The University of California, Davis has received a $120 million donation from Joan and Sanford I. Weill through the Weill Family Foundation. The university announced that this is the largest gift ever made to veterinary medicine globally. In recognition, UC Davis has renamed its veterinary school the University of California, Davis, Joan and Sanford I. Weill School of Veterinary Medicine.
Sanford “Sandy” I. Weill, who serves on the UC Davis Chancellor’s Board of Advisors, said: “UC Davis is home to one of the world’s most outstanding veterinary schools and many of the brightest minds in animal and human medicine. We are proud to support an institution where groundbreaking research and compassionate care are prioritized together, and where discovery benefits both animal and human health.”
Chancellor Gary S. May commented on the significance of this contribution: “By naming our veterinary school in Joan and Sandy’s honor, we celebrate their transformative generosity and lasting commitment to improve the health of all species. UC Davis is world-renowned for excellence in veterinary medicine, research and service. We are deeply grateful for Joan and Sandy’s vision and partnership to help us accelerate the great work taking place here.”
Dean Mark Stetter highlighted how the funding will affect future developments at UC Davis: “Joan and Sandy Weill’s extraordinary generosity will allow UC Davis to move faster, think bigger and rise to meet the most urgent challenges facing our world,” Stetter said. “This gift empowers us to drive discoveries, expand access to world-class education and develop new insights at the intersection of veterinary and human health. It launches an exciting new era in veterinary medicine and provides the catalyst needed to advance the construction of our new hospital. With continued support from our philanthropic community, we can bring this vision to completion.”
Of the total donation, $80 million will go toward constructing a new small animal teaching hospital as part of a $750 million expansion project for what aims to be a leading global veterinary campus. The current facility already treats about 50,000 patients each year; with this expansion it will be able to serve up to 20,000 more animals across various specialties.
Plans for the new facility include expanded research capacity using artificial intelligence in diagnostics as well as enhanced clinical trials for treatments benefiting both animals and humans. The remaining $40 million from the gift is set aside for fundamental clinical research aimed at accelerating team science projects that may not qualify for traditional funding sources.
The decision by Joan and Sanford I. Weill was influenced by personal experiences with UC Davis’ veterinary services after their dog received treatment there in 2018. Reflecting on her experience with UC Davis veterinarians after her dog Angel was diagnosed with lymphoma, Joan Weill said: “Angel’s care at UC Davis left a lasting impression on our family… As Sandy and I became more involved with the school over the years, we have been continually inspired by its leadership, dedication to team science, pursuit of solving complex health challenges, and its unwavering commitment to animals and the families who love them. The faculty clinician scientists are among the leading experts in the world at what they do, and supporting this extraordinary community is both meaningful and an honor.”
Shaun B. Keister, vice chancellor for Development and Alumni Relations at UC Davis noted: “Joan and Sandy have been extraordinary champions for UC Davis… Their leadership over the years has made a remarkable difference, and I’m truly inspired by their dedication.”
The couple’s philanthropy extends beyond this latest donation; they have contributed over $1.5 billion globally including recent initiatives such as establishing partnerships like the Weill Neurohub—collaborating with several universities—to accelerate brain disease treatments; they also helped create the Weill Cancer Hub West, which brings together Stanford University and UC San Francisco researchers.
With their latest donation bringing total giving within University of California system above $500 million—including prior recognitions such as receiving the University of California Presidential Medal—UC Davis reports that fundraising momentum continues with plans already underway for further campus expansions supporting primary care hospitals as part of its ongoing “Limitless” campaign.
Joan Weill has served prominent roles in arts organizations such as Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater while Sanford I. Weill previously led Citigroup among other major financial institutions; together they have received multiple awards recognizing their philanthropic achievements.
