Anna Strickbine’s dream of becoming a veterinarian isn’t just about caring for animals; it’s about making the world a better place.
Strickbine, an incoming first-year student at Newman University, is one of this year’s five recipients of the competitive St. Newman Scholarship. The full-tuition award honors students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership and a commitment to service.
She was “completely shocked” when she received the phone call from Admissions Counselor Lori Doyle informing her of the award, she said.
“When I heard the news, I was shocked and extremely honored and thankful to receive the scholarship and for the opportunities it would present,” Strickbine said.
As a pre-professional veterinary medicine major, Strickbine hopes to make a lasting impact in both her profession and the world around her.
“I have long known that I want an education that will equip me to be transformational, and this has played a large role in my consideration of colleges,” Strickbine said. “I do not just want preparation for veterinary school; I desire a well-rounded, applicable education and that is why I want to come to Newman.”
Learning through God’s gifts
Strickbine was homeschooled through the Wisdom’s Call Academy program. She believes that every accomplishment she’s earned — from becoming a second-degree black belt, earning third place at a dog obedience competition and being trusted to help lead in horseback riding lessons — means more than personal achievement.
“While I am proud of each of these achievements, I am more proud of the values and characteristics they have helped instill in me,” she said.
Strickbine credits God as the true source of her gifts and growth.
“I can take no credit for either the accomplishments themselves or the things they have taught me,” she said. “I would have learned nothing from these experiences had God not been teaching me through them.”
Strickbine’s faith plays a big role in her vision for the future. She connected deeply with Newman University’s mission to empower graduates to transform society.
“I have always enjoyed making things better,” she said. “Whether it be the rearranging of a closet or the decorating of some practical item to make its use more enjoyable, I enjoy transforming things. This is a passion that carries over to my consideration of college and profession.”
A desire to live an impactful life
For Strickbine, transforming society is a challenge she’s excited to tackle.
“I do not know in what way God is preparing me to be transformational,” she said. “What I do know is that he has placed in me the desire to transform society, whether it be through some great and currently unforeseen action like Martin Luther King Jr., through the Civil Rights Movement or something smaller like the planting of seeds in other people’s lives through kindness and compassion.”
Strickbine was also drawn to Newman from a family legacy perspective. Two of her sisters, Hope ‘24 and Rebekah ‘26, have attended the university and inspired her with their stories.
“They told me of the excellent teaching, the encouragement they received and the Honors Program,” she said. “All of their stories and what I have seen for myself have shown me that Newman is a school that will help me achieve a degree of difference.”
Strickbine said she knows Newman is the “place that will help me become the person I want to be.”
“Not only to become a veterinarian,” she said, “but to become a transformational member of society.”
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