Merck and AASVF award $50K in vet student scholarships

Merck Animal Health, partnering with the American Association of Swine Veterinarians Foundation, sponsored the 2025 recipients of the AASVF and Merck Animal Health Veterinary Student Scholarship Program.

Scholarships totaling $50,000 were awarded to five veterinary students for 2025. The recipients were announced at the 56th AASV Annual Meeting, held in San Francisco from March 1 to 4.

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, D.V.M., 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 Animal Health Veterinary Student Scholarship Program. Their generous donation enables the AASV Foundation to assist future swine veterinarians with their educational expenses,” said Harry Snelson, D.V.M., AASV executive director. “This support has become increasingly important as educational expenses for veterinary students continue to rise.”

Second- and third-year students enrolled in American Veterinary Medical Association-accredited or recognized colleges of veterinary medicine in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, South America, and the Caribbean Islands are eligible for the scholarship. Learn more at www.aasv.org.