Spring 2026
Message from Dean Mark Stetter
There are moments when you can feel an institution take a leap forward—and this is one of them.
In this issue, we share the story of Joan and Sanford I. Weill’s historic $120 million gift to our school. It’s hard to overstate what this means. It will help us build and expand spaces that match the caliber of our work; treat more animals and train additional students and specialists; and accelerate research and innovation in areas like cancer, neuroscience and cardiovascular health. It’s a powerful vote of confidence in the role veterinary medicine plays in solving some of the biggest challenges we face today.
At UC Davis, we’ve long believed that animal, human and environmental health are deeply connected. The Weills’ generosity allows us to lean even further into that belief—to ask bigger questions, pursue bolder ideas and train students who are ready to lead in a One Health world. →
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That work depends on another critical engine as well: federal funding. You’ll read just a few examples of how our veterinary community uses federal support to advance research that matters—from early detection of and rapid response to highly pathogenic avian influenza in elephant seals to improving food safety in aquaculture to surveillance of ticks that pose a health threat to dogs and humans alike. Federal funding helps ensure that discoveries don’t stop at the lab bench but reach the animals and communities who need them most.
I was reminded during our recent Evening of Gratitude that philanthropy helps us do more than just build facilities. We heard from students who are able to pursue their education—and their calling—because someone they may have never met chose to invest in them through scholarships. That kind of support doesn’t just ease financial burden; it opens doors, expands possibilities and shapes the future of our profession. Many of those students will go on to serve communities that might otherwise lack access to veterinary care, research or public health expertise.
That’s the ripple effect of giving. It’s powerful, and it’s very real.
Throughout this issue, I hope you see what I see every day: a community that is ambitious, collaborative and deeply committed to making a difference. Whether it’s through inspirational gifts, federal investment or the dedication of our faculty, staff and students, we are building something that truly matters.
Mark D. Stetter, DVM, Dipl ACZM
Dean
Feature Stories
Departments
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News Bites
Flamingo check-ups at the zoo; Meet Big Chief, the mini horse and media sensation following his colic surgery; School ranks #1 — again; Tools to help lower stress for livestock; Launch of our new podcast, the Vetrospective.
Discoveries
Common disinfectants shown to be more toxic when inhaled than swallowed; Magellanic penguins can serve as living monitors of their environment; California's produce tested to understand food safety risks; A kitten's successful brain surgery could transform care for humans.
Clinical Updates
Minimally invasive treatment for liver disease; New All Species Imaging Center offers insight into equine neurology cases; Brain tumor clinical trial is latest neurosurgical advancement; Small animal role optimizes continuity of care.
School Notes
School receives groundbreaking $75M gift; Gorilla Doctors celebrate four decades of conservation care; Veterinary Scientist Training Program celebrates 25 years of its dual DVM/Ph.D. program; 2025 Alumni Award winners announced; Honoring Harold Davis ,BA, RVT, VTS.
View/Download Spring 2026 Issue
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Celebrating Student Scholarships
Thank you for believing in students like me. Your generosity truly changes lives.”
—Noah McNaughton
In March, the school celebrated its annual Evening of Gratitude when donors, students, faculty and school leadership gather to celebrate the philanthropic support that makes scholarship and fellowships possible.
Joined by family, friends, and mentors, fourth year DVM student Noah McNaughton (in blue suit jacket) reflected through a video how receiving the Dr. Mysliwiec Scholarship provided stability and the freedom to pursue the career he envisioned.
Dr. Tom Willis, DVM ’82, (pictured behind Noah in the white shirt) was an instrumental mentor to Noah along his path to veterinary school and surprised him by attending the event in person. “Receiving scholarship support has changed what is possible for me,” Noah said. “Because of the support, I have more freedom to choose what opportunity is best for my family, my learning, and what I want to do for my future career. Ultimately, it created a career trajectory for me. Without it, I wouldn’t be who I am. Thank you for believing in students like me. Your generosity truly changes lives.”
The event also featured a panel presentation by scholarship recipients (photo above, from left: Christian Smith, Hector Nunez Lopez, Tyler Misraje and Maxwell Bales) who shared how philanthropy supports their academic endeavors.
Watch Noah’s Story
and learn more about how student scholarship support plays a direct role in making students’ journeys possible.