The Fort Wayne Zoo is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Lawerence A. Ackerman Scholarship.
Fort Wayne Zoo news release:
The Fort Wayne Zoo Proudly Announces Ackerman Scholarship Winners
Fort Wayne Indiana (July 8, 2026) – The Fort Wayne Zoo is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Lawerence A. Ackerman Scholarship, which strives to encourage and assist worthy students pursuing a career in the stewardship of animals.
The Lawrence A. Ackerman Scholarship was established through an endowed gift to the Fort Wayne Zoological Society in 1991 to honor the distinguished career of the late Dr. Larry Ackerman. In his 30 years of service in private practice and as the Zoo’s veterinarian, Dr. Ackerman became known for his professionalism, compassion, and generosity. Dr. Ackerman himself received some special financial assistance early in his college career, and this scholarship continues to assist other deserving students in a similar way.
Names of the recipients:
Tessa Chesney-Jordan
Graduated From: Wayne High School
Attending: Purdue University
Major: Wildlife BiologyRuby Campbell-Carpenter
Graduated From: North Side High School
Attending: Purdue University
Major: Biology – Pre-Vet TrackJillian Wright
Graduated From: Churubusco High School
Attending: Purdue University Fort Wayne
Major: Biology“These scholarship awards are a meaningful way to continue honoring my father’s dedicated service to the Zoo.” States David Ackerman, the late Dr. Ackerman’s son. “This year’s recipients were exceptionally impressive, and I have no doubt they have bright futures ahead in animal-related careers. I’m certain Dad would be very proud.”
Through this scholarship, the Fort Wayne Zoological Society continues Dr. Ackerman’s legacy of service and generosity by helping students overcome financial barriers to higher education. In addition to the proceeds from the endowment, additional gifts are made to the fund each year and public contributions to the fund are always welcome. Anyone wishing to make a gift may mail a gift to the Fort Wayne Zoo, c/o the Ackerman Scholarship Fund, 3411 Sherman Blvd., Fort Wayne, In 46808. Contributions are tax deductible.
About the Fort Wayne Zoo
The Fort Wayne Zoo is northeast Indiana’s largest tourist attraction, hosting more than 650,000 guests annually. The Zoo is home to Red Panda Ridge named #6 in USA Today 10 Best Zoo Exhibits for 2024. In 2021, the Zoo was voted Visit Indiana’s “Summer Bucket List Top Attraction” and is consistently named one of the nation’s Top Ten Zoos for Kids by national media outlets.The Zoo is a conservation leader, investing nearly $275,000 annually in local, regional, and international efforts to protect wildlife and their habitats. The Zoo cares for more than 1,500 animals and participates in 41 cooperative species survival plan programs and 42 taxon advisory groups, which are critical to supporting threatened species.
As a self-supporting facility, the Fort Wayne Zoo receives no tax dollars for daily operations, unlike most accredited zoos where those dollars fund approximately 40% of their annual operating budgets. The Zoo’s mission is made possible thanks to support derived from admissions, memberships, donations, group picnics, special ticketed events, and other visitation-related activities.
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