University of Missouri veterinary school accepts $2.5 million for scholarship endowment

The University of Missouri has received an estate commitment of $2.5 million from Gary Savill and Barbara Stampfil-Savill to the university’s College of Veterinary Medicine. The gift will create an endowment to provide one or more scholarships to cover 50 percent of all tuition and fees each year.

Students—preferably those from underrepresented ethnic groups—who demonstrate financial need will be eligible for the scholarships. Those awarded will be required to do at least 120 hours of animal-related community and volunteer service each year. “We are grateful to Barbara and Gary for their generosity to the college and appreciate their desire to help increase diversity within the veterinary profession,” says Neil Olson, dean of the MU College of Veterinary Medicine, in a university release. “Their additional aim of fostering community service is one we as a college also embrace.”

MU chancellor R. Bowen Loftin says providing a “top-tier education” at an affordable cost is a priority for the university and the endowment helps further that cause at the veterinary school. The couple had no prior affiliation with Mizzou but wanted to give to the veterinary school to benefit animals.“Barbara and I are animal lovers, and we hope this gift will help care for animals around the nation and the world by educating future classes of veterinarians,” Savill says. “We also wish to enable students who otherwise would not be able to afford the education and training required to enter this noble profession.”

In addition, the couple, who own and operate a custom-built motorcycle business in St. Louis, have donated a motorcycle to the College of Veterinary Medicine to be raffled at the college’s annual Gentle Doctor Benefit April 5. The benefit also supports scholarships for the college.