Colorado State University Student Awarded The Dawn Stewart Memorial Scholarship

August 13, 2023 – Colorado State University School of Veterinary Medicine’s Rayann Eaves 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.

Eaves, of Frederick, MD, has known she wanted to be a veterinarian for as long as she can remember.

“I feel a personal commitment to serving rural communities like the on that made me who I am,” said Eaves. “I consider myself blessed to have grown up in agriculture (especially through 4H and FFA) with parents who never said no to my big dreams.

“I know for a fact that I would not be the person I am or the veterinarian I will be without alpacas and the industry.”

When Eaves thinks about the alpaca industry, the words that immediately come to mind are confidence, love, family, potential, growth and legacy. Growing up, some of her best friends were the animals on her farm, including a huacaya alpaca named Spade. Spade taught her confidence in and out of the show ring.

Today, Eaves has a goal of opening her own private veterinary practice to serve camelids and other large animals. She also plans to be a continual contributor to the alpaca industry through veterinary research and offering educational seminars.

After graduation, Eaves, will serve as a Veterinary Medical Officer for the US Department of Agriculture (she is currently a Saul T. Wilson Jr Scholar); safeguarding our nation’s agricultural industries and public health.

“I have spent a lot of time thinking about everyone who has played a role in my journey. I have to give special thanks to all the alpaca friends who have become family and supported me along the way,” said Eaves. “Though I don't have room to name them all, I do have to list some. Those people being: Kerri Harting of Eagle Eye Farms for her generous heart in starting this scholarship in memory of Dawn Stewart. As well as, Ernie and Barbara Kellogg of Double “O” Good Alpacas & Bud and Gail Stewart of Rocky Run Alpacas who sold my sister and I some of our very first animals. Donna Higgason (Clearview Alpaca Farm), Susan Audino (Alpaca Green, LLC), and Wade Gease (AOA Judge); who have all believed in me and taught me how to be a better alpaca owner. Charlene Payne Schmid of Integrity Alpacas & Fiber; who reminded me why I started this journey when I was homesick in California. The UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory (Scientists, Dr. Avila & Dr. Bellone) for allowing me to partake in camelid genetic research. Finally, my veterinary mentors - especially Dr. Pamela Walker, Dr. Julie Dechant, Dr. Sarah Depenbrock, and Dr. Catherine Krus; who have all shared their passion and knowledge of Camelid Medicine with me.”

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 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 www.facebook.com/alpacafoundation/