PRINCESS ANNE, MD-(April 27, 2022)-Two sophomores at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore are the recipients of $10,000 scholarships from the Farm Credit Foundation for Agricultural Advancement. The awards will assist both students in their general agriculture (animal and poultry science concentration) studies and intent to become veterinarians.
Charles M. Wright IV, owner of Wright’s Market in Mardela Springs, Maryland, recently visited campus to present the scholarship awards to Makalah Wolfe and Aliyah Evans on behalf of Farm Credit. Wright, a UMES general agriculture alumnus (’89) and chairman of the Foundation, traveled a similar path as the awardees and holds an affinity for his alma mater.
“It’s my pleasure to be able to give back to UMES,” Wright said. “I look forward to continuing to work with the university, enabling students to pursue careers in the agricultural industry.”
Wolfe, a 2020 graduate of Frederick Douglass High School in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, came to UMES to study criminal justice, but changed direction after considering her options.
“My freshman year was eye-opening,” Wolfe said. “I was exposed to various fields that I had not previously considered and developed an interest in pre-veterinary sciences. I reminisced on my childhood years and how I found companionship with my pets. My passion lies in caring for animals and ensuring that they are happy and healthy since they provide emotional and therapeutic benefits to people.”
Evans’ exuberance for animal science comes through in her varied interests at this point in her studies.
The Springdale, Maryland native would like to own a clinic in a geographic area in need of veterinary services, treating exotic, domestic and farm animals. Treating animals in zoological settings is also in the running as is agricultural research.
“Animal behavior is something I would like to research as well as animal-related diseases, such as zoonotic diseases and how to cure them or keep their spread under control,” Evans said.
“Being awarded this scholarship will provide my family with some financial relief while assisting me in furthering my education and moving closer to my dream of becoming a veterinarian,” Wolfe said. Evans echoed the sentiment.
UMES President, Dr. Heidi Anderson, who presided over the intimate outdoor ceremony, noticed that Wright was not wearing a UMES lapel pin and proceeded to take hers off and pin him.
“We appreciate the loyalty of our alumni and their support of our students,” Anderson said.
Gail Stephens, Agricultural Communications and Media Associate, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences, UMES Extension, 410-621-3850, gcstephens@umes.edu.
Photos by Todd Dudek, Agricultural Communications, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences, UMES Extension, tdudek@umes.edu.
