In a remarkable display of commitment to diversity and inclusion in the field of veterinary medicine, the Boehringer Ingelheim CARES Foundation has announced a generous pledge of $500,000 in scholarship funds to the Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine. This independent nonprofit organization aims to ignite a brighter future for aspiring veterinarians by significantly reducing the financial hurdles that often hinder diverse students from pursuing their dreams.
The Boehringer Ingelheim CARES Foundation's Financial Contributions Program is dedicated to providing charitable funding to nonprofit programs in communities where employees live and work. With a focus on improving access to human and animal healthcare, enhancing STEM education, and strengthening the human-animal bond, the foundation recognizes the vital role diversity plays in ensuring better, healthier outcomes for animals and their human caregivers.
Rob Anderson, President of the Boehringer CARES Foundation, emphasized the importance of diversity in veterinary medicine, stating, "When it comes to veterinary medicine, diversity leads to access to care. It creates opportunities in underserved areas and populations, ensuring better, healthier outcomes for animals and the humans who care for them." The foundation's commitment to this scholarship underscores their understanding of the positive impact it can have on communities.
Randolph Legg, President and Head of Commercial Animal Health Business at Boehringer Ingelheim, highlighted the significance of this initiative in addressing the lack of racial and ethnic diversity in the veterinary profession in the United States. Financial barriers have been identified as a significant challenge, and the partnership with Tuskegee University represents a bold stride towards breaking down these barriers and fostering the success of diverse students passionate about veterinary medicine.
Tuskegee University, the only Historically Black College or University offering a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, has a remarkable track record of producing more than 70% of all African American veterinarians in the United States. Boehringer's partnership with the university underscores their commitment to making the veterinary profession more accessible to diverse communities.
Beyond the scholarship, Boehringer Ingelheim actively nurtures its relationship with Tuskegee University throughout the year. The company hosts events on campus to build brand awareness, participates in career fairs to showcase opportunities at Boehringer, and offers an elective course called "Advancing Human and Animal Health" for undergraduate students interested in the animal health industry. These initiatives demonstrate Boehringer's dedication to shaping a more inclusive future for the animal health industry.
Dr. Ruby L. Perry, Dean of the Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine, expressed gratitude for the intentional and impactful partnership with the Boehringer Ingelheim CARES Foundation. She acknowledged the alignment of the scholarship with the college's mission and vision to sustain the legacy of training and educating underrepresented minorities as veterinarians in the profession. The $25,000 annual scholarship to one incoming veterinary student each year showcases the purposeful relationship between the foundation and the college in supporting veterinary medical education.
As the Boehringer Ingelheim CARES Foundation continues to demonstrate its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through this significant pledge and ongoing partnership with Tuskegee University, it sets an inspiring example for the animal health industry. By breaking down financial barriers and fostering the success of diverse students, the foundation is actively shaping a brighter, more inclusive future for veterinary medicine.
