Amanda Xue Awarded Ernest C. Bell Scholarship for 2014

January 29, 2014

New Brunswick, N.J. – Amanda Xue, a senior at the Rutgers’ School of Environmental and Biological Sciences (SEBS), is the recipient of the Ernest C. Bell Scholarship for 2014. The award was presented by Dr. Carey Williams, Extension Specialist in Equine Science at the Rutgers Equine Science Center, at the Annual Breeders Awards luncheon hosted by the New Jersey Department of Agriculture on Sunday, January 26.

The Ernest C. Bell Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to perpetuate Mr. Bell’s memory and his ideals of courage and determination. The scholarship is awarded to a senior at SEBS who is majoring in Animal Science with an emphasis in Equine Science. The recipient must be a New Jersey resident and demonstrate a high level of scholastic achievement, involvement with New Jersey’s horse industry, and financial need.

Mr. Bell, a founding member of the New Jersey Equine Advisory Board, had severe physical disabilities due to childhood poliomyelitis. Although he was unable to walk, he drove and taught horses. He bred Percherons and Shetlands and taught children to not only ride, but to understand their horses. One former student wrote, “He was the most able disabled man I’ve ever known.”

Ms. Xue, a resident of Holmdel, NJ, expressed gratitude and humility upon learning that she was selected as the 2014 recipient of the Ernest C. Bell scholarship.

“I honestly just can’t believe that someone like me was chosen for this scholarship,” said Xue. “It’s very humbling and I guess it shows that you can really achieve a lot just by being proactive, working hard, and being open to learning.”

Also a recipient of the Rutgers University Presidential Scholarship, the most prestigious scholarship award Rutgers offers to undergraduates, Ms. Xue will graduate in May. She will begin veterinary school in the fall and her future plans include pursuing a career in small animal and equine medicine.

“I’ve always loved horses since I was a kid and was an avid reader of horse books, but I never thought I’d have the opportunity to work with real horses,” said Xue. “I think the Rutgers Equine Science Center is amazing in all of the resources it provides to students and I was able to get my first exposure to these animals through hands-on research.”

Although initially inexperienced, Ms. Xue was grateful for the support from faculty, staff, and her peers. In fact, she credits that support for her success.

“Almost a year ago, I didn’t even know how to lead a horse properly or groom one, but now I can take blood samples from horses and have identified my first case of colic,” added Xue. “As someone who had no hands-on experience with horses her entire life until college, I am so honored to be the recipient of this award.”

For more information about the Ernest C. Bell Scholarship or the Equine Science Center, please contact Tiffany Cody at cody@njaes.rutgers.edu or 848-932-9419.