Scholarship Honors Student鈥檚 Life and Positively Impacts Future Zookeepers
May 22, 2025
Tara McDonald-Wardlaw, a 2008 graduate of 天涯海角社区鈥檚 Zoo Technology program, was 32 years old when she died unexpectedly. In Tara's memory, Louise McDonald, her mother, wanted to make an impact on the next generation. Instead of flowers for her funeral, she asked that donations be given to the 天涯海角社区 Teaching Zoo or a scholarship fund for the Zoo Animal Technology Program.
Since then, five scholarships have been awarded to 天涯海角社区 Teaching Zoo students through the Tara McDonald-Wardlaw Memorial Scholarship. The 10-acre teaching zoo is the only zoo on a college campus accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
鈥淧ersonally, the program means so much to me,鈥� McDonald said. 鈥淭ara got so much out of it and was well trained. She made such good friends and memories that lasted until the day she died. She also achieved her dreams of working as a dolphin trainer at Sea World. I am forever thankful and grateful for that.鈥�
Students in the program gain hands-on experience working in the role of a zookeeper while earning their degree. They learn every aspect of zoo animal management from daily care for the animals, habitats, maintenance, and public outreach and education.
鈥淲e gave a scholarship to a student, and he told us that his mother cried when she heard he received it because she knew how much he needed it,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t was at that moment that I truly realized the effect this scholarship might have.鈥�
McDonald reflects on the difference the scholarships have made for the five students, as well as those they will influence as zookeepers.
鈥淚 hope that these students go on to make a difference in the animal world,鈥� McDonald said. 鈥淚 hope these students help people understand how important zoos and aquariums are to all animals and our environment.鈥�
More important, these scholarships keep her memory alive.
鈥淚 feel these scholarships help my daughter鈥檚 name live on,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 know she would be proud and thrilled with the scholarships and the positive impact it will have for years to come.鈥�
If you are interested in learning about how you can make an impact through student scholarships, please contact Rose Christy at rose.christy@sfcollege.edu or Sherry Houston at sherry.houston@sfcollege.edu.
