Dr. Gregory Ferraro was honored for his lasting impact on equine health and research with the announcement of a new endowed directorship in his name. Nearly 100 people—a veritable who’s who in equine medicine at UC Davis—gathered as Dean Michael Lairmore appointed Dr. Carrie Finno as the inaugural holder of the Dr. Gregory L. Ferraro Endowed Directorship. 

Lairmore described a number of partnerships and generous donors to the Center for Equine Health (CEH) that made this endowed directorship possible, including the Bill and Inez Mabie Foundation that helped spearhead the initiative. 

Dr. Claudia Sonder, former director of the CEH, was also honored for her leadership and skill as a liaison between the school and equine industry. Dr. Joie Watson recalled a number of stories that illuminated Ferraro as a person of vision who helped build and create several successful programs that continue to grow today.

“That vision required patience and commitment to building relationships on mutual trust and respect,” Watson said. 

Ferraro highlighted the importance of fostering the talent of people to make significant progress in the welfare of horses—from students and residents to staff and faculty members. A number of people reminisced about the lasting impression Ferraro made over the years, including delivering a foal while still dressed in one of his trademark suits.

Finno spoke of the value of mentors and Ferraro’s instrumental support of her Ph.D. training in equine genetics and her recruitment to UC Davis as faculty. 

“I have some very big Italian loafers to fill,” she said.