Steven J. Klein, a 1995 graduate of The University of Findlay’s pre-veterinary medicine and biology programs, lost his life to cancer in 2004 but continues to be remembered on campus. Students in UF’s Pre-Vet Club recently raised $1,500 to contribute to the Steven J. Klein ’95 Memorial Pre-Veterinary Scholarship Endowment Fund, established in Klein’s memory by the pre-veterinary medicine program, the Pre-Vet Club, alumni, family and friends.

The students’ gift, raised primarily through working at Cedar Point amusement park during HalloWeekends, brought the fund total to more than $10,000. With the addition of the club’s gift, the fund is now endowed, and the first award will be made for the 2007-2008 school year. Pre-Vet Club members have raised more than $3,000 to endow the scholarship fund.

“It was rewarding to be able to help other students and also to have done something in Steve’s memory,” said senior Nicole Milligan, Pre-Vet Club president. “Our success in finishing the endowment has made Steve’s family very happy, and that really means a lot to the club.”

According to Linda Peck, D.V.M., Pre-Vet Club adviser and director of pre-veterinary studies, the students have worked hard to endow the fund in memory of Klein. “I’m very proud of what they have done,” she said.

Klein loved animals and wanted to be a veterinarian for as long as his family can remember. At the age of 14, he developed an inoperable brain tumor, which radiation treatments appeared to successfully treat. Klein graduated from Fairmont High School in Kettering, Ohio, and completed his bachelor’s degree at UF. In the fall of 1995, he began classes at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

In early 1996, his symptoms returned. The tumor eventually affected his short-term memory, hearing and vision, forcing him to withdraw from OSU and give up his dream of becoming a veterinarian. Klein, who enjoyed restoring cars, working on Web sites and woodworking, died in 2004.

Peck was Klein’s faculty advser and remembers “Steve had that twinkle in his eye.” Klein’s classmates recalled that he always had a smile on his face.