MANHATTAN - Two Kansas State University veterinary medicine students were chosen for the distinguished Coyote Rock Ranch Scholarship from The Foundation for the Horse.
Anne Brien and Bailey Fritz were chosen as two of only four recipients chosen for the $75,000 scholarship, which is awarded to the top veterinary school students dedicated to equine medicine.
The winners were selected for their academic excellence, leadership and long-term goals in equine medicine.
"Anne and Bailey are both stellar students who show incredible future potential as researchers and clinicians," said James Roush, associate dean of academic programs and student success in the College of Veterinary Medicine. "As an associate dean and one of their instructors, I have followed and am in awe of what they have already accomplished in their careers. The K-State College of Veterinary Medicine is proud to be represented this year by two deserving recipients selected from a large national pool for such a prestigious and competitive award."
The Foundation for the Horse is a charitable organization, based in Lexington, Kentucky.
The awards will be presented during the American Association of Equine Practitioners(AAEP) annual convention in San Diego on November 30th.
The 4 scholarship recipients were chosen from 47 applicants, the other two recipients are studying at the University of Georgia and the University of California, Davis.
Bailey Fritz is from Westmoreland, and started her veterinary experience in the K-State student chapter of the AAEP, where she has served as president, expanding lab topics and organizing an equine mentorship group.
Fritz plans to complete an equine surgical residency following completion of her veterinary degree, and will pursue a dual clinical and research position focusing on equine pain and soft tissue injuries.
"I am so thankful for the incredible generosity of the Coyote Rock Ranch team and the Foundation for the Horse," Fritz said. “Their investment in the equine profession impacts so many lives; it was a huge honor to have been selected for this award among so many excellent candidates."
Anne Brien is from Rolla, North Dakota, and has been actively engaged within the equine veterinary community throughout her college career.
Brien has served as the vice-president for the K-State student chapter of the AAEP and has managed social media accounts, organized events and additional learning opportunities.
Brien has also gained connections with equine professional across the nation and attended the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event gaining practical experience at the event.
"I am so grateful for the generosity and support those at the Coyote Rock Ranch and the Foundation for the Horse have shown me and so many other aspiring equine veterinarians," Brien said. "The Coyote Rock Ranch Scholarship has helped me immensely to be better prepared financially for life and my career following graduation. I am so excited to represent future equine veterinarians, my home community and K-State as a Coyote Rock Ranch Scholar!"