Koelling, Ludwig named Orr Award winners
Thursday, October 24, 2024
Media Contact: Taylor Bacon | Public Relations and Marketing Coordinator | 405-744-6728 | taylor.bacon@okstate.edu
The 2024 Dean Orr Scholarship Award was awarded to fourth-year veterinary students Kali Koelling and Breya Ludwig. It’s annually gifted to the top-ranking third-year veterinary student.
At the age of 4, Koelling would doctor her stuffed animals and put bandages on them as if she were a veterinarian. That is when her passion for veterinary medicine started.
Throughout school, Koelling knew she wanted to have a career in the medical industry. After exploring other options, she always came back to veterinary medicine. Following her undergraduate degree from Arkansas State University, she applied to veterinary school.
Koelling was accepted into both Louisiana State University and OSU but felt the community, staff and faculty in Stillwater were the right fit for her.
“I have been very supported by the faculty and administration during my time at OSU,” Koelling said.
Stillwater is now home to Koelling, and her classmates have become family. From studying together and sharing laughs, Koelling said her classmates are always there for each other.
Upon graduation in the spring of 2025, Koelling plans to return to her home state of Arkansas and work for a mixed animal veterinary clinic.
“I have pushed myself very hard and I am very grateful to have received the Orr scholarship award,” Koelling said.
After seeing her grandmother’s love for animals and reading her nature book collection, Ludwig’s passion for animals started at a young age. Ludwig enjoyed science in college at the University of Texas-Dallas and knew she wanted to pursue a degree in the medical field.
Wanting to gain more experience, Ludwig took a year off and worked as a veterinary technician. This experience fueled Ludwig’s passion for veterinary medicine, and she applied to veterinary school.
“It is rewarding to win the 2024 Orr Scholarship; all of the hard work is paying off,” Ludwig said.
While focusing now on veterinary school, she previously volunteered and worked at small animal, equine and exotics clinics. During college, she was involved with research in pain neurology.
“The process has been intense and rewarding; winning the Orr Scholarship is such an honor,” Ludwig said.
Photos By: Candid Color Photography
Story By: Kinsey Reed | Vet Voices Magazine