Rowan University receives $30 million donation for New Jersey’s first veterinary school

Rowan University and state officials are coming together today to celebrate the $30 million gift for New Jersey’s first veterinary school from South Jersey businessman, Gerald B. Shreiber. It is being presented at a ceremony held at Rowan’s West Campus in Harrison Township, NJ, the location for the new veterinary school.

According to a university release,¹ the school will be named the Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine of Rowan University, honoring the business leader who has generously supported animal welfare and Rowan for decades. Shreiber’s donation is the third largest gift to Rowan, and the second largest gift to the university from an individual.

“This gift represents everything I’m passionate about,” said Shreiber, 81, who lives on a 113-acre farm in Mullica Hill, New Jersey with his wife, Melanie, in the release.¹ They have various rescue animals, including dogs, horses, burros, goats and a cat. “Animals help all of us live richer, fuller, more active lives. They have enriched my life tremendously. I’m fortunate to be in a position where I can help a broader group of talented people pursue their passion to treat and serve animals. I’m delighted and honored to help make a difference in veterinary medical education.”

In 2021, the New Jersey Legislature approved $75 million to help fund the construction of the school’s primary academic and clinical facilities that will consist of a 108,000-square-foot building with academic classrooms, educational and diagnostic laboratories, a teaching hospital, and administrative and faculty offices.

Governor Phil Murphy speaking at the event in honor of the $30 million donation to the Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine of Rowan University.

“New Jersey is home to some of the top medical care programs in the world. Our commitment to training world-class health care providers in all areas of the medical community will continue with the creation of our state’s first veterinary school,” stated Governor Phil Murphy, in the release.¹ “Rowan will be one of the only universities in the country to offer Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Doctor of Medicine, and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degrees. Combined with its terrific nursing program, Rowan University graduates will soon be providing medical care to every member of a family living in New Jersey.”

The Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine will become just the third named veterinary school in the United States.¹ The first class of about 60 to 70 students is anticipated to start studies in 2025, pending accreditation approval.

“Over the past decade, Gerry Shreiber has witnessed the growth of our institution and has supported our transformation with a dedication to student success through scholarships and the Shreiber Family Pet Therapy Program,” expressed Rowan president Ali A. Houshmand, PhD, in the release. “His generous gift demonstrates his passion—for education and for animals. His support will give our future veterinary students extraordinary opportunities to receive the best education and supports possible to improve the quality of life for the animals they treat.”¹

Rowan president, Ali Houshmand, PhD. (Photo courtesy of Rowan University)

According to Houshmand, Rowan has a proud history of leveraging donations for maximum impact. “We have seen from the Rowan gift and others to our institution over the past 30 years that extraordinary generosity can positively impact multiple lives. Mr. Shreiber has made an investment in our university and we’re proud to earn his confidence,” he added.

There are currently just 33 veterinary schools in the nation, and only 5 on the east coast. The Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine will help address the national demand for veterinarians while keeping those from New Jersey interested in pursuing veterinary medicine in state and attracting out-of-state students. According to the release,¹ Shreiber’s donation will support scholarships to help keep the price of a veterinary school education affordable.

“With the traditionally high costs of a DVM degree, finding ways to reduce graduate educational debt is an important goal for our new program,” said Matthew Edson, DVM, CVPM, MRCVS, founding dean of the school.¹ “We’re excited to be able to offer in-state tuition options for state residents, as well as to address the growing need for veterinarians within New Jersey and across the country.”

Rowan dean Matthew Edson, DVM, CVPM, MRCVS. (Photo courtesy of Rowan University)

“It’s hard to overstate how much of a game changer Mr. Shreiber’s gift is for our veterinary school and for our students,” Edson added. “This will allow us to provide substantial, perpetual scholarship support for aspiring veterinarians for generations to come. We’re so very grateful for his generosity and support of our students and our mission.”

More veterinary education opportunities

Along with offering a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, the Shreiber School will provide additional veterinary medical education program opportunities, including¹:

• Graduate programs, including an MS/PhD in veterinary biomedical science in collaboration with Virtua Health College of Medicine & Life Sciences and Rowan’s College of Science & Mathematics;
• An accelerated DVM/MBA in collaboration with the Rohrer College of Business designed to improve training of DVM students and practicing veterinarians in areas of practice management, business, and economics.

What’s more, the school will foster academic partnerships with other institutions to create post-graduate opportunities, an associate’s degree, certificates and other options, including¹:

• Collaboration with Rowan College of South Jersey for an associate’s degree in veterinary technology;
• Internship and residency programs that allow for post-graduate educational opportunities for post-graduate veterinarians.

“Rowan University drives innovation, research and development in South Jersey that spurs economic growth and provides opportunities for our communities,” stated Congressman Donald Norcross, in the release.¹ “With this $30 million gift for New Jersey’s first veterinary school, Rowan will have the tools and resources needed to continue developing the leaders of tomorrow for South Jersey and our nation.”

“I’ve been very fortunate in business over the years,” said Shreiber. “I’m honored to give this gift. Animals are my passion, so I couldn’t think of a better way to give something back to make a positive impact on their lives. I’m excited to see the development of the veterinary school and to know I have a role in that. I believe New Jersey needs better veterinary care and if I can do my small part to help that, I’m happy to.”

Reference

Rowan University celebrates $30 million gift for New Jersey’s first veterinary school. News release. Rowan University. April 28, 2023. Accessed April 28, 2023.