CVM Accepts Major Gift from Mrs. Doris Simmons
Dr. Eleanor Green, Carl B. King dean of veterinary medicine, and Dr. Guy Sheppard, director of development, recently accepted a gift worth $325,000 from the estate of Mrs. Doris Simmons on behalf of the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVM). The executor of the estate, Dr. Alan Garrett, presented the gift to the CVM which will be used to help the college in areas deemed necessary by Green and the executive council.
Mr. and Mrs. Simmons were world travelers who eventually resided in Corpus Christi, Texas. They had an admiration for all animals especially their own. They had miniature horses, a variety of birds, and Chinese Tufted dogs.
Dr. Oscar Woytek, assistant vice president for development, remembered their initial visit when they brought their miniature horses into the large animal hospital. He recalls they were very impressed as the CVM took such interest in their horses and provided excellent care for them, leading to a lifelong friendship. The Simmons were very supportive of the college and advocates of its mission.
“We are thrilled to receive such a valuable gift from such a wonderful advocate not only for the college but for animals as well,” expressed Green. “These funds will be allocated appropriately to help build the college through education, teaching, and research efforts. Our donors help to make this college a top tier establishment and we are truly appreciative of that.”
Garrett, a CVM alumnus, was the Simmons’ veterinarian for about fifteen years. He catered to all of their animals and he knew them very well.
“The Simmons were the gold standard of what good people should be,” explained Garrett. “They lived a colorful life and they loved their pets dearly. I am honored to be the executor of the estate for Mrs. Simmons, and I know that Dr. Green and the executive council will use her gift with the college’s best interest in mind.”
