Oxbow Announces the 2023 KINDSWELL Academic Scholarship Winners

Written by Lucas Stock

May 11, 2023🞄

Oxbow Animal Health has announced the recipients of its 2023 KINDSWELL Academic Scholarships.  Established in 2005, the Oxbow Academic Scholarships provide financial support for students pursuing future careers in animal science, veterinary technology, and veterinary medicine.

KINDSWELL is one more way Oxbow Animal Health grows good every day for small pets, their people, and the world we all share. Through KINDSWELL, Oxbow uses its unique capabilities to make a positive difference throughout the communities of veterinarians, rescues, and local community organizations.

“The future of veterinary medicine will be shaped by today’s students,” said Melissa Ross, Vice President of Marketing for Compana Pet Brands.  “Through Oxbow’s KINDSWELL program, we are honored to support the intellectual development of these future leaders in animal health.”

The 2023 Oxbow Academic Scholarship recipients are:

Nebraska High School Scholarship

  • Aiden Anderson – Kansas State University | Manhattan, KS

Veterinary Technology Scholarship

  • Eliza Lafavers – Michigan State University | East Lansing, MI

Veterinary Technology Scholarship

  • Olivia Young – Otterbein University | Westerville, OH

Undergraduate Scholarship

  • Hailey Wurtz – Kansas State University | Manhattan, KS

Veterinary Medicine

  • Marta Bakaj – Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine | Ithaca, NY

Nebraska High School Scholarship

Aiden Anderson – Kansas State University | Manhattan, KS

“This scholarship will allow me to worry less about financing my education and focus more on what I love: caring for animals,” said Anderson. “Ever since early childhood, I have been passionate about animals and their health, which has led me to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.” 

Veterinary Technician Scholarship

Eliza Lavers – Michigan State University | East Lansing, MI

“I am beyond grateful to be a 2023 recipient of Oxbow’s 2023 Veterinary Technology Academic Scholarship,” said Lavers. “This will assist me in pursuing my passion to advocate for and assist animals. My dream is to pursue a career in the exotics field and, with this opportunity, I am one step closer to fulfilling my dream.”

Veterinary Technician Scholarship

Olivia Young – Otterbein University | Westerville, OH

“I am incredibly grateful for being selected as a recipient of this scholarship,” said Young. “Winning this scholarship means a great deal to me, as it will help me pursue my passion without worrying about financial constraints.  It is an honor to be recognized for my hard work and dedication to this field, and I will use this opportunity to achieve my goals and make a difference in the lives of animals.”

Undergraduate Scholarship

Hailey Wurtz – Kansas State University | Manhattan, KS

Veterinary Medicine Scholarship

Marta Bakaj – Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine | Ithaca, NY

I am so grateful and honored to be the recipient of the 2023 Oxbow Animal Health Veterinary Medicine Scholarship,” said Bakaj. “As a prospective exotic animal specialist, this scholarship will allow me to pursue experiences outside of Cornell University to expand my knowledge in exotic animal medicine that I will certainly use in my future career. I look forward to a future of caring for exotic animals and promoting exotic pet wellbeing, made possible by the generosity of Oxbow Animal Health.”

Learn more about Oxbow’s KINDSWELL initiative here