Philanthropic Partner Creates Support for Generations of Veterinarians

Susan Darling knew she wanted to make a difference – being adopted herself, she adopts animals that are without an owner. She has brought in cats (and occasionally a dog) needing a forever home for decades. Her care has helped the lives of many animals, and yet Susan wanted to do even more.

When she retired from a self-made career managing a large facility for a San Diego-based investment firm, Susan took action. “It just hit me one day, I want to support the best veterinary care available, and that is at UC Davis.” She made a phone call to the School of Veterinary Medicine and had a meeting with the school’s Advancement team to make her wishes a reality.

Susan created an endowed scholarship that supports fourth-year veterinary students at the school to help those who need it most during their graduate careers. Called the E. Susan Darling Scholarship Fund, she established it through a planned gift from her estate.

“I truly believe veterinary care is important,” Susan said. “I have been so happy with the care that my pets have gotten over the years, and want to assure that this field is supported for generations to come.”

Susan has made the contributions with the intention of supporting many years of veterinary students. “I do not have children of my own,” she said. “This is my way of helping the next generations, to make a lasting contribution.”

Susan has always had cats in her life, including as a child growing up in Aberdeen, Scotland. Currently, she cares for three cats – a Siamese/Snowshoe mix named Maggie who was rescued from a dump in Tijuana, a long-haired tabby named Keisha who was rescued as a kitten from Northern California, and Gigi a Cymric who was found along a river in Tijuana with major injuries.

Susan has also contributed to the new Janice K. Hobbs UC Davis Veterinary Medical Center, outlining her intent to provide funds to build “cat condominiums” for the feline-only section of the new center. The center’s compassionate care extends to a special area where cats can be comfortable while they are waiting for treatments or appointments.

The center, which is under construction and set to open in 2026, is being designed by architects Safdie Rabines and built by Swinerton, a firm with offices across the country. Susan worked with Swinerton, in her years managing facilities for an investment firm in San Diego, and was happy to learn that they would be working on the center. She is excited for the opening, and for the center’s support of animals across Southern California.

Susan is hopeful that her philanthropy will inspire others. “I truly think if you love animals as much as I do, it should be something that is worth considering – our animals deserve it.”

***

Learn more and contribute to the UC Davis Hobbs Veterinary Center, and learn more about making a gift to support veterinary scholarships.