Inspired by their passion for animals, Richard ’69 and Sandra Johnson give back to the UMass Amherst Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences.

Richard ’69 and Sandra Johnson are animal lovers. A longtime volunteer at Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia, Richard gives behind-the-scenes stable tours showcasing the living museum’s historic animals: breeds of horses, cattle, sheep, and chickens that existed during colonial times. Sandra—who volunteers at the Colonial Williamsburg information desk—frequently joins these tours because she likes spending time around the animals.

The Johnsons began volunteering at Colonial Williamsburg in 2004, when they retired and moved to the area. After living in various places for Richard’s business career—Boston, Buffalo, Minneapolis, and the Netherlands—they wanted to retire in the southeastern United States, somewhere Richard, an avid golfer, could play year-round. A one-day visit was all it took for Williamsburg to capture their hearts, and they knew it was home.

“I discovered numerous golf communities here, we have the College of William and Mary, and there is nothing better than living in a college town,” Richard says. “And there was also Colonial Williamsburg. No other communities had anything like that. I think moving here was an outstanding decision.”

Connecting their passion to UMass

Several years ago, Richard and Sandra began thinking of meaningful ways they could distribute their funds. UMass Amherst seemed a natural choice, as it was important to the Johnsons to support educational opportunities, and Richard remembers his time on campus fondly.

After Sandra mused, “I wish UMass had some sort of animal program,” Richard reached out to UMass Amherst to learn what the university’s needs were and what might align with their passion area. They were introduced to the Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (VASCI).

“One thing led to another, and before you knew it, we were coming to UMass to visit with people at the UMass Hadley Farm,” says Richard. “The department is much more than the farm, but the farm is a showpiece. It reminded us in size and scope of Colonial Williamsburg’s animal program.”

During their visit, the Johnsons met Cassandra Uricchio, PhD, senior lecturer and coordinator for the VASCI equine program. They immediately hit it off.

“When you get animal lovers together, it always blossoms into a beautiful conversation,” says Uricchio.

Richard and Sandra decided to support VASCI through a generous planned gift and stayed in touch with Uricchio, who was fascinated by Colonial Williamsburg’s Cleveland Bay breeding program. The colonial era horse was brought to the brink of extinction and remains endangered, with Colonial Williamsburg one of just a few Cleveland Bay breeding programs worldwide.

Richard made the connection between Uricchio and Colonial Williamsburg and a relationship between VASCI and Colonial Williamsburg blossomed. When Colonial Williamsburg needed to sell several horses, they reached out to VASCI and the Johnsons.

“I thought, ‘This is too good to be true, we need to jump on this,’” says Uricchio.

A unique learning opportunity and a growing partnership

Uricchio made the trip to Colonial Williamsburg with several colleagues and soon VASCI had acquired four Cleveland Bays, two donated by the Johnsons and two purchased by the university. The horses have been a fantastic addition to the VASCI equine program.

“The temperament of the horse is perfect for our needs. They are very even tempered, calm, and people loving,” says Uricchio. “I am totally fascinated that they are a heritage breed. Being animal scientists, we love everything to do with genetics and the opportunity to have a hands-on connection to our curriculum.”

Uricchio says that, thanks to the Johnsons, students will have the unique opportunity to learn about equine reproduction and genetics through a real-life model of a heritage breed whose pool of genetics is so small that every breeding is analyzed by the Cleveland Bay Society to maximize genetic diversity and reduce problems from inbreeding.

The partnership between VASCI and Colonial Williamsburg is still developing and growing. Uricchio says they are discussing opportunities to collaborate on student internships and building a working partnership to conserve the breed. VASCI hopes to start its own Cleveland Bay breeding and research program in the near future and is also interested in learning more about other heritage breeds at Colonial Williamsburg such as chickens, sheep, and cows.

Investing in student success

In addition to their endowed fund and gift of Cleveland Bay horses, Richard and Sandra also supported the purchase of a new police horse for the UMass Amherst mounted police and established a current-use scholarship in VASCI.

“We wanted to help students who would otherwise be faced with a higher burden of student loans, giving them a little bit of a kicker to reduce the amount of student loans they need to continue their college education,” says Richard.

Launched in 2021, the Richard and Sandra Johnson Scholarship for Veterinary and Animal Sciences supports VASCI students who have significant financial need. It has been incredible for VASCI, Uricchio says.

“The Johnsons’ scholarship more than doubled our scholarship fund. A lot of our students are first generation, high need, who can really benefit from the financial support,” Uricchio says. “I’m really appreciative that we have the flexibility to help whatever student needs the most.”

To date, the Johnsons’ scholarship has been awarded to more than 50 VASCI students. Kiara Cruz Gonzalez, Sherly Gomerez, and Martha Leo are among those to benefit from the Johnsons’ support.

Kiara, a senior animal science major from Massachusetts, recently started to work at the UMass Equine and Livestock Research and Education Farm and hopes to pursue veterinary school. She says that the Johnsons’ scholarship is helping her to finish her undergraduate degree.

“I am very thankful for the Johnsons’ scholarship donations that have helped me and other students relieve financial burden and continue studying what we are passionate about,” Kiara says. “I hope to one day serve and give back to my community.”

Martha, who grew up in Florida, is currently in her sophomore year and plans to change her major to pre-veterinary, with hopes to attend veterinary school and become a traveling veterinarian. She says that the Johnsons’ support helps motivate her.

“I am extremely grateful for the Johnsons’ scholarship because their support has alleviated some financial stress and has strengthened my resolve to continue pursuing my dream of becoming a veterinarian,” Martha says.

Born and raised in New York City, Sherly is a junior animal science major who plans to take a gap year after UMass, ideally gaining experience in a veterinary clinic before attending veterinary school. The Johnsons’ scholarship is helping her accomplish her goals.

“I come from a low-income family, and I am a first-generation student,” Sherly says. “Education is something I value. The fact that I can get a little bit of support to help me achieve my goal is amazing.”

Uricchio says that she is touched by and thankful for the Johnsons’ support, which extends beyond their generous philanthropic contributions.

“Richard and Sandi are a wonderful addition to our department because they care about both the students and the animals. They are as invested in the students’ success as in the horse welfare,” Uricchio says. “It is rare to have people who care so much about students and animals. We’re really lucky.”

You can help UMass Amherst expand student research opportunities and animal well-being through a gift to the Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences.