The board of the Gerry Dilger Equine Scholarship Foundation is pleased to announce Normarie Santiago Cruz as the first recipient of three annual scholarships. In memory of Gerry Dilger, our scholarships are awarded to promote and encourage young people, as they embark on a career in the bloodstock industry.
Normarie has been selected by the board to receive funding and assistance to enable her to travel to Ireland in 2021, and enroll in the world-famous National Stud course in Kildare. She is a former KEMI student, and is pursuing a degree in Animal Science in her native country at the University of Puerto Rico. The foundation was set up in Gerry's memory to continue the great work he had undertaken over many years to encourage and inspire young people through his Dromoland Farm nursery in Lexington, Kentucky. “Normarie's profile and personality was exactly what Gerry looked for, and helped nurture in a young person seeking further knowledge and life experience in the horse business,” remarked Erin Dilger. “Her spirit embodies Gerry's vision, and we know she genuinely appreciates and will embrace this deserved opportunity. The foundation is extremely grateful to the Irish National Stud for their support of this scholarship as Gerry himself was a 1977 graduate of its course.” Normarie stated, "I'm very thankful and excited to receive the Gerry Dilger Equine Scholarship. I feel very lucky and blessed to have this opportunity to visit Ireland, and work in the equine industry. This type of experience is not available in Puerto Rico."
The two additional scholarships sponsored by the foundation will award work placement in Kentucky for selected students from University College Dublin and the University of Limerick, and will be announced at a later date.