The donation is the School's biggest-ever philanthropic gift.
Surrey Veterinary School has received its largest-ever philanthropic gift – a £10 million donation from an anonymous donor.
The gift is also the biggest-single gift in the university's history. Donated as part of The Future Says Surrey £60m fundraising campaign, the money will help to advance understanding and knowledge of how to care for companion animals.
Surrey Vet School president and vice-chancellor, Professor Max Lu, said: “We launched this campaign to enhance the positive impact the University has on society, through supporting our talented students and inspirational researchers in people-centred AI, sustainability, and one health-one medicine.
"With support such as this from alumni and donors, Surrey as a leading global institution will further its mission to help shape a better world.”
The anonymous donor made the £10 million legacy contribution after learning about some of the innovative studies and techniques underway at the School of Veterinary Medicine.
Animal welfare-related projects are the donor's top priority, and are set to gain from the contribution. Among them includes work to lessen the suffering and discomfort experienced by dogs as a result of selective breeding.
The generous gift is also expected to support treatments for cancer in animals and scholarship schemes for students. The schemes will enable the best veterinary medicine students to study at Surrey, irrespective of their financial circumstances.
Professor Paul Townsend, pro-vice chancellor and executive dean of the faculty of health and medical sciences, commented: “We are immensely grateful for this incredible gift. A donation of this magnitude is game-changing and promises to make a huge difference. We will ensure that this generous bequest funds work closest to the donor’s heart.”
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
