The William Woods Center for Equine Medicine is galloping forward thanks to a $1.7 million gift.
"Talk about a pleasant Christmas surprise," William Woods University professor and veterinarian Paul Schiltz said.
WWU Board of Trustees member Theresa Vonderschmitt offered the funds for the ongoing development of the diagnostic, therapeutic and teaching facility.
"Theresa Vonderschmitt exemplifies what it means to support education," WWU president Jahnae Barnett said in a news release. "As a friend, donor and board member of William Woods University for more than two decades, her generosity has been exceptional."
In the past, donations from Vonderschmitt have helped fund the equestrian science program, student diversity scholarships and adult education programs.
"In this season of giving, we simply cannot express our appreciation enough for Theresa's latest groundbreaking gift, which will help make our cutting edge Center for Equine Medicine a reality while boosting our nationally-renowned equestrian science degree program," Barnett said.
The university has been working for several years on the facility, which includes a clinic, classroom space, 17 acres of pastures and an indoor riding area. The university already uses the facility, but the donation will allow the university to finish the project.
"I am excited to see the Center for Equine Medicine reach its potential as a result of this very generous gift," WWU School of Equestrian Studies Director Jennifer Petterson said in an email. "It will have a lasting impact on our ability to educate students in multiple majors on campus and provide exceptional facilities and tools to care for our horses."
Students of biology, pre-medicine and equestrian will have educational opportunities at the center.
"It increases our ability to educate and prepare students for the next level," Schiltz said. "It maximizes our ability to take care of the horses, who we consider co-faculty."
Current work on the property includes improvements such as clinic equipment purchases, replacing the barn roof, fencing, technology upgrades and pasture work.
"This donation will go toward creating a safe and functional outdoor and indoor setting for recovering horses, as well as providing a variety of state-of-the art lab and veterinary equipment," university spokesperson John Fougere wrote in an email.