In recognition of their leadership, dedication and potential, two College of Veterinary Medicine students have been awarded national scholarships: Ashley Stroud, Class of 2026, and Alexandra Yiambilis, Class of 2025.

Stroud is winner of the Merck Animal Health Diversity Leadership Scholarship, which recognizes second- and third-year students in good academic and professional standing at an American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges institution. The awardees contribute to enhancing diversity and inclusion through course projects, co-curricular activities, outreach, domestic and community engagement and research, and are known to influence others to be inclusive. Recipients of the Merck scholarship receive a one-time scholarship payment of $8,000 for the academic year.

Yiambilis is the winner of the Chewy Veterinary Leaders Scholarship. This scholarship recognizes third-year veterinary students from underserved groups who have demonstrated a keen interest in and aptitude for developing leadership skills, and who have a commitment to both academic excellence and to making a difference in their veterinary community. The Chewy program is designed to increase representation within the veterinary profession, and is a reflection of Yiambilis’ potential to effect positive change within the veterinary profession. Recipients receive $20,000 over a period of two years.