Texas animal lovers donate $1 million to OSU Veterinary Center

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

 Life insurance gift to benefit small animal critical care

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(STILLWATER, Okla. June 25, 2008) The Oklahoma State University Foundation announced today the receipt of a $1 million gift from Bill and Sallie Morris of Lubbock, Texas, to benefit OSU’s Center for Veterinary Health Sciences’ Small Animal Critical Care Unit.
 
“My wife, Sallie, and I have two passions—defenseless children and defenseless animals,” Morris said.   “We decided that the best way to help animals was to give to the Small Animal Critical Care Unit at OSU’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital.”
 
Through an endowment agreement, Bill and Sallie established a $1 million life insurance gift that will fund the facilities most pressing needs.
 
The center’s critical care unit is the only facility in the state providing full-service, 24-hour care to small animals in critical condition. Not only does the unit provide quality care to roughly 8,000 animals each year, but it also serves as a training laboratory for veterinary students.
 
“What is nice about the Morris gift is that we can use the funds for whatever is needed,” said Dr. Michael Lorenz, professor and dean of the Veterinary Center.  “If we need equipment, a new building, renovations to current structures, or laboratory upgrades, we can do it as long as the end product helps advance critical care for small animals at the Center for Veterinary Health Sciences.  Thanks to Bill and Sallie Morris, we will have the resources to make that happen.”
 
The Morrises have found many ways to support their passions. They have eight dogs of their own and are developing plans for a dog rescue facility on their farm in Lubbock, Texas. Construction on the first phase of the facility will begin next week. When completed, the entire facility will house between 300 and 350 animals.
 
The couple has also established a $1,000 scholarship for an incoming veterinary student at the Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, $1,000 scholarship at the OSU Spears School of Business, and a $1,000 scholarship for the master’s program at Texas Tech’s School of Business.  These gifts along with the endowed gift to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital realize the Morris’ passion for animals and philanthropy.
 
The Oklahoma State University Foundation serves as the private fundraising organization for OSU, as designated by the OSU Regents. Its mission is to unite donor and university passions and priorities to achieve excellence.
 
For more information on the OSU Foundation, log on to our Web site at www.OSUgiving.com or call 405-385-5100.