Two Students in College of Veterinary Medicine at WesternU Awarded Inland Empire Scholarships Scholarship Benefits Latinos in Higher Education

Western University of Health Sciences is proud to have two students, both

studying in the College of Veterinary Medicine, to be named as

scholarship awardees of this year’s Inland Empire Scholarship Fund.

Veronica Bocanegra (DVM 2007) and Darlene Sanchez (DVM 2009) have both

been awarded Inland Empire Scholarships, which are awarded once a year to

Latino students in higher education.

The scholarship is particularly important to Bocanegra and Sanchez as

both women are studying in a field traditionally underrepresented by

Latinos and other people of color.

“”Many clients that veterinarians see are Hispanic, especially in Southern

California,”” said Veronica Bocanegra. “”It makes a world of difference

when you speak to them in Spanish and explain what is wrong with their

animal. Having the opportunity to speak Spanish and relate to clients who

also speak the language opens up many doors to veterinarians and makes

clients feel very comfortable and educated about their pet’s health.””

“”There is a great need for veterinarians in Southern California and

throughout the country. And an even greater need for bilingual

veterinarians to serve our nation’s Latino communities,”” said College of

Veterinary Medicine Dean Shirley Johnston. “”Veronica Bocanegra and

Darlene Sanchez represent the best of our students, and we are privileged

to see them honored by the Inland Empire Scholarship Fund.””

Western University of Health Sciences is the first and only college of

veterinary medicine in Southern California, which has a very large

Spanish-speaking population. The curriculum at WesternU works to produce

competent veterinarians to fill the growing need in animal health care;

and the scholarship ensures that more Spanish-speaking practitioners will

be able to communicate with both their English-speaking and Spanish-

speaking clientele.

Awards will be made at a ceremony in Spanish on Saturday, May 13, 2006,

at the University of California, Riverside.