A GIFT OF HEARTFELT SUPPORT FROM THE CLASS OF 1985

The Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine Class of 1985 is a class unlike any other. Known for its deep camaraderie, endless inside stories and unwavering pride in the veterinary profession, this group of dedicated veterinarians has set an outstanding example of what it means to give back. Nearly 40 years after walking the stage, the Class of 1985 has once again come together—this time to leave a legacy that will impact generations of veterinary students to come.

In a powerful and inspiring show of generosity, the Class of 1985 has made a major endowed gift to the Texas Veterinary Medical Foundation (TVMF). This transformative contribution will permanently support the Foundation’s veterinary student stethoscope program, ensuring that every first-year veterinary student at both Texas A&M University and Texas Tech University receives a stethoscope at the start of veterinary school.

TVMF’s stethoscope program is more than just a practical gift. It’s a symbol of connection and encouragement offered from one generation of veterinarians to the next. Each stethoscope is a tangible reminder that students are not alone and that they are part of a larger veterinary family rooted in service and compassion. It’s also an invitation to engage with organized veterinary medicine in Texas, a tradition that strengthens and unifies the profession.

“I remember opening the box at orientation,” said Alyssa M., a first-year veterinary student at TAMU. “It was such a powerful moment. I felt like I had been officially welcomed into veterinary medicine. Knowing that practicing veterinarians cared enough to do this for us was emotional and incredibly motivating.”

The landmark gift from the Class of 1985 to endow the stethoscope program represents a defining moment for TVMF.

“A gift of this magnitude changes the trajectory of the Foundation,” shared Dr. Nancy Carter, Texas Veterinary Medical Association (TVMA) President and TVMF Trustee. “It shows an incredible amount of trust in TVMF to steward this endowment and ensure its impact lasts for generations.”

As the Foundation continues to flourish, the Board of Trustees has taken strategic steps to safeguard and grow its resources for the future. TVMF’s $4 million in charitable assets are managed by Fisher Investments, a globally recognized investment management firm, maximizing the long-term impact of every gift. This financial stewardship provides peace of mind for donors like the Class of 1985, who know their contributions will endure and deliver on their intended purpose now and for decades to come.

Indeed, the Class of 1985’s decision to entrust their legacy to TVMF is a testament of their generosity as individuals and commitment to advancing veterinary medicine in Texas, regardless of one’s alma mater. Their gift will have a direct impact for hundreds of students every year,—180 at Texas A&M and 100 at Texas Tech—and inspire careers of service, leadership and community among the next generation of veterinarians.

“While we are the Texas A&M Class of ‘85, investing this project with TVMF means we are extending support to future veterinarians at Texas Tech as well,” Dr. McAdoo said. “This endowment is an incredible testament to veterinarians stepping up, supporting students and becoming philanthropists through the Foundation.”

To the TAMU-CVM Class of 1985 and endowment supporters: Thank you! Your gift speaks volumes not only about who you are but about the future you believe in. Your legacy will echo in every heartbeat heard through those stethoscopes, in every life touched by the students who wear them and in every act of generosity they will one day pass forward.

To contribute to the endowment or explore opportunities to create a lasting impact through a major gift to TVMF, please contact TVMF Director of Development Casey McBee at cmcbee@tvma.org or 512-452-4224.