The Opportunity Scholarship Program is a University of Pennsylvania scholarship program that fosters scholarship support and mentoring opportunities for future veterinarians trained at the University of Pennsylvania.  Typically, incoming first-year students compete for available scholarships that are awarded annually throughout their 4 years of veterinary training.  The students that receive the scholarship award are also provided the opportunity to mentor with a sponsor or faculty member from the university.  This program is unique in its effort to connect deserving students with special sponsors and mentors who provide much-needed financial support and guidance by supporting Opportunity Scholarships.  It comes as no surprise that support from a caring mentor or sponsor can be a key to a student’s success in an era when the demands on students have never been greater – both educationally and financially.

Dr. Palmer currently serves as one of the co-chairs of the Opportunity Scholarship Committee.  This committee, originally chaired by Dr. Raker, oversees the administration of the opportunity scholarship program and works closely with the development office to encourage participation by alumni, parents and friends of the University of Pennsylvania.

The New Jersey Equine Clinic Opportunity Scholarship was first awarded to Dr. Taryn Gassert in 2003.  Following her graduation from Veterinary School in 2007, Taryn completed an internship at the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center.  She now is working as an equine practitioner in the Lexington, Kentucky area.  The second New Jersey Equine Opportunity Scholar is Ms. Amy Santonastaso.  Amy is currently a fourth year student at the University of Pennsylvania.  She worked at New Bolton Center prior to entering veterinary school and will begin a large animal internship program at Texas A&M Univeristy following graduation.  Congratulations Amy!  Dr. Palmer also served as a mentor for Dr. Katie Farrell, who graduated last spring and is now completing in an internship with Dr. Tom Riddle at the Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, KY.  Dr. Palmer also a mentor for Ms. Emma Borenberg, a member of the freshman class at the University of Pennsylvania.  The New Jersey Equine Clinic Opportunity Scholarship is just one example of our strong commitment to growing our profession by helping to shape the educational path of a veterinary student and future colleague.   

For further information on the Opportunity Scholarship Program, please visit the “Giving” section of the University of Pennsylvania website at http://www.vet.upenn.edu/Giving/WheretoGive/OpportunityScholarship/tabid/853/Default.aspx.