Pride VMC announces Student Award Winners

Two veterinary students have been recognized for their commitment to diversity and inclusion from The Pride Veterinary Medical Community (PrideVMC).

Sponsored by Merck Animal Health, the PrideVMC Student Diversity Bonus Award has been given to Jessica Rutten a student at Colorado State University and the PrideVMC Student Intersectionality Award  has been given to Kaitlin Brown a student at Cornell University.

“We are very proud to play a role in promoting diversity within the veterinary community,” said Scott Bormann, Senior Vice President North America, Merck Animal Health. “The profession is only as strong and diverse as its members, and these two recipients showcase the profession’s strength, innovation and bright future.”

Both recipients are honored to be recognized and to receive the $4,000 scholarship.

“Receiving this award has me feeling both honored and proud to be an active participant at the intersection of veterinary medicine and the LGBT+ community,” said Rutten.

Brown commented, “Winning this award means so much to me and will allow me to pay for room and board for the upcoming school year. Additionally, thank you so much to Pride VMC sponsoring such a scholarship that promotes diversity and intersectionality within the veterinary community.”