Shell Fame

A green sea turtle named Ketchup inspired a life-changing scholarship program

Six students in the inaugural class of the Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine have been named Darla Moore Scholars of Veterinary Medicine. The scholarships, gifted from the Darla Moore Foundation, cover tuition, fees and living expenses for the four years of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program.

Darla Moore surprised the six students with the awards during the veterinary school’s Accepted Students Day in April.

“Growing up in rural South Carolina, I saw firsthand how important animal health is to the vitality of our communities,” said Moore.

“Veterinarians support not only the well-being of animals but also the farmers, families and local economies that depend on them,” she said. “Through this program, we are investing in students who understand the unique needs of rural communities and who will be equipped with the knowledge and compassion to serve them. Talent exists everywhere, but opportunity doesn’t always follow. My hope lies in this commitment and the opportunities created by the Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine.”

The Birth of a Scholarship Program

Moore has always loved animals, but she was inspired to go further when the tale of an injured turtle caught her attention.

Rescued by the South Carolina Aquarium, Ketchup, a juvenile green sea turtle, was found stranded on Hilton Head Island. He had to be transported to the Aquarium for treatment, and Moore connected with the Aquarium to support Ketchup’s recovery. There, she witnessed the impact of high-quality veterinary care firsthand, and inspiration for the Darla Moore Scholars of Veterinary Medicine was born.

“Veterinary medicine plays a critical role in agriculture, food systems, the environment and the well-being of families across South Carolina,” said Steven Marks, founding dean of the Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine. “This scholarship program ensures that talented students from rural communities can pursue their calling and return home equipped to make a lasting difference. Rural education is a priority in the state, and our college is proud to pursue this goal in collaboration with the College of Education.”

In late spring, as the Aquarium ensured Ketchup was healing and working toward a full recovery, the Darla Moore Scholars were invited to meet the turtle in person. Three of the six students journeyed to Charleston and enjoyed the Aquarium’s sea turtle care center, spending a day seeing Ketchup and his caregivers in action.

What began with one aquatic rescue has grown into a transformational investment in the future of veterinary medicine in South Carolina. Through the Darla Moore Scholars of Veterinary Medicine program, students will carry forward a legacy of compassion and service that will impact communities across the state for generations to come.

The South Carolina Aquarium will be a clinical partner for the Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine during Clemson students’ Year 4 clinical rotations.