veterinary students selected for scholarship program

Eight veterinary students who have dedicated their careers to equine health care were awarded today with $2,500 scholarships from Markel and the American Association of Equine Practitioners Foundation during the AAEP’s 58th Annual Convention.

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.  Congratulations to the following recipients:

Ashley Banes, North Carolina State University; Lisa Coder, University of Missouri; Alec Davern, University of Georgia; Christine Fosnacht, Kansas State University; Laurel Lachowiez, Iowa State University; Sarah Pedersen, University of Calgary; Kelsey Spell, Texas A&M University; Elizabeth Weber, University of Florida

Since 1989, the AAEP Foundation has collaborated with Markel, to offer this annual scholarship program. Over the past 24 years, the program has allocated more than $360,000 to assist 170 veterinary students in their pursuit of a career in equine medicine.

“Markel has been a leader in equine insurance for many years,” said Wayne McIlwraith, BVSc, PhD, DSc, FRCVS, Diplomate ACVS & ACVSMR, AAEP Foundation chairman. “We can’t thank Markel and its dedicated team enough for continuing its leadership through the support of the equine industry, veterinary community and students.”

“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 of 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.

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 Agri-Risk Services, Markel’s Midwest office in Kansas City, Mo.

For more information about this program and other scholarships offered through the AAEP Foundation, please visit the scholarship section of the AAEP Foundation’s Web site at www.aaepfoundation.org.

Markel (www.horseinsurance.com) 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, 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 nearly $2.5 million to support its mission.

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