Several years ago, Eugene Meyer and his daughter Christine honored the passing of their beloved wife and mother Elaine with a gift to the UW School of Veterinary Medicine. With their gift, they established the Elaine Meyer Memorial Scholarship Fund, dedicated to supporting veterinary students in need. Last year, Elaine’s daughter Christine Meyer passed away, leaving a generous $3.8 million estate gift to her mother’s scholarship fund.

Lynn Maki, interim associate dean of academic affairs, was moved by Christine’s generosity. “This will have a huge impact for students,” she said.

According to Maki, the rising debt load of the average veterinary student is reaching debilitating levels, and scholarships like those made possible by Christine’s gift make all the difference. Last year, the average debt load for a DVM graduate was $136,000. “The debt load limits the opportunities that students have for further clinical and graduate training,” said Maki. But scholarship funds can give students more flexibility. “When students aren’t worried about their increasing debt load, they are able to take advantage of all the opportunities available to them.”

Maki also noted that out-of-state tuition can be a major barrier for some students. “The UW School of Veterinary Medicine is very competitive,” said Maki. “Scholarships are a wonderful way for non-residents to make Wisconsin an option.”

Maki credits the generosity of individuals like Christine Meyer and her family for making these scholarships possible. “Our students are very grateful,” said Maki. “The scholarship funds ease so many stresses in their lives.” Thanks to Christine Meyer, the Elaine Meyer Memorial Scholarship Fund will be able to provide many students with the support they need to continue their studies and go on to do great things for the world of veterinary medicine.