WSU Veterinary Scholarship Recipients
1968 to present
Supporting Equine Veterinary Students for 52 Years,
by Marcia Hill Gossard, ’99, ’04 PhD,
Advance Newsletter, WSU College of Veterinary Medicine (Spring/Summer 2019)
The annual Washington Thoroughbred Foundation/WTBOA scholarship in the amount of $1,000 is awarded to a Washington State University (WSU) veterinary student who demonstrates academic merit, is a Washington resident, has a financial need and has an active interest in horses.
2024
Kaneesha Hemerling, Pullman, WA
Pursuing a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine with a focus on equine practice.
“Having spent a significant portion of my life immersed in the world of Thoroughbred horses, this scholarship holds immense significance for me. From my experiences working in equine exercise physiology research during my veterinary studies to training and competing off-the-track Thoroughbreds in three-day evening, these majestic animals have been an integral part of my personal and professional journey. Your support not only validates my passion for equine medicine but also strengthens my resolve to contribute positively to the industry. I am truly honored and humbled to be recognized by an organization that shares my passion for these remarkable animals.”
2023
Travis Lenssen, Lynden, WA
“I am a third year veterinary student from Lynden, Washington. This small town in the northwest corner of the United States helped shape who I am and the career I am pursuing. I grew up in 4-H and FFA showing dairy cattle, working on dairy and berry farms, and spending time with my family and friends. I lived there my whole life until going to Washington State University to get my Bachelors of Science in Animal Science, with the intention of being a large animal veterinarian. Your scholarship [helps] me to fund my journey to becoming a large animal veterinarian. I plan to go to a rural area and practice as those are my people.”
2022
Nicholas Muir, Pullman, WA
“Currently, I hope to complete a year-long rotating equine internship and return to Washington to practice equine medicine and elevate the standard of care and welfare for the animals that I see. I have a special interest in equine surgery, as well as sports medicine and rehabilitation, and I hope to be able to work with many of the outstanding performance horses in Washington State. My experience in the equine industry has been one of the most valuable and enjoyable aspects of my life, and I hope that with my career, I will be able to participate in the advancement of equine veterinary medicine to care for and improve welfare for the animals that have had such an important role in my life.”
2021
Tessa Van Diest, Pullman, WA
“I am from Pacific, Washington, and graduated from Colorado State University with a Bachelor of Science in Equine Science. During my summers, I shadowed a private equine veterinarian who works at Emerald Downs Racetrack, was an intern at Peterson & Smith Equine Reproduction Center in Ocala, Florida, assisted in the testing barn at Emerald Downs with the state veterinarian, and worked at Lakeland Veterinary Hospital as a receptionist. Over the course of my veterinary and animal experiences, I developed a passion for working with horses. After veterinary school, I plan to participate in an equine internship and then enter into the equine veterinarian workforce.”
2020
Conrad Reisenauer, Pullman, WA
“I grew up in the small town of Burbank, Washington, on the outskirts of the Tri-Cities. My family and I raised all classes of animals, ranging from poultry to cattle. We also had horses that we used for trail riding. From this background and my experiences along the way to veterinary school, I have developed a keen interest in reproduction. So, after graduation, I plan on working in a practice where I can perform reproductive medicine and help breeders in the area.”
2019
Haley Primley, Ridgefield, WA
“I grew up in Southwest Washington and was able to develop a great network in the equine and bovine industry there. I was lucky enough to grow up on a farm where my family raised local grass hay for our animals, raise/show our beef cattle and train our horses to participate in several different rodeo associations. With all of the experience I was able to gain, and wonderful people I was able to work alongside, it has inspired my plans after veterinary school to go back to Western Washington and practice large animal medicine.”
2018
Linnea Warlick, Pullman, WA
“Although I am passionate about finding new ways to better veterinary medicine through research, my goal is to become an equine practitioner. I hope to continue my education after veterinary school and gain more experience through an internship. I am interested in sports medicine and lameness and hope to work with performance horses.”
2017
Zena Hemmen, Pullman, WA (from Bainbridge Island, WA)
“Upon graduation from vet school, I want to pursue an internship at an equine private practice to gain practical skills and expand my knowledge base. I want to then pursue an equine residency at a veterinary university. My end goal is to be an equine internal medicine clinical instructor and researcher at a veterinary institution.”
