Kennel owner donates scholarship for MCC Veterinary Assistant Program
The Reiland family of unincorporated McHenry has established a $2,500 scholarship for two veterinary assistant students at McHenry County College in Crystal Lake. The scholarship will cover half the course fee for two students each semester.
The Reiland Family Veterinary Assistant Scholarship is the college's first scholarship for a Workforce Training and Professional Programs course at MCC.
Kathy Reiland, owner of Gypsy Glen K-9 Kastle Pet Resort in McHenry, said she chose to offer the scholarship to the college, partially because she is a former MCC student.
"I've been in business for 30 years and it's my way of giving back," Reiland said. "I took criminal justice classes at MCC when it was located in the old Pure Oil Building. I feel businesses should give back to the community."
Reiland, who has worked with dogs since age 8, has been active in dog-related trainings throughout her career.
She is the former director of training for the Search and Rescue Dogs of Illinois and has partnered with the Illinois State Police to start the Accelerant Detector Dog Program.
Reiland also helped to start the Canine Unit at the McHenry County Sheriff's Office in Woodstock.
In addition, she was active in local 4-H groups in McHenry County and currently raises miniature cattle.
"We are thrilled to offer this veterinary assistant scholarship for the first time to our students in our rapidly-growing program," said Dori Sullens, director of MCC's Continuing Education Department.
"Hopefully, it will pave the way for other businesses to donate scholarships toward our noncredit classes."
The McHenry County College Vet Assistant training is a noncredit training program that provides 150 hours of classroom training three days a week from Aug. 13 through Dec. 13 at the college, 8900 S. Route 14 in Crystal Lake.
This program is one of three programs in Illinois recognized by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America, the agency that certifies veterinary assistants certifies veterinary assistants.
Students in the program must also complete 100 hours of externship time at one of 12 sites. Animal shelters can be a source of additional hours.
According to the U.S. Dept. of Labor, veterinary assistants are one of the fastest-growing professions.
Vet assistants work with veterinarians in private practice, animal shelters, animal control facilities, pet stores, kennels and veterinary drug companies.
Scholarship deadline is Sunday, July 1. To complete an application, visit www.mchenry.edu/veterinary.
Those who have questions regarding the scholarship can call the Friends of MCC Foundation Office at (815) 455-8721 or foundation@mchenry.edu.
Anyone with questions regarding the veterinary assistant program or other noncredit professional programs can contact Justin DeBolt at (815) 479-7879 or jdebolt@mchenry.edu.
To learn more about Gypsy Glen K-9 Kastle Pet Resort, which also provides care to special needs dogs, visit www.gypsyglenk9kastle.com.