2026 Spring Showcase

UC Davis Weill School of Veterinary Medicine 
thanks you for attending

SPRING SHOWCASE

Thursday, April 30, 2026

10:30 AM 
Guest Check In & Animal Encounter – Schalm Lawn
California Raptor Center Ambassador Bird “Whistler”

11:00 AM
Program – Schalm 170
Keynote Presentation: Dean Mark Stetter

Recognition of new Heritage Society for Animals members

Presentation of El Blanco Award: Neeru Khosla, Executive Director, CK-12 Foundation (Neeru's Bio)

Presentation of Distinguished Service Award: Gregg J. Cutler, DVM, MPVM, Dip. ACPV (Gregg's Bio)

11:45-12:45 PM
Lunch  Valley Patio
Interactive Tables & Animal Encounters  Valley Commons

Orphan Kitten Project
Clinical Skills & Simulation Laboratory
Transfusion Medicine & Blood Bank Donor Dog “Ferro”

12:30 PM
Animal Encounter Schalm Lawn
Center for Equine Health “Joe Juice” and “Sindar”

1:00- 2:15 PM         
Educational Sessions  Schalm 170 

Reimagining Relief: Using Gene Therapy to Help Horses in Pain
Dr. Carrie Finno, Director, Center for Equine Health
(Support the Center for Equine Health)

Tiny Paws, Big Futures: Inspiring Stories of Kitten Survival and Care
Dr. Kate Hopper, Director, Small Animal Hospital
Dr. Karen Vernau, Professor, Surgical and Radiological Sciences
(Support Feline Pediatric Compassionate Care)

2:15-3:00 PM          
Open House Tours – Veterinary Medicine Complex

All Species Imaging Center
Anatomy Lab and Bone Room
Deborah Butterfield Sculptures "Bow Tie" and "John"

Keynote Speaker

Dean, Dr. Mark Stetter, wearing a blue blazer and checked shirt.

Mark Stetter, DVM, Dipl. ACZM
Dean, UC Davis Weill School of Veterinary Medicine
(Dr. Stetter's Bio)

Educational Session Speakers

Finno

Carrie Finno, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM
Director, Center for Equine Health
(Dr. Finno's Bio)

 

Kate Hopper

Kate Hopper, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVECC
Director, Small Animal Hospital
(Dr. Hopper's Bio)

 

vernau

Karen Vernau, DVM
Professor, Surgical and Radiological Sciences
(Dr. Vernau's Bio)

Heritage Society for Animals

Newly inducted members from April 2025-April 2026
Learn about how to become a member of the Heritage Society for Animals

Patricia Adamcek

Cynthia Baron and David Abel

Rhonda Barrett and Ralph E. Barrett, D.V.M.

Darlene J. Boggeri

Robert T. Brownstein

Gladstone Eldon Bucknor and Traci Lynn Bucknor

Michael Harrison

Paul A. Schultz and Kathleen J. Kiser-Schultz

Jun Kodani

Peter and Ann Kokalis

Linda J. Lowenstine, D.V.M., Ph.D.

Penny Pawl

Scott Sullivan and Wayne Ritchie

Sharon R. Roberts, Ph.D.

Stephen John Souza

Lori Straley

Ann L. Taylor

Heritage Society for Animals logo

Thank you for your support and partnership. We are deeply grateful. If you were inspired by a presentation or interaction, please consider making a gift today or if you wish to have a conversation with one of our development officers please contact: [email protected] or call (530) 752-7024.