The University of California, Davis announced on Apr. 23 a $75 million gift from Kathy Chiao and Kenneth Hao to support the UC Davis Weill School of Veterinary Medicine. The donation is the second largest individual contribution in the school’s history and will fund a new small animal hospital, scholarships, translational medicine research, and programs assisting those unable to afford veterinary care.
The gift is significant as it addresses both growing demands for advanced veterinary services and the financial challenges faced by students pursuing careers in animal health. The new hospital is scheduled to open in 2030 and will expand capacity by up to 25,000 additional animals annually while integrating technologies such as artificial intelligence and precision medicine.
Chiao and Hao said, “This is a pivotal time to expand support for UC Davis and its extraordinary veterinarians — true everyday heroes. We deeply value the advancement of healthcare for every type of animal. We also believe research in veterinary medicine and human life sciences will be increasingly interconnected and mutually reinforcing.”
Chancellor Gary S. May said the donation would help transform both animal care and human health at UC Davis: “Some of the brightest chapters in our university’s history have come when we partner with those who share our vision for a better world. This generous gift from Kathy Chiao and Ken Hao will transform animal care and create new pathways to advance human health. I’m deeply grateful for their vision and philanthropy.”
Dean Mark D. Stetter highlighted how student scholarships funded by this gift would reduce debt burdens: “Every day, we see how veterinary care matters,” Stetter said. “Our school’s mission is to improve health for animals, people and our planet. Support such as this incredible gift from Kathy Chiao and Ken Hao goes a long way in helping the future of all species.”
The UC Davis Weill School of Veterinary Medicine plans to increase class sizes over several years from 600 to 800 students due to workforce shortages, with scholarship endowments supporting more graduates entering critical roles.
UC Davis extends its research globally on issues like climate change according to its official website. Facilities include resources such as the Bodega Marine Laboratory dedicated to coastal studies according to university sources. The university has received top national rankings in agriculture, veterinary medicine, sustainability according to official data, began as an extension focused on agriculture according to its history, serves California through public service addressing societal needs as stated by university officials, with Gary May serving as chancellor according to official records.
Stetter concluded that philanthropic support enables advancements benefiting both animals and humans: “This incredible gift from Kathy Chiao and Ken Hao enables our school to give the best care possible,” he said.