WQIO Ohio's Super Station
August 13, 2023 – The Ohio State University’s Heather Clawson was a recipient of the inaugural Dawn Stewart Memorial Scholarship, awarded by the National Alpaca Foundation.
Livestock breeders throughout the United States are experiencing a shortage of large animal veterinarians. Further, there is a great need for veterinarians who specialize in the care of camelids, specifically alpacas.
The Dawn Stewart Memorial Scholarship presents $3000 to students currently enrolled in their second, third, or fourth year of an accredited veterinary school and demonstrate an interest in camelid animal medicine. Scholarship funds are only awarded to support education at U.S. based institutions that offer a camelid (Alpaca) program or classes supporting alpaca animal health.
Clawson, of Crest, CA, has never considered a career outside of the veterinary field for as long as she can remember.
“The first time I met an alpaca was the day I interviewed for a position as an alpaca handler and trainer,” said Clawson. “Although I didn’t know anything about alpacas the idea of learning about and getting to work with these unusual animals seemed like an interesting way to earn some money while in school.”
Clawson spent her undergraduate time working at the alpaca ranch, eventually becoming herd manager.
“Little did I know that a part-time job would turn into a passion and my career trajectory would change,” said Clawson.
Clawson plans to pursue a career in Equine Sports Medicine and Camelid Medicine and Education. She currently owns two female huacaya alpacas (Glimmer and Olivia) and co-owns one female llama named Moonshadow.
About The Dawn Stewart Memorial Scholarship
The formation of the National Alpaca Foundation was announced in 2023 National Alpaca Education & Fiber Conference. The foundation is a designated 501(c)(3) non-profit tax-exempt organization whose mission is to engage in educational activities, youth development activities, and other charitable and scientific activities relating to alpacas.
One of the flagship programs established by the foundation is The Dawn Stewart Memorial Scholarship.
The scholarship honors the legacy of Dawn Stewart, a passionate advocate for alpacas. In Eagle Eye Farm (River Falls, WI), she found her true calling. She grew the farm to 110 animals – including alpacas, llamas, kune kune pigs, Valais Blacknose sheep, mini Highland cattle, English Angora bunnies, and an eclectic mix of chickens. Dawn felt a true connection with the animals. She was a natural in the show ring and led Eagle Eye Farm to be named the #1 farm in the country by the Alpaca Owners Association in the small farm division for 2022 and in the medium farm division in 2023. She and her wife, Kerri Harting, were also featured on Going Fur Gold, a National Geographic Wild production in 2023.
Dawn sadly passed suddenly in May 2023.
Dawn was so proud of the farm and all she had accomplished – taking a once abandoned piece of property and turning it into a thriving and very active award-winning alpaca farm, doing a majority of the work herself and overseeing every project.
Dawn and Kerri, as well as livestock breeders throughout the United States, have experienced first-hand the shortage of large animal veterinarians. Further, there is a greater need for veterinarians who specialize in care and nutrition of camelids, specifically alpacas.
This fund will provide financial assistance to aspiring large animal veterinarians with a specific focus on alpacas.
The deadline for the 2025 $3,000 scholarship application must be postmarked by May 1, 2025. The application can be found at https://www.nationalalpacafoundation.org/dawn-stewart-memorial-scholarship
The National Alpaca Foundation is a designated 501(c)(3) non-profit, tax-exempt organization, whose mission is to engage in educational activities, youth development activities, and other charitable and scientific activities relating to alpacas.
For continued updates about the foundation, visit https://www.facebook.com/alpacafoundation/
