The College of Veterinary Medicine annually awards more than $2 million in scholarships to incoming, current and graduating DVM students.
These awards are made possible through the generosity of alumni, donors and friends of the colleges.
One of those scholarships was created by Dr. David Helland (DVM ’64). Originally from North Dakota, after graduation Helland served in the Army Veterinary Corps during the Vietnam War. His career took him to Kansas and Illinois where for 40 years he owned and practiced at the Alpine Veterinary Hospital in Rockford, Ill.
But he never forgot his North Dakota roots. Nor did he forget Iowa State’s College of Veterinary Medicine.
“I have always been grateful to Iowa State,” Helland said. “The academic pathway was intense, but quality driven. While the cost of my undergraduate was significant, it was manageable. That’s not the case now.”
The David R. Helland, DVM ’64 and Wealtha Helland Scholarship in Veterinary Medicine was established to honor Helland’s North Dakota and Iowa State roots. Preference is given to North Dakota residents for the Helland scholarship.
“My post-graduate pathway took me away from North Dakota, but for today’s new graduates, a DVM career in North Dakota may very well be available if they choose,” Helland said.
Three current Iowa State veterinary students, Cady Fesenmaier, Grace Johnson and Madison Perry, were awarded the Helland scholarship this academic year. All are North Dakota residents.
“Without financial assistance like the Helland Scholarship I would more than likely not be able to attend veterinary school,” said Johnson, who is from Harwood, N.D. “My future plans are to hopefully go back home to North Dakota and practice mixed animal medicine in the community that helped get me where I am today.”
Financial assistance is also critical for Fesenmaier, who is from Horace, N.D.
“It greatly helps and impacts my education,” she said. “Reducing tuition helps me focus more fully on my training and growing professionally rather than making decisions that are driven by financial pressure.”
March 2026