Normarie Santiago Cruz has been named the first recipient of three annual scholarships by the Gerry Dilger Equine Scholarship Foundation. The scholarship is named in honor of the horseman who passed away this past March and is intended to promote and encourage young people who are seeking a career in the bloodstock industry.
Cruz has been selected by the board to receive the funding so that she might enroll in the world-famous National Stud course in Co. Kildare, Ireland. She is a former KEMI student and is currently enrolled at the University of Puerto Rico, where she is pursuing a degree in Animal Science.
“Normarie's profile and personality was exactly what Gerry looked for, and helped nurture in a young person seeking further knowledge and life experience in the horse business,” remarked Erin Dilger. “Her spirit embodies Gerry's vision, and we know she genuinely appreciates and will embrace this deserved opportunity. The foundation is extremely grateful to the Irish National Stud for their support of this scholarship as Gerry himself was a 1977 graduate of its course.”
Cruz added, “I'm very thankful and excited to receive the Gerry Dilger Equine Scholarship. I feel very lucky and blessed to have this opportunity to visit Ireland, and work in the equine industry. This type of experience is not available in Puerto Rico.”
The two additional scholarships sponsored by the foundation will award work placement in Kentucky for selected students from University College Dublin and the University of Limerick, and will be announced at a later date.
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