Mary Jo and Dale knew they wanted to honor their daughter’s tenth memorial anniversary with a gift to the Large Animal Clinic. “Kelly’s concentration in veterinary school was large animal, specifically equine,” say the pair. “She began riding horses and showing in dressage when she was about eight years old.” When they reached out to the College to ask how they could support the Hospital, and specifically the clinic that meant the most to Kelly, they learned of a simple but important need: clear, illuminated signage at the clinic entrance.

“The goal of the new sign is to make it clearer and easier, particularly at night, for clients who are bringing in equine patients,” say the Smiths. “We talked about the sign ‘lighting the way’ in remembrance of Kelly. Our signage upgrade will help equine patients ‘find their way,’ so to speak.”

That guiding light feels especially fitting for Kelly, whose love for horses shaped so much of her life and career goals. “Kelly’s dedication to her horses over the years—20 years of riding and competing—was a huge part of her life. To help others take good care of their equine partners and friends is the reason why she wanted to attend veterinary school,” say Mary Jo and Dale.

Kelly’s passion for animals began when she was just two years old, with a love for horses, cats, and even whales. That passion only grew over the years as she competed in dressage and eventing, cared for her horses, and dreamed of becoming a veterinarian. When it came time to choose a veterinary school, there was never any question where she wanted to go. “MSU was always her first choice,” her family says. “To us, the College represents her dream of completing vet school and her long-term goal of owning her own large animal equine practice someday.”

One of Kelly’s most meaningful relationships at the College was with her advisor, Dr. Ann Rashmir, who at the time served as an equine surgeon. Rashmir offered Kelly encouragement and guidance, becoming an important mentor and presence in her life. “Kelly was a bright and intensely kind and caring individual who touched the lives of every animal and human she encountered,” says Rashmir. “She saw the very best in every living thing and could light up a room with her smile. Her compassion and optimism continue to inspire all who knew her, reminding us to approach each day with the same joy she brought to everyone around her.”

Years later, the family’s connection to the Large Animal Clinic remains strong. Last June, they returned when their mare required emergency surgery for colic. “While the experience ended sadly for us, we received a very high level of care,” say the Smiths. “Dr. Hal Schott and Dr. Ashley VanderBroek were incredibly kind and attentive from start to finish. Dr. Schott was one of Kelly’s favorite professors when she attended the College, so it meant a lot to us to see that same level of dedication and compassion still present at the clinic.”

Now, the new sign at the Large Animal Clinic stands as both a guidepost and a tribute—helping others find their way, just as Kelly found hers in veterinary medicine.

“We’re so grateful for this generous gift from Mary Jo and Dale,” says Dr. Kelley Meyers, executive director of the Veterinary Medical Center. “People often got turned around trying to find the Large Animal Clinic, and now it’s much easier for them to get where they need to go. It’s made such a positive difference.”

Dr. Ashley VanderBroek, an associate professor in Large Animal Clinical Sciences, adds, “In addition to the tangible impact of the new sign, it is very symbolic of Kelly’s memory living on as a beacon of light to the Large Animal Clinic.”

The Smith family echoes that sentiment, sharing how meaningful it’s been to see the sign in place. “Losing Kelly was a tragedy for our family that we will never fully recover from. But remembering her in this way helps us tremendously because we are impacting the Large Animal Clinic in a positive way.”