Jessie Strickler Scholarship

The Jessie Strickler Scholarship

After "Jessie," a blond Cocker Spaniel, passed away in May 2009 at the age of 11 following a hard-fought battle with gastrointestinal cancer, her owner Jill Strickler wanted to do something to honor Jessie's memory and give back to those who cared for her.

"I wanted to repay the amazing gift they gave us with a scholarship to help students follow their dreams and become veterinarians to help pets like Jessie," said Strickler.

Jill established The Jessie Strickler Scholarship to support WSU veterinary residents and interns, but as a writer she knew she could do even more.

So, she decided to write a series of books to honor Jessie and everyone who cared for her at the WSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital. All the proceeds from the books go to the scholarship.

"Jingle Bell Bride" by Jillian Hart, Jill Strickler's pen name, came out in late 2012 and is the first in the series. The sisters in the book were each named for Jessie's veterinarians at the WSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital. The book is also dedicated to Dr. Chelsea Tripp, a former WSU veterinary resident who is currently on staff at the Animal Medical Center of Seattle, and there are many other references about WSU to spot in the book.

"I will never forget the residents and students that took such good care of her," said Strickler.

Scholarship Recipients

• 2014: Rebekah Lewis
• 2013: Kevin Choy and Melissa Tropf
• 2012:  Kevin Choy (Resident) and Sara Johns (Intern).
• 2011:  Brian Maran (Resident) and Joshua Stern (Resident).
• 2010:  Christie Anderson (Graduate) and Chelsea Tripp (Graduate).