2016
Alanna Farrell, Pullman, WA
“I am currently beginning my fourth year here at Washington State University. My focus is primarily on equine surgery and medicine, and I will be pursuing an internship at an equine practice after graduation. I hope to make great contributions to the horse world throughout my veterinary career.”
2015
Sarah P. Jarvis , Pullman, WA
“Veterinary school afforded me the opportunity to work with horses and students in a leadership position. I am about to start my fourth and final year of my veterinary education, and I look forward to expanding these skills even further. I am excited to work in the equine sector of veterinary medicine.”
2014
Joey Bergevin, Pullman, WA (from Ellensburg, WA)
Plans to pursue “an equine internship at a private equine hospital upon completion of his doctor of veterinary medicine curriculum.” He would eventually like to own an equine podiatry practice.
2013
Chelsea Farnsworth, Pullman, WA (from Southwest Washington)
“My goal, after completing school, is to focus on equine medicine and surgery.”
2012
Taryn Hudgens, Pullman, WA
An “avid Thoroughbred and racing fan.”
2011
Eric Renner, Pullman, WA
Researcher at Equine Exercise Physiology Laboratory
2010
Jamie Getz, North Bend, WA
Equine Veterinarian
2009
Alice Lombard, Kirkland, WA
Equine Veterinarian
2008
Jenny Freeling, Columbus, OH
Research scientist and lab manager in biomedical research
2007
Alicia Gores-Lindholm, Sunset, LA
Equine Veterinarian
2006
Siddra Hines, Pullman, WA
Equine Veterinarian
2005
Whitney Bost, Portland, OR
Small Animal Practice
2004
Shuna Klaveness, Seattle, WA
Veterinary Specialist
2003
Ryan Schultz, Snohomish, WA
Veterinary Specialist
2002
Betsy Charles, Fallbrook, CA
Equine Radiology
2001
Abby Snodgrass, Graham, WA
Mixed Animal Practice
2000
Robert Genovese, Whitefish, MT
Equine Practice
1999
Tracy Jensen Meisner, Manhattan, KS
Part of the comparative medicine group at veterinary college
1998
Jennifer Brown, Tampa, FL
Equine Surgeon
1997
Scott Habegger, Spokane, WA
Equine Practice
1996
Paula Benner, Washington, ME
Ambulatory Equine Vet Practice
1995
Kelley McGlade, Yakima, WA
Instructor in Vet Tech Program
1994
Bruce King, Coeur d’Alene, ID
Small Animal Practice
1993
Cheryl Renee Andrea, Cave Creek, AZ
Equine Practice (Surgery)
1992
Kathy Grimes Kunka, Evans, WA
Mixed Animal Practice (Equine Embryo Transfer)
1991
David Faught, Fallon, NV
Mixed Animal Practice
1990
Robert Harrington, Bainbridge Island, WA
Unknown
1989
Marty Bennett, Gooding, ID
Large Animal Practice
1988
Linda Dahlgren, Newport, VA
Associate professor of large animal surgery
1987
Steven Slender, Del Mar, CA
Equine Practice
1986
Dwight Henninger, Waynesville, OH
Senior Scientist and Technical Service Veterinarian
1985
Doris Bacon, Republic, WA
Mixed Animal Practice
1984
Jodie Petersen, Herperus, CO
Equine Practice
1983
Arthur Kennedy, Vancouver, WA
Unknown
1982
Ann Bradley, Las Vegas, NV
Small Animal Practice
1981
Jimmie Friedly, Peyton, CO
Mixed Animal Practice
1980
Robin Peterson, Spokane, WA
Painter and Illustrator
1979
Dorothy Ainsworth, King Ferry, NY
Professor of Large Animal Medicine
1978
Randolph Scott, Colbert, WA
Mixed Animal Practice
1977
Michael Conaway, Tucson, AZ
Equine Practice
1976
Paul Christensen, Farmington, UT
Retired
1975
Richard Schoenburg, Kennewick, WA
Equine Practice
1974
Michael Ruby, Riverton, WY
Unknown
1973
Robert Krieg, Eagle Pass, TX
Border Veterinarian for the USDA
1972
Donald Dewards, Auburn, WA
Mixed Animal Hospital
1971
Elray Hendricks, Boise, ID
Small Pet Hospital
1970
Steven Krakowka, Columbus, OH
Professor in Vet Biosciences
1969
Gerald Bergsma, Maple Valley, WA
Equine Practice
1968
Arthur Crate
Deceased