A memorial was established in 1996 to honor the memory of a fellow WEPA member, Dr Brian Oetjen. Since that time, the fund has come to represent a memorial honoring all deceased WEPA members. The fund has traditionally bestowed two $400 scholarships annually to Junior or Senior University of Wisconsin veterinary students to assist in defraying their costs in attending the AAEP meeting each fall. In 2009, the scholarship amount was increased to $ 500 per recipient.
Originally established in coordination with and administered by the UW - School of Veterinary Medicine Foundation, in 2006 the WEPA Foundation Inc took over the reins of administering funding, seeking to expand WEPA's capabilities in offering scholarships to qualified youth pursuing various equine interests. The fall WEPA Inc seminar has been designated as the "Scholarship" meeting where monies are specifically set aside for the scholarship fund.
How do I Apply for the Scholarship?
Every fall the WEPA Foundation officers notify the University of Wisconsin - Madison School of Veterinary Medicine - Equine Studies department of the availability of two $500 scholarships intended to assist junior or senior veterinary medicine students interested in attending the annual AAEP meeting in December. Applications must be completed and submitted to the committee members, usually by November 1 each year. Scholarship winners are invited to address WEPA membership at the winter/spring meeting and share their experiences from the AAEP convention.
