As a boy growing up on a livestock farm near Pontiac, Illinois, John Anderson Coyne dreamed of becoming a veterinarian. Now, 51 years after earning his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Illinois, he has given back many times over to the university he credits with his success.
His most recent gift—a multi-year commitment for expansion of the College of Veterinary Medicine’s satellite clinic housing its primary care service, Wildlife Medical Clinic, and more—was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting event on October 10. The clinic was renamed the Dr. John A. Coyne South Clinic in recognition of his generous investment.
‘No Limits’ to What He Could Do
Before a crowd containing Dr. Coyne’s family members, dedicated employees, and campus leaders, Dr. Coyne abandoned his prepared notes and spoke directly from his heart.
“This is a tremendous honor for myself and my family,” he began.
“It was a dream to attend the University of Illinois for my college degree. And it was a steep climb to get into veterinary school there,” he said.
“After I was accepted, I was determined to be the best that I could be. Someone asked me what I would do with my career, and I told them: ‘There’s no limit.’ I believe that there’s no limit to what you can achieve with a veterinary degree.”
Dr. Coyne also spoke about being raised in a strong family. He had tremendous parents, he said, who instilled the values of working hard and giving back.
Still, he credits his alma mater as pivotal to the long and successful career that he continues to enjoy and that has enabled him to provide for his family.
“Without my Illinois degrees, my life would be very different,” he concluded. “Thank you!”
Multiple Gifts to University of Illinois
Before Dr. Coyne took the podium, Dr. Peter Constable, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, cited many of the ways Dr. Coyne has given back to the University of Illinois.
These include establishing a scholarship for veterinary students, endowing two named professorships at the veterinary college, and funding the renovation of the lobby of the college’s Small Animal Clinic, which houses ten veterinary specialty services, from anesthesia to surgery.
He also recently gifted the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics with the Dr. John Coyne Strength and Conditioning Center, where the football team benefits from cutting-edge equipment for strength training, mobility, and flexibility.
Dean Constable remarked that Dr. Coyne’s generosity is more than matched by his kind and friendly nature. Dr. Coyne regularly attends the veterinary college’s career fair for students each fall as well as the Awards and Scholarships Celebration each spring.
“He always seems to have a broad smile on his face,” said the dean. “He is very approachable with our students, as I’m sure he is with the clients who see him in his clinics.”
Tour the Dr. John A. Coyne South Clinic
After a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony, attendees were invited to tour the newly dubbed facility to see first-hand what goes on within the building.
The first stop was the state-of-the-art mobile surgical unit used by the Veterinary Teaching Hospital’s community medicine service. Under the direction of Dr. Laura Frazier, this service brings veterinary students to regional animal shelters to provide free or low-cost care for dogs and cats whose owners have financial need.
Dr. Gene Pavlovsky, director of the Dr. John A. Coyne South Clinic, guided visitors through the west and central wings of the building. The doors open onto a lobby and reception desk for clients bringing pets of to see any of three services.
- The primary care service provides vaccinations, spay and neuter surgeries, dental cleanings, and other routine services for dogs and cats. Fourth-year veterinary students gain experience as the lead clinician for these patients.
- The urgent/convenient care service offers same-day visits for pets that need non-emergency care and can’t see their own veterinarian.
- The zoological medicine service provides wellness and specialty care for companion animals from reptiles and birds to rabbits and ferrets. This service also runs an ambulatory unit that provides veterinary care for several central Illinois zoos.
Wildlife Clinic Grows, Thanks to Donors
The east side of the Dr. John A. Coyne South Clinic houses the College of Veterinary Medicine Wildlife Medical Clinic. Since 1979, this student-run program has provided free care for ill, injured, or orphaned wildlife. It was the first service to move into the South Clinic building, in 2019. Previously, the program was housed in various spaces in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. None of those spaces had been designed for the purpose of caring for wildlife.
Dr. Stephany Lewis, director of the Wildlife Medical Clinic, along with two of the current student volunteers in the clinic, showed off the treatment rooms and animal wards. Those on the tour got to view the space being renovated to serve the public education mission of the wildlife clinic. Donor Dr. Julia Seville, who gave the funds for this renovation, was on hand for the ribbon-cutting and tour.
Another donor to the Wildlife Medical Clinic at the event, Richard Sivicek, funded the construction of an outdoor residence for the wildlife clinic’s ambassador animals, now including a bald eagle, three red-tailed hawks, an owl, a kestrel, an opossum, and three reptiles. Many guests lingered here to enjoy the breath-taking beauty of these animals.
‘Significant Contribution to Our Campus’
During the program, Dr. John Coleman, provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, said the newly named clinic brings to life the positive societal impact that “must at all times be our university’s purpose and guiding principle.”
The Dr. John A. Coyne South Clinic, he noted, is a place where wildlife, dogs, cats, and other companion animals receive needed medical care, where the deep bond between pet parents and their companions is sustained, and where future veterinarians are trained.
In other words, “where the land-grant mission of our university is carried forward in service to others.
“The Coyne family’s investments in Illinois have made a significant contribution to our campus community,” he said.
Scenes from the Tour of the Dr. John A. Coyne South Clinic
Dr. John Coyne listens as Dr. Gene Pavlovsky, director of the Dr. John A. Coyne South Clinic, leads a tour.
Dr. Stephany Lewis (right), director of the Wildlife Medical Clinic, and two student volunteers lead a tour.
Sydney Oliveira, wildlife clinic program coordinator, introduces one of the newest ambassador animals to Dr. Coyne and guests.
