Maddie's FundSM to Give College of Veterinary Medicine $1.25 Million
The College of Veterinary Medicine at Western University of Health
Sciences has received a $250,000 grant from Maddie’s FundSM, a
family foundation endowed by PeopleSoft business software founder and
board chairman Dave Duffield and his wife, Cheryl. The grant,
titled “”Integration & Application of the Maddie’sSM, Shelter
Medicine throughout a four-year curriculum at a new College of Veterinary
Medicine,”” is the first part of a $1.25 million proposal – the single
largest private donation in the university’s 25-year history – to be
implemented over five years.
The funds will support the development of a new Maddie’sSM
Shelter Medicine Program at the college, which will open its doors to its
charter class of students in fall 2003.
The program will integrate the no-kill philosophy and methods into the
core curriculum for veterinary students; provide medical consultation and
other services to animal shelters including no-kill animal shelters; and
make clinical experiences at no-kill shelters a significant component of
the college’s program.
“”We are honored to partner with Maddie’s FundSM as the
recipient of this generous grant,”” said Shirley Johnston, DVM, PhD,
founding dean of the college, which is the first and only veterinary
medical school in Southern California.
“”The success of our proposal has, in some part, relied upon our reverence-
for-life philosophy, which permeates our educational programs and
alliances with area shelters, rescue groups, California Polytechnic
University, Pomona, and private veterinary practices. We want to thank
the foundation and the board of directors for their encouragement and
support.””
The Alameda, Calif.-based foundation is helping to finance the creation of
a “”no-kill”” nation and is devoted to saving the lives of companion animals
by ending the practice of euthanasia in animal shelters in favor of
finding homes for healthy, adoptable dogs and cats. The foundation bears
the name of the Duffields’ beloved miniature schnauzer who died in 1997.
“”We believe this contribution ushers in an important era for giving to
Western University of Health Sciences,”” said Philip Pumerantz, PhD,
university president. “”We are honored that organizations of the caliber
of Maddie’s FundSM recognize our efforts to educate competent
and caring health care professionals who have a compassion for all life.””
In addition to the College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of
Health Sciences, a private, non-profit university, has four other colleges
educating students to become pharmacists, osteopathic physicians, physical
therapists, advanced practice nurses and physician assistants.
About Maddie’s Fund:
Maddie’s FundSM, the Pet Rescue Foundation, is a family
foundation endowed through the generosity of Cheryl and Dave Duffield,
PeopleSoft Founder and Board Chairman. The foundation is helping to fund
the creation of a no-kill nation. The first step is to help create
programs that guarantee loving homes for all healthy, adoptable shelter
dogs and cats throughout the country. The next step will be to save the
sick and injured pets in animal shelters nationwide. For more information
about Maddie’s FundSM, visit www.maddiesfund.org.
