First Scholarship Awarded in New Veterinary Scholarship Program
Awardee seeks to improve veterinary access to care for pets and underserved pet owners
The following news was released September 30, 2025 by the Westie Foundation of America
Support for promising veterinarians in training has never been more important than today. The Westie Foundation of America, Inc. (WFA), a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the health and well-being of the West Highland White Terrier breed announced today the first scholarship award of The Westie Foundation of America/Thomas and Roxanne Austin Veterinary Scholarship program.
Briana Guerra was named the inaugural scholarship recipient as part of a new program announced last year. Awards are given exclusively to UC Davis veterinary students in training. UC Davis named Guerra the winner on behalf of the scholarship program, based on a rigorous set of criteria proposed by the WFA.
“Your support means more than words can express,” said Briana Guerra, the inaugural scholarship recipient. “Thank you for helping me pursue my lifelong dream.”
A first-year vet student, Guerra has previous clinical experience obtained at the Los Angeles Veterinary Center and upon graduation, she plans to work and practice in an area where she can support a bilingual clientele and traditionally underserved pet owners.