November 3, 2015 -- Calgary, AB -- The Calgary Foundation is very pleased to announce the following scholarships have been awarded from the 2015 Shannon Burwash Memorial Fund. Over 30 qualified students from across Canada applied for the two available scholarships this past June.  

Brandy Rimmer is in her third year of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Calgary. Prior to this she attended Grant MacEwan University for four years while taking her Bachelor of Science Degree. Although it is her love of animals that led her down the path of veterinary medicine, it is her passion for horses that has pushed her to come this far. Brandy grew up on a farm in the small community of Lake Isle, one hour west of Edmonton, and with the help of her family she began showing Quarter Horses at a young age. She believes it has been the lessons that she learned through many years in 4H, her tight-knit community, and her supportive family that have all helped her to get where she is today. Brandy has worked for an ambulatory equine veterinarian for the last two summers and this fast-paced job has assisted her in solidifying her career choice of becoming a large animal/equine veterinarian.

She has owned many horses throughout her life but there was one in particular that left a lasting impression, and showed her how unbelievably strong the bond between a human and a horse can be. Brandy hopes to use her education to better the lives of horses and their owners while she continues to learn and grow throughout her career. "Shannon Burwash was an inspiration for many women, and I hope to exemplify a similar passion for horses and education in my life as she did in hers," said Brandy.

"We were extremely impressed with all of the scholarship applicants this year," says Dr. Wayne Burwash. "It was the first year that The Calgary Foundation awarded the scholarships since Shannon's passing in 2013. We realized that there are differences in academic achievement, leadership and volunteer activities depending on the number of years a student has been involved in their studies. For that reason, the scholarship awards have been changed to address these aspects."  

In 2016, there will be two different categories of scholarships. One going to first or second year students (2 - $1,000 awards), and the other ($2,000) going to students advancing past their second year of studies. (Click here for the revised award criteria - a PDF file.)

Shannon Burwash was a leader and a lover of the horse industry across Canada. The scholarships will be awarded to deserving students who are focused on getting a post-secondary education, and being involved in the horse industry in their future. 

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Help CQHA reach the target goal with a donation to the  

Shannon Burwash Memorial Fund for

Equine and Agricultural Studies

Our primary objective is to raise $100,000 so the fund can keep generating annual awards to deserving students into the future. The fund has reached $95,730 (including new donations and 2015 award payouts) and we need your help to reach this important milestone.