E-Insight

March 2006

Father/Daughter Veterinary Team Make Scholarship Contribution

Dr. Lynn F. Leadbetter and his daughter, Dr. Linda Leadbetter, understand very well the financial challenges of veterinary school. The elder Leadbetter is a 1943 graduate of Colorado A&M, attending veterinary school to make a better life for himself. His daughter is a 1973 graduate. In 2003, the Leadbetter family established the Dr. Lynn F. Leadbetter and Family Scholarship with a gift of $100,000. Last month, the family made an additional gift of $100,000, allowing for up to five scholarships for students in the Professional Veterinary Medical Program.

"We appreciate the generosity of the Leadbetter family in helping our students meet the financial demands of their education," said Dr. Lance Perryman, Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. "Dr. Leadbetter and his daughter, Linda, have been great supporters of the College over the years, and we thank them for all that they have done, especially in creating more opportunities for veterinary students who are up against financial challenges."

Dr. Leadbetter grew up during the Depression and struggled early in life to make ends meet. In 1943, he graduated from Colorado A&M ( Colorado State University ) with his degree in veterinary medicine and began a two-and-a-half year stint in the U.S. Army during World War II. After his military service, Dr. Leadbetter returned to Colorado and started a practice in Denver with his brother Wayne. He and his brother practiced for 20 years, during which they served as the veterinarians for the Denver Stockyard and the Stock Show.

Dr. Leadbetter had planned to retire, but when his daughter Linda started veterinary school at CSU he decided to build a small animal practice that would be ready for her when she graduated. That practice, located in Henderson, Colorado, is still in business today. Dr. Leadbetter, now retired, established this scholarship to provide assistance to students going through tough times, something he personally understands.