Leaving a Legacy
ancy Ehrlich was in her early twenties when she took her dog to a veterinarian for a checkup, and a female veterinarian walked into the exam room.
“I hadn’t seen that before,” Ehrlich said. “Right then, I knew what I wanted to do with my career.”
She left her home state of New York and went to UC Davis for undergraduate coursework in the sciences. She applied to the School of Veterinary Medicine in the 1970s but was not admitted, in part due to the limited number of spots open to women at the time.
Ehrlich was undeterred, knowing she wanted a career in veterinary medicine in whatever shape that took. A friend referred her to a veterinary clinic in the Bay Area where she could gain experience. Ehrlich met the clinic owner, Michael Floyd, DVM ’61, who brought her on as a volunteer and hired her a short time later. This professional connection blossomed into a personal partnership, leading to a 51-year marriage filled with a shared passion for veterinary advancement until Floyd’s passing in 2022.
I hadn’t seen that before ... Right then, I knew what I wanted to do with my career.”
That initial clinic experience soon allowed Ehrlich to become one of the first Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVT) in California.
Working alongside her husband, Ehrlich found a particular aspect of the field that she loved, becoming a laboratory technician with an emphasis in hematology.
Ehrlich has also been passionate about supporting others pursuing a career in the field. She founded the Alameda County Animal Health Technician’s Association (later the Bay Area Veterinary Technician’s Association) and played a key role on the California Veterinary Medical Board’s Animal Health Technician Examining Committee. She served as the first RVT Chair of a California Veterinary Medical Association committee, and was instrumental in establishing the California RVT Association, where she continues to champion regulatory and legislative advancements, shaping the future of the profession.
Even after working on thousands of animals, Ehrlich easily recalls her favorite case. A very sick dog had come into the clinic and Ehrlich was responsible for determining the complete blood count.
“When I looked at the slide from the blood draw, I immediately saw what was on the red cells—basophilic stippling, which meant lead poisoning!” It turns out that the dog’s family had been removing paint from their walls, and their dog had ingested some old paint chips.
Lead poisoning was confirmed by an outside lab, and the dog was treated and went on to live a very healthy life.
As Ehrlich’s career continued, her husband’s practice became more focused as well. Floyd moved into veterinary dentistry and is considered to be one of the earliest practitioners in the field. His clients appreciated his approach, which allowed them to witness the dental work on their beloved pets from start to finish.
Ehrlich and Floyd have been longtime benefactors to the school, establishing scholarships and creating the first veterinary dental suite which bears Floyd’s name. (To date, the scholarships they endowed have benefitted more than 350 students.)
Their generosity established two endowed funds in support of students pursuing the veterinary profession: the Michael Floyd DVM 1961 and Nancy Ehrlich RVT Dentistry and Oromaxillofacial Surgery Fund and the Nancy Ehrlich RVT Fund, known as the “Vet Tech Fund.”
“Tuition aid for students is so important,” she said. “The cost of veterinary school makes it difficult for students pursuing this essential career, and there is such a shortage of RVTs.”
I went to many different colleges and schools. UC Davis is totally unique. It is the most positive, student-oriented educational facility I’ve ever attended. I felt truly treasured during my years as a student there.”
Ehrlich chose to make her gift through an IRA distribution model, which carries tax benefits for the donor. She attributes her motivation for giving because of her own experience with UC Davis.
“I went to many different colleges and schools,” she said. “UC Davis is totally unique. It is the most positive, student-oriented educational facility I’ve ever attended. I felt truly treasured during my years as a student there.”
Ehrlich offers this advice to anyone thinking about their future career, no matter the field of choice: “Find your passion and follow it.”
Learn about Giving Opportunities to support UC Davis School of Medicine
Alumni Class of 1974 Endows Scholarship
For more than 20 years, graduating classes from the school have created class scholarship funds to benefit future DVM students. If they raise $50,000 or more, the fund becomes endowed and can distribute funds in perpetuity. In the fall of 2024, the Class of 1974 (some pictured above at their 50th alumni reunion) surpassed that goal to establish the Class of 1974 Endowed Scholarship. Starting next year, the scholarship will be awarded to a DVM scholar, helping ease the financial burden of their education. To date, there are 23 active endowed scholarships, with 11 classes still building toward endowments.
Our class came together to create a lasting legacy for our school’s students.”
—Paul Meunier, DVM ‘74
“Our class came together to create a lasting legacy for our school’s students,” said Paul Meunier, DVM ‘74, one of the class ambassadors. “We are so proud and grateful to have established this scholarship for generations of students going forward.”
The UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine extends its heartfelt thanks to the Class of 1974 for their generosity and commitment to the future of veterinary medicine.
To join them in supporting veterinary students through scholarships, visit: www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/giving