elizabeth and the late irvin irwin

Changing lives by: Establishing the Dr. Irvin P. Irwin Scholarship for fourth-year veterinary medicine students.

K-State connection: Irvin Preston Irwin graduated from K-State in 1937 with a degree in veterinary medicine. He had a career in veterinary medicine for more than 40 years and always wanted to help someone else do the same. His wife, Elizabeth, established a scholarship to honor him after his death in 2005.

Why she gave: “We established it to be awarded to a fourth-year student, so it’s someone we know will finish their veterinary medicine degree,” Elizabeth said. “I am thrilled to be able to do this. Irvin always wanted to do something for K-State. He always wanted to give something back to the school. K-State meant everything to him.”

Why it matters: The scholarship is giving veterinary medicine students, like Keith DeDonder, the opportunity to complete a degree without financial stress. For Keith, his family, which includes son, Kerrick Michael, the scholarship award has made a big difference in their lives.

What people are saying: “Mrs. Irwin's generosity, on her husband's behalf, to support veterinary students was very gracious,” Keith said. “It's an honor and quite flattering to be the first recipient.”