Dear North West Camelid Foundation,

Hello, my name is Lilly Nizer, and I am about to complete my second year at Washington State College of Veterinary Medicine. I am writing to express my gratitude for rewarding me the $950 North West Camelid Foundation Scholarship, thank you so much.

I am originally from Canby, OR, where I was exposed to the world of camelid production medicine. Little did I know that my home town and the surrounding area is known for its camelid production operations. The three months I spent working with a mixed animal practitioner was my first exposure to small ruminant and camelid medicine. I was hooked from the start. Currently, I am pa part of the small ruminant club which is focused on providing students with opportunities outside the classroom to gain hands-on experience with small ruminants and camelids. I plan to continue learning about these animals to best serve the community I hope to return to.

Your generosity in awarding me this scholarship will have a big impact next year as my husband and I are expecting our first baby in September. This scholarship will help tremendously to keep our family from taking out excessive amounts of loans and provide us the ease-of-mind we need going into this next chapter of our life. Every contribution helps and will have a big impact on our circumstances in the future.

I truly appreciate your contribution to my education, and I look forward for the possibilities that have been opened because of your generosity. Once again, thank you.

Sincerely,
Lilly Bo Nizer
DVM Candidate, WSU Class of 2021

Dear NorthWest Camelid Foundation,

I am honored to be the veterinary student selected to receive the NWCF Award. I am writing to send my immense gratitude for your support! I am currently finishing my second year of veterinary school in Pullman. I did my first year in Bozeman, MT, as part of the WIMU cooperative program since I am a Montana resident. This past year I was actively involved in the following clubs: Small Ruminant Club, National Member of AAEP, Vice President of the Theriogenology Club, Wildlife Disease Association, Student Member of AABP, Veterinary Business Management Association Member, Ag Animal Club, and Student Member of the Montana Veterinary Medical Association.

Upon completion of my DVM, I plan on returning to Montana and practicing large animal medicine. I would like to work on every thing from small ruminants and camelids to cattle and horses. I also have interest in the wildlife-livestock disease interface I hope to pursue, especially the brucellosis problem.

My passion for veterinary medicine started a long time ago. I grew up on a smaller commercial cow-calf operation in Pony, MT. We also raised sheep, goats, a few pigs, and horses. I participated in 4-H for ten years. My introduction to camelids has mainly been in the veterinary curriculum. We participated in an alpaca-handling day last year in Bozeman. What has captured my interest the most about camelids is their reproduction. In Theriogenology Club, we have learned many of the unique strategies there are for breeding management in camelids. I the future, I am interest in basic care and breeding management of camelids. There is a growing demand for veterinarians capable of being able to treat camelids, and I hope to meet these demands!

Again, thank you so much for your support for the students at Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine! Without the financial support from donors like you, many students would not be able to pursue their academic goals and interests at this collegiate level. I truly appreciate your generosity!

Sincerely,
Victoria Wilson
DVM Candidate, WSU Class of 2020