Dogs, cats, horses, cattle. Hamsters, gerbils, parrots, cockatiels. Sheep, pigs, llamas, goats. Every day we see these animals, and more, at our hospital. People who care for these animals bring them to us for diagnosis so these family members might be healed. Students, faculty, and staff examine these patients, and our specialists are on call 24/7, ready to care for any animal that comes through our doors. Meanwhile, our researchers are working to provide better answers and treatments for every patient.

We see impactful partnerships in our community every day. And yet there is another group of people who play a vital role: those who give to the College.

More than half of the gifts we receive every year come in December. So, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your generous gifts, which support the College in variety of ways.

Scholarship donations help bring outstanding students to the College so that we can continue to educate the next generation of veterinary professionals. The payoff is substantial—every $1.00 in scholarship can replace $2.00 in loan payments for veterinary students. These top students become the quality veterinarians and veterinary nurses we all rely on to care for our pets, protect our food supply, support local agriculture, and much more.

Gifts to our patient care funds mean that clients will be able to afford treatment for their family member. The Lucky Fund, for instance, supported 225 patients this past year alone. In hard moments, these funds help beloved pets receive critical care.

Research support allows our faculty to explore new ideas that will affect thousands of lives, from our own backyard to countries on the other side of the world. From canine cancer treatment to horse health to toxicology, our faculty are making an impact in a multitude of fields. Funding for these studies, as well as our new Clinical Innovations Program, helps our researchers develop studies that may lead to drugs, devices, procedures, and treatments that benefit both humans and animals.

In the midst of a busy year-end, I want to ensure you that this community’s overwhelming generosity is not minimized or overlooked. Every donation means we are able to do more. Every gift means the College can continue to touch thousands of lives every year. Every dollar donated has made a difference in someone’s life.

To all of you who have given to the College or the Hospital, thank you! You are truly a critical member of our team, and we are so grateful you joined us.