<p>One of the most inspiring stories I have heard in a long time relates to the priceless value of education and how this can affect alumni, and the loyalty they feel for their alma mater and others whose lives they touch.</p>
<p>This story is at the heart of the largest gift the College of Veterinary Medicine has ever received - some $6 million, which was received by the college just before the end of December 2007. We project that after state matching funds are received, the gift will add $12 million to the college endowment. Endowments such as this are critical in this time of decreasing state budgetary support and will position us to better attract and retain top faculty. It will also help us serve an area of critical need - food supply veterinary medicine. </p>
<p>The gift came from the estate of two hard-working cattle ranchers from near Lake Okeechobee. Harriet Weeks and her daughter, Robin, both retired school teachers, struggled to make a living on their cattle ranch. They attributed much of their success to their veterinarian, Dr. Mike McNulty, a 1984 graduate of our college. Through the years, Dr. McNulty provided health and production management services to the Weekses, and they saw this as vital to sustaining their enterprise. </p>
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