The University of California, Davis has announced a groundbreaking $120 million donation—the largest ever in veterinary medicine—given by philanthropists Joan and Sanford I. Weill through the Weill Family Foundation. This significant contribution will enhance the university’s esteemed veterinary school, which has now been renamed the University of California, Davis, Joan and Sanford I. Weill School of Veterinary Medicine, commonly referred to as the UC Davis Weill School of Veterinary Medicine.
Sanford Weill, a long-term member of the UC Davis Chancellor’s Board of Advisors, expressed pride in supporting the university, recognizing it as a leader in veterinary medicine that balances cutting-edge research with compassionate care. The massive donation is set to fortify UC Davis’ leadership in comparative medicine—the interdisciplinary study of health and disease across various species—and to boost translational research aimed at diseases affecting both animals and humans, including cancer, neurological disorders, and cardiovascular conditions.
Chancellor Gary S. May acknowledged the transformative impact of the donation, emphasizing that it recognizes not only the Weills’ generosity but also their commitment to improve the health of all species. Dr. Mark Stetter, dean of the school, stated that the Weills’ support would revolutionize veterinary medicine, enabling significant advancements in education, research, and clinical practices.
A substantial portion of the funding—$80 million—will go towards constructing a new small animal teaching hospital, as part of the $750 million Veterinary Medical Complex expansion. The new facility aims to enhance care for an additional 20,000 animals, facilitate more innovative research and clinical trials, and integrate advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence, into veterinary diagnostics and treatment plans.
The remaining $40 million is allocated to enhancing fundamental and clinical research, which will accelerate scientific inquiries and support groundbreaking discoveries. The gift reflects the Weills’ belief in UC Davis’s consistent collaboration with other academic medical centers, showcasing the potential for life-changing outcomes, as seen in the case of stem cell treatments benefiting both animals and humans.
Joan Weill’s personal connection to the veterinary school stems from her earlier aspirations to become a veterinarian and her family’s experience with their dog, Angel, who received treatment at UC Davis. Their history with the institution and its proven record of scientific inquiry has further solidified their commitment to supporting its mission.
The Weills’ philanthropic efforts extend beyond veterinary medicine, with over $1.5 billion contributed to educational, medical, and cultural institutions. They have established notable partnerships aimed at addressing urgent needs in neuroscience and cancer research. Their gift to UC Davis, which is part of a broader initiative to improve veterinary education and increase the number of trained professionals, adds to their impressive legacy of supporting public education and health.
This remarkable donation aligns with the ongoing fundraising efforts at UC Davis, positioning the Weills’ support as a catalyst for future advancements in veterinary medicine. The university aims to build a state-of-the-art facility to train the next generation of veterinarians, ultimately bridging the gap in veterinary care and ensuring a brighter future for both animal and human health.