When Rob Loose graduates from NC State’s College of Veterinary Medicine next month, a position in a small-animal general practice awaits him. He feels ready to succeed there, thanks to the innovative education and medical research, advanced technology and quality of care that the college is known for- excellence that is made possible due in large part to the legacy of the late Randall B. Terry, Jr.
Ranked third in the nation (by U.S. News & World Report), NC State’s College of Veterinary Medicine has been influenced by the Terry legacy in many ways. While much of the Terry Foundation’s previous financial support has contributed to state-of-the-art facilities, the most recent gift largely will further the foundation’s support of the people who use those facilities.
“I’ve been able to learn more, meet more people and really get a better idea of where our profession is headed,” said Loose, a Randall B. Terry Jr. Leadership in Veterinary Medicine Scholarship recipient.
Now, even more students will get the same kinds of opportunities. The R.B. Terry Charitable Foundation has pledged $16 million to support scholarships, faculty and research endowments within the College of Veterinary Medicine. This generous gift–which will effectively double the student scholarship endowment–furthers a visionary legacy through which the foundation, formed by the late Randall B. Terry, Jr., has made significant investments in the college over the years.
“It is fitting that we celebrate the 30th anniversary of our first graduating class with a commitment of a gift that will enable us to shape the future of veterinary medicine for many years to come,” said CVM Dean Paul Lunn.
In 2005, the Terry Foundation committed funding to help build the Randall B. Terry, Jr. Companion Animal Veterinary Medical Center. The Terry Center epitomizes the late philanthropist’s understanding of the bond between companion animals and owners, as well as NC State’s think and do philosophy. “Animals give so much to mankind; it’s only fitting that we give back something to them,” Terry once said.
The generosity of Terry, and his love for his nine golden retrievers, named after figures in Greek mythology; Achilles, Ajax, Apollo, Athena, Diana, Nike, Rumor, Venus, and Zeus–coupled with his appreciation for the tremendous care they received at the College of Vet Med, moved him to build a veterinary medical center that is now a national model of excellence.
Every year at the College of Veterinary Medicine, thousands of animals receive outstanding and compassionate care, the next generation of leading veterinarians and scientists emerges, and innovative research pushes the boundaries of animal–and human–healthcare.
“Donors do not just give, they also shape through their own vision,” Lunn said. “I did not have the opportunity to meet Mr. Terry, but I have had the opportunity to develop a relationship with the remarkable members of the R.B. Terry Charitable Foundation’s Board of Directors. They have high expectations for the impact of Mr. Terry’s legacy, and their vision is that we will stretch for higher goals and achieve more than anyone might expect of us. We need to live up to that.”
