The Fort Wayne Zoo Proudly Announces Ackerman Scholarship Winners<\/strong><\/p>\nFort Wayne Indiana (July 8, 2026) \u2013 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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Names of the recipients<\/strong>:<\/p>\nTessa Chesney-Jordan<\/strong>
\nGraduated From: Wayne High School
\nAttending: Purdue University
\nMajor: Wildlife Biology<\/p>\nRuby Campbell-Carpenter<\/strong>
\nGraduated From: North Side High School
\nAttending: Purdue University
\nMajor: Biology \u2013 Pre-Vet Track<\/p>\nJillian Wright<\/strong>
\nGraduated From: Churubusco High School
\nAttending: Purdue University Fort Wayne
\nMajor: Biology<\/p>\n\u201cThese scholarship awards are a meaningful way to continue honoring my father\u2019s dedicated service to the Zoo.\u201d States David Ackerman, the late Dr. Ackerman\u2019s son. \u201cThis year\u2019s recipients were exceptionally impressive, and I have no doubt they have bright futures ahead in animal-related careers. I\u2019m certain Dad would be very proud.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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About the Fort Wayne Zoo<\/strong>
\nThe Fort Wayne Zoo is northeast Indiana\u2019s 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\u2019s \u201cSummer Bucket List Top Attraction\u201d and is consistently named one of the nation\u2019s Top Ten Zoos for Kids by national media outlets.<\/p>\nThe 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
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