Dedication Ceremony Renaming UT Large Animal Hospital

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The Equine and Farm Animal Hospitals at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine (UTCVM) on the Institute of Agriculture campus was renamed the Charles and Julie Wharton Large Animal Hospital to honor the Wharton’s transformational philanthropic support of UT. The ceremony took place at the veterinary college Friday, May 13, 2022.

Aerial view of the Charles and Julie Wharton Large Animal Hospital

The naming recognizes the significant philanthropic support that Wharton, a 1965 graduate of the Tickle College of Engineering, has shown the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, including the College of Veterinary Medicine, UT Extension, UT AgResearch, the Herbert College of Agriculture, the Tickle College of Engineering and UT Athletics.

The Wharton’s support helps enhance the development of faculty and staff expertise and significantly contributes to the well-being of animals and people at the UTCVM. It is fitting that the Large Animal Hospital now bears the names of two of its most passionate supporters.

Julie served on the UTCVM advisory board from its inception until her death in 2008 and was a founding member of the UT Alliance of Women in Philanthropy. Charles’ volunteer leadership provides influential assistance on educational issues at the institutional and state levels, with a focus on access and opportunity for Tennesseans to higher education. He is a current member of the UT President’s Council and an associate member of the UTCVM Board of Advisors. He is a former member of the UT Board of Trustees, UT Foundation Board, UTIA Advancement Board, UTAA Board of Governors, UTSI Support Council, UTAA BOG Annual Giving Standing Committee, UT Research Foundation Board, and the former Chair of the UT Development Council among other leadership roles. He was recognized with the UTIA Meritorious Service Award in 2017, the Alumni Service Award in 2012, and in 2009 was awarded the Development Council Service Award.

Speakers at the ceremony included University of Tennessee President Randy Boyd, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Chancellor Donde Plowman, retired Senior Vice-President and Senior Vice-Chancellor of the Institute of Agriculture Tim Cross, veterinary student Lindsey Pokrzywinski, Carla Sommardahl, large animal department head, and Jim Thompson, dean of the Veterinary College.

The Wharton’s support will propel the Large Animal Hospital to continue to be at the forefront of equine and farm animal medical care and provide the most advanced technologies available for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of horses and farm animals.

The UT College of Veterinary Medicine is eternally grateful for the support and insight of Charles, Julie, and now Lori Wharton.