This story was originally published on Coastal Breeze News | June 7, 2021
For the Love of Cats, a nonprofit organization in Marco Island, FL that is dedicated to saving the lives of abandoned cats and kittens in the community, is partnering with Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) for a new scholarship program for biology students. The purpose of the scholarship is to create more interest in a career in veterinary medicine among FGCU students enrolled in the biology curriculum.
Scholarships are awarded based on various criteria including leadership, merit and academic achievement. The new program at FGCU is designed to mentor students interested in pursuing a career in veterinary medicine with the anticipation that they will bring their skills back home to the needs of Southwest Florida.
“Our goal is to get FGCU students excited about veterinary career opportunities in Southwest Florida and help bring attention to the needs of the animal welfare community. The veterinary community of Southwest Florida is really struggling with staffing requirements. This greatly affects their overall capacity and ability to contribute to the animal welfare of Southwest Florida. We are super excited about our partnership with FGCU and our ability to help mentor the students interested in pursuing a career in veterinary medicine,” said Jan Rich, Founder, For the Love of Cats.
For the Love of Cats Scholarship Program provides partnerships with corporate and local businesses. These leaders are joining with the nonprofit to impact the future health of their county and animal welfare. This year, the program is being generously funded by Bobbie Confer of Remax Realty on Marco Island, Dr. Jon Strohmeyer, the Facial Plastic Surgery Center and Dr. Cindy Strohmeyer, Dermatology Specialists of Naples.
“The For the Love of Cats Scholarship is a new and unique opportunity for local Southwest Florida FGCU students,” says George North, Assistant Director of Development at FGCU. “The generous scholarship will cover nearly half of a full year’s tuition for a deserving student. This is the very first scholarship created for a student who has an interest in pursuing a career in veterinary medicine and we are very excited about this partnership. On behalf of the FGCU Foundation, I thank For the Love of Cats for investing in our students and their future success. It will truly make a meaningful difference!”
The For the Love of Cats Scholarship will be awarded to a student by FGCU for the 2021-2022 school year. Scholarships will be formally presented by the FGCU Foundation with an Awards Ceremony in November 2021.
Submitted photos from Coastal Breeze News.
