Featured Funds

Here Since 1991

This Dr. Erwin Small Scholarship Fund supports members of the Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association and Omega Tau Sigma with financial need. The availability of this scholarship has made a great difference for a number of veterinary students – a difference that can significantly improve their veterinary school experience.

“The Dr. Small scholarship has had a great impact on my ability to afford attending vet school. I am able to focus more on my studies rather than worry about money issues. I continue to be extremely grateful for this generous scholarship; it has made my life a lot easier.”  -  Lauren Wrobel, 4th year student

“The scholarship has allowed me to be more willing to pursue avenues of my education such as unpaid externships. I am extremely appreciative that a former member of the University teaching staff cared enough about the future of veterinary medicine that he would encourage a scholarship program.  It truly shows his dedication to allowing others to have the opportunity to pursue their passion.”  - Ann Johnson, 4th year student

The Clinical Skills Learning Center, opening next fall, will be the bridge that links together the basic science and clinical training segments of the new Illinois Integrated Veterinary Professional Curriculum. Students will use the Clinical Skills Learning Center to accumulate valuable veterinary experience, building competence and confidence in their clinical skills. Donations to the Center will cover the expenses of new teaching tools and medical equipment.

Donations will be directed toward:

• Large equipment, such as anesthesia machines, ultrasound units, portable x-ray units, ECG machines and blood pressure monitors
• Smaller equipment, such as microscopes, surgical instruments, fluid pumps, and suture boards
• Simulators for heart and lung sounds, ECG, blood pressure and other vital signs
• Computers and video equipment, educational software and videos;

The CSLC will provide a setting in which veterinary students in all four years of the curriculum gain competence and confidence in clinical skills through self-directed learning, practice, feedback, and assessment. Coupling clinical skills training with didactic course work in the first two years of the curriculum will help bring clinical relevance to basic science concepts. The Center will also provide the College with the ability to objectively assess clinical competencies in a standardized manner and help assure that all University of Illinois graduates are well prepared for veterinary practice.” – Dawn Morin, Associate Professor, Veterinary Clinical Medicine

Here since 2000

The Companion Animal Related Emotions Helpline (CARE Helpline) is a telephone service that aids individuals in dealing with the grieving process associated with losing a beloved companion.  The helpline is staffed by student volunteers who have been trained by grief counseling professionals.

Help usensure that grieving pet owners are not forced to suffer in silence.

"Your gift to the CARE Helpline will help to ensure that there is always someone available to ease the sorrow that comes with loss, and that veterinary students have an opportunity to develop their compassion and communication skills so they will be more effective practitioners.” - Cheryl Weber, Client Counselor Specialist

$75 is enough to pay the CARE Helpline phone bill for an entire month!

$30 can buy 115 CARE brochures to be given to pet lovers when their companion dies.

$5 can purchase a grief packet of poems and literature for an elderly man who lost his best friend, a black Labrador, and is struggling to adjust.

$1 is enough to pay for a 15-minute call to a mother asking questions about whether she should allow her 6-year-old twins to attend the euthanasia of the family dog.

Click here to support the CARE Helpline with an online donation.

 

Here since 2001

The Humane Connection Fund is dedicated to allowing veterinarians to ‘go the extra mile’ for patients whose owners have limited means. Donations to this fund also benefit students by allowing them to be involved in providing the highest level of care for their patients.

Your donations will be used for deserving—and occasionally extraordinary—causes. Recently a young dachshund came into the hospital unable to move its back legs. Only with assistance from the Humane Connection Fund was the owner able to afford the orthopedic surgery and rehabilitation that allowed this dog to make a full recovery.

The Humane Connection Fund also helped ease some of the financial and emotional turmoil of a recent case. A couple went home for lunch to find their house on fire, with their dog and cat trapped inside. The man dashed into the burning building, and was able to save his pointer. Both dog and owner required medical treatment, and fortunately both recovered completely.

Click here to support the Humane Connection Fund with an online donation.

Here since 2001

A Pet’s Place provides a valuable service for people in desperate need of support. Victims of domestic abuse sometimes refuse to flee their homes out of fear of what will become of their beloved companion animals. A Pet’s Place is a safe haven for such animals – and a crucial step towards safety for victims of abuse.

“I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your kindness. You were there for me when I needed a place for my pets. You gave them care and love when I couldn’t. You gave them shelter when I had to leave my home. Thank you and God bless you for being there.”

“I couldn’t leave if I couldn’t take (my cats). I couldn’t leave them in a house where even I didn’t feel safe. From beginning to end my experience with A Pet’s Place was comforting, compassionate, and life-changing. What else can I say but thank you, thank you, and thank you again!”

“Providing a safe place for her pet while a woman restarts her life is such a small thing that can change her life forever.” Laura Bukowski, A Pet’s Place Co-Director.

Click here to support A Pet's Place with an online donation.