Boehringer Ingelheim CARES Foundation Pledges $500,000 to Boost Diversity in Veterinary Medicine
The Boehringer Ingelheim CARES Foundation, an independent nonprofit organization, is paving the way for a more diverse future in veterinary medicine by pledging $500,000 in scholarship funds to the Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine (TUCVM). This substantial commitment will provide a $25,000 annual scholarship to one incoming student each year, significantly easing the financial burden that often prevents diverse students from pursuing their veterinary dreams.
The Boehringer Ingelheim CARES Foundation’s Financial Contributions Program supports nonprofit programs in communities where their employees live and work. The program aims to improve access to human and animal healthcare, enhance STEM education, and strengthen the human-animal bond, with a particular focus on helping underserved populations.
“When it comes to veterinary medicine, diversity leads to better access to care,” said Rob Anderson, President of the Boehringer CARES Foundation. “It creates opportunities in underserved areas, ensuring healthier outcomes for animals and the humans who care for them. We understand the importance of the human-animal bond and know the positive impact this scholarship can have on our communities."
Randolph Legg, President and Head of Commercial Animal Health Business at Boehringer Ingelheim, emphasized the initiative's importance. “Veterinary medicine in the United States is one of the least racially and ethnically diverse fields. Financial barriers are a significant part of the challenge,” he said. “Our partnership with Tuskegee University is a bold stride towards breaking down these barriers and fostering the success of diverse students passionate about veterinary medicine.”
Tuskegee University is the only Historically Black College or University (HBCU) offering a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, producing more than 70 percent of all African American veterinarians in the United States. This partnership highlights Boehringer’s commitment to making the veterinary profession more accessible to diverse communities.
This scholarship is just one aspect of Boehringer’s ongoing relationship with Tuskegee University. Throughout the year, the company hosts events on campus to build brand awareness, participates in career fairs to highlight opportunities at Boehringer, and offers an elective course titled “Advancing Human and Animal Health” for undergraduate students interested in the animal health industry.
Through this significant pledge and ongoing partnership with Tuskegee University, Boehringer continues to demonstrate its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, shaping a brighter, more inclusive future for the animal health industry.
“The TUCVM appreciates the intentional and impactful partnership we have with The Boehringer Ingelheim CARES Foundation,” said Dr. Ruby L. Perry, Dean of the College. “This notable $500,000 pledge in scholarships to our students aligns with our mission to sustain the legacy of training and educating underrepresented minorities as veterinarians in the veterinary profession.”
Dr. Perry also noted Boehringer’s focus on increasing diversity in the animal health industry. “The commitment of a $25,000 annual scholarship to one incoming veterinary student each year shows the purposeful relationship of The Boehringer Ingelheim CARES Foundation in supporting veterinary medical education,” she concluded.
