Philanthropy at Work
Celebrating a Legacy of Exceptional Care and Innovation
Imagine an extraordinary evening to celebrate UC Davis’ 75 years of leading veterinary medicine. On June 29, 2024, the school will commemorate this anniversary with a gala at the iconic Memorial Auditorium in Sacramento— honoring three-quarters of a century of providing exceptional animal care and preparing top-tier veterinary medicine students for careers and service.
he 75th Anniversary Gala will include an exciting live auction showcasing one-of-a-kind items and experiences, a cocktail hour, dinner, dancing and an engaging program.
There will also be opportunities to meet the school’s world-renowned faculty and outstanding students.
The gala promises to be a memorable event while raising funds for scholarships that will invest in the next generation of exceptional veterinary leaders like Molly Mettler, Class of 2024, past president of the UC Davis chapter of the Student American Veterinary Medical Association.
dog Kenny, who has been her constant
companion since she adopted him during
her sophomore year as an undergraduate
student. Photo: Mike Bannasch
Mettler decided to pursue a career in veterinary medicine in 2015 after her family had to make the heart-wrenching end-of-life decision for their first dog, Sparkie. Mettler grew up with her beloved canine companion of 15 years and had formed a deep bond with her. “As someone who has gone through the pain of pet loss, I found it very difficult and was filled with grief,” Mettler said. “But that experience also made me wonder how I could offer support to those who were in my own family’s shoes.”
Mettler has an interest in small animal medicine with an emphasis in emergency medicine, and is the recipient of seven scholarship awards—Ariat Scholarship for Future Veterinarians, Floyd Tuition Support Fund, Frances Park Pillsbury Memorial Scholarship, George and Helen Bailey Memorial Externship Scholarship, Jean Marie Borst-Bright Star Memorial Scholarship, Patrick H. Mills Memorial Entrepreneurship Scholarship, and Student Programs Leadership Appreciation.
Scholarship support has allowed me to focus more on my studies by alleviating my financial worries. I am so grateful to my scholarship donors and know it is a shared sentiment among my very hardworking colleagues who have also received support.”
—Molly Mettler, Class of 2024
Since its inception in 1948, the school has shaped the field of veterinary medicine and set the bar for clinical and scientific discoveries. As the nation’s top-ranked veterinary school, educating the next generation of veterinary leaders is at the heart of what we do. Our DVM graduates now total more than 7,000 across the world.
As the nation’s top-ranked veterinary school, educating the next generation of veterinary leaders is at the heart of what we do.
Our DVM graduates now
total more than 7,000
across the world.
“When I think of our outstanding students, I think of our future,” said Dean Mark Stetter. “These dedicated individuals will advance veterinary medicine for the next 75 years and beyond. It’s an honor to guide our school during this celebration and I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the committee planning our gala.”
The committee is comprised of five distinguished members of the Dean’s Leadership Council, a volunteer group of professionals who advise the dean on initiatives designed to fulfill our teaching, research, and service mission—Gayle Brock, committee chair, John Klacking, Julia Lewis (DVM ’94), Jan Miller and Jerry Rosenthal.
The School of Veterinary Medicine has performed life-saving services for its patients and groundbreaking research for 75 years. A year of celebrating this milestone anniversary comes to a climax with the gala. To be able to give back and show appreciation during this momentous time is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
—Gayle Brock
Sponsorship and underwriting opportunities ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 are available.
For more information about these opportunities and tickets to the 75th Anniversary Gala visit our Gala page online or contact the Office of Advancement at vmdodevelopment@ucdavis.edu, 530-752-7024.