The mantra of Dr. Earl Rippie, who was a strong supporter of veterinary nurses, was: “Veterinary nurses are to be recognized and valued as a key patient advocate by promoting the health and well-being of our patients and their pet parents.”
This advocate for veterinary nurses served as President of the New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association, as a member of the AVMA House of Delegates and on the NAVC Board of Directors as President (1999) and then Secretary/Treasurer (2000-2013). Though Dr. Rippie died in 2016, the NAVC and Today’s Veterinary Nurse continue his legacy by offering the Earl H. Rippie, Jr. Veterinary Nurse Leadership Scholarship, which recognizes veterinary nurses who have demonstrated leadership skills and have made a positive impact on the profession.
We congratulate the 2020 scholarship winners: Bea Biddinger, LVT, VTS (ECC), Ithaca, Mich., Pamela Mahlie, RVT, Granger, Ind., and Trish Farry, RVN, AVN, VTS (ECC, Anesthesia & Analgesia), GCHEd, Queensland, Australia. We will profile these extraordinary individuals in TVN’s Summer 2020 issue.
In the meantime, we hope all veterinary nurses will consider applying for the 2021 Earl H. Rippie, Jr. Veterinary Nurse Leadership Scholarship.
How to Apply for the Scholarship
Applying for the scholarship is easy! For a full description of the criteria, submission information, and application process, visit navc.com/vmx/scholarships/veterinary-nurse-leadership-scholarship. The application portal is now open. All completed applications must be received by July 1. Winners will be notified in October 2020.
Winners receive a full 2021 VMX registration, 1 round-trip economy airfare, 6 nights at a VMX host hotel, a 6-day per diem, and participation in 1 Veterinary Nurse Hands-on Workshop (based on availability). Winners will also be invited to the VMX Special Events as a VIP and a Pre-VMX Meet and Greet.
This scholarship recognizes that the work of veterinary nurses matters and celebrates those who demonstrate the leadership skills that inspire others. As a leader, Dr. Rippie strongly believed in our value and contributions to the profession. Let’s honor his legacy by continuing his mission, sharing his passion, and nurturing the leaders of tomorrow. Good luck!