DONOR SPOTLIGHT
Meet Amy O’Rourke
Why do you believe the vet college is important for the future of veterinary medicine? When you think about South Carolina, we’re basically a state focused on agriculture–and Clemson University is a land-grant institution, so it never made sense to me to not have a veterinary school. We definitely have a shortage of vets in South Carolina. People need to take care of their pets, and farmers need to care for their livestock. We need to make sure these animals are safe, secure and healthy. So that’s one of the reasons why I think it’s fabulous to have a college of veterinary medicine. What does the human-animal bond mean to you personally? I love animals with all my heart. I feel like if you believe in something, you should support it. Animals are so important. There are so many studies about the human-animal bond and how happy animals make people, so establishing a college of veterinary medicine (the first in South Carolina) is certainly something I want to support! I’m grateful, happy and thankful to be a part of making history.
What do you want those future generations of veterinarians to know about your family and your legacy? I am so honored to tie my personal values and love of animals to this transformational effort. I have always advocated for animals and believe that every animal was put on this planet for a purpose. The new college of veterinary medicine will do more than educate students; thanks to their time at Clemson University, their careers will be rooted in service and care.
Pictured above are Amy’s 2.5 year old golden cocker retriever, Pinot, and her guinea pigs, Poppy and Lilly. (Not pictured: guinea pig, Bella)
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