AAVMC News (Jan. 26 and 28) – The American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) recently announced recipients of the Merck Animal Health Diversity Leadership Scholarship and the Chewy Veterinary Leaders scholarship recipients. Students from the University of Illinois were recognized in both groups.
Javelis Marin Castro was one of 16 students honored with the Merck scholarship. Additionally, she was selected from among those 16 to receive the Patricia M. Lowrie Diversity Leadership Scholarship. “As a first-generation Latina student, this award is a powerful recognition of my hard work and resilience, and it fuels my commitment to building bridges of opportunity for all who follow,” says Castro.
The Chewy Veterinary Leaders scholarship combines financial assistance, professional development resources, and mentorship opportunities to empower 15 underrepresented veterinary students each year to thrive as future leaders in their field. Vitaly Capitaine from the University of Illinois is one of the 2026 recipients.
https://www.aavmc.org/news/aavmc-and-chewy-health-announce-2026-chewy-veterinary-leaders