Bay Area Billionaire Gives UC Davis Record-Breaking $120M Gift

Donation to veterinary school is largest ever for veterinary medicine

Jan. 30, 2026 at 11:31am

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The veterinary school at the University of California, Davis, will be renamed after billionaire philanthropists Sanford and Joan Weill, who donated $120 million to the school - the largest gift ever made to veterinary medicine.

Why it matters

The record-breaking donation will significantly boost UC Davis' veterinary program, which is one of the top-ranked in the country. The Weills' gift reflects the growing importance of animal health and the valuable role veterinary schools play in advancing medical research and care.

The details

The $120 million donation from the Weills will support the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine's programs, facilities, and research initiatives. The school will now be known as the Sanford and Joan Weill School of Veterinary Medicine.

  • The donation was announced on January 30, 2026.

The players

Sanford and Joan Weill

Billionaire philanthropists who donated $120 million to the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.

UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine

One of the top-ranked veterinary schools in the country, which will be renamed the Sanford and Joan Weill School of Veterinary Medicine after the record-breaking donation.

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What they’re saying

“Angel's care at UC Davis left a lasting impression on our family,”

— Sanford Weill

What’s next

The renaming ceremony for the Sanford and Joan Weill School of Veterinary Medicine is scheduled for May 15, 2026.

The takeaway

This historic donation will cement UC Davis' reputation as a leader in veterinary education and research, and reflects the growing importance of animal health in our society.