$1M gift fuels future of veterinary medicine at University of Arizona

A transformative $1 million gift commitment from the Mars and Airth families will significantly advance student support and groundbreaking research at the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine.

Reflecting the families’ deep commitment to veterinary medicine and the human-animal bond, the gift will establish the Mars/Airth Scholarship in Veterinary Medicine endowment and support research on human-animal interactions.

Over the next five years, the scholarship will provide $70,000 per year in financial support to students pursuing veterinary careers, helping to alleviate the financial burden of veterinary education and empower future leaders in animal health.

“This scholarship endowment will support our students' financial well-being and contribute to the long-term success of future veterinary professionals,” said Dr. Julie Funk, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine.

In addition to the scholarship endowment, the Mars and Airth families have committed $130,000 per year to fund ongoing research into the relationships between humans and animals. This support will allow the college to expand its research teams and explore how animal interactions influence community health and individual well-being.

“Mars' and Airth financial commitment enables us to push the boundaries of what we know about human-animal bonds, expand our research teams, and foster further innovation,” said Maggie O'Haire, associate dean of research and professor at the college. “Our work has the potential to impact both humans and animals positively.”

John-Paul Roczniak, president and CEO of the University of Arizona Foundation, emphasized the gift’s broader significance: “The incredible research coming out of the College of Veterinary Medicine is a source of pride for the U of A. This gift is a great example of how philanthropy can power important research, in this case the human-animal bond, which plays a huge role in so many lives.”

The Mars and Airth families' investment directly supports the college’s mission to train compassionate, innovative veterinarians and researchers.

Established in 2020, the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine is the state’s first and only public veterinary program. With a unique, rigorous three-year curriculum — compared to the traditional four-year programs — the college enables students to enter the workforce sooner while benefiting from a team-based learning model.

“This program is like no other in the nation, and students will receive one of the most innovative learning experiences possible,” Funk added.

This generous $1 million commitment is part of the University of Arizona’s Fuel Wonder campaign, a $3 billion fundraising initiative designed to provide every student with a comprehensive support system while powering research in fields ranging from cancer engineering to space sciences.