Long Island University’s Vet College Gets a Major Name Change—and It’s All Thanks to 2 Iconic Animal Rights Philanthropists!

In a groundbreaking partnership, Long Island University (LIU) has announced that its College of Veterinary Medicine will now be named in honor of Alex and Elisabeth Lewyt, the visionary founders of North Shore Animal League and long-time advocates for animal welfare. The new name, The Lewyt College of Veterinary Medicine, comes with a generous $20.5 million donation from the Lewyt Trust, ensuring that the couple’s profound impact on both the local community and the field of animal care will continue for generations to come.

A Legacy of Compassionate Care

The Lewyts' legacy is one of compassion, innovation, and unwavering dedication to animal welfare. Their work through North Shore Animal League, one of the world’s largest no-kill animal shelters, has saved countless animals from euthanasia and provided them with loving homes. Alex Lewyt, an inventor and entrepreneur, was best known for his creation of the Lewyt vacuum cleaner. However, it was his work with his wife, Elisabeth “Babette” Lewyt, that cemented their place in history as pioneers in the fight for humane animal care.

Together, the Lewyts’ efforts led to the restoration and expansion of North Shore Animal League, making it a leader in the no-kill movement. Alex served as the president of the League for decades, while Elisabeth championed the cause from the board of directors. The duo’s passion for animal rights and their commitment to saving stray and abandoned pets changed the landscape of animal rescue in the U.S.

In recognition of their lasting influence, LIU has officially named its veterinary school The Lewyt College of Veterinary Medicine, marking a momentous milestone in the institution’s history.

A Transformative Gift for Veterinary Education

As part of the $20.5 million partnership with the Lewyt Trust, the college will not only receive a new name but also benefit from several impactful initiatives that will extend the Lewyts’ mission into the future. One of the most significant components of the agreement is the creation of annual scholarships for veterinary students, set to begin in August 2025. These scholarships will help reduce the financial burden on aspiring veterinarians, enabling them to pursue their passion for animal care without the weight of crushing student debt.

“The Lewyt name is synonymous with humane and compassionate care for all animals, and through their Trust, Alex and Elisabeth’s philanthropy continues,” said Dr. Kimberly R. Cline, President of Long Island University. “We are honored to have their name on the College of Veterinary Medicine, a testament to their enduring commitment to both animals and the Long Island community.”

In addition to scholarships, the agreement will fund the establishment of Lewyt Training Centers at local animal shelters. These centers will provide staffing and training support to shelters in need, ensuring that the animals under their care receive the highest standard of veterinary attention. The centers will also serve as hubs for outreach programs, where veterinary students will offer free basic veterinary care to underserved communities and distribute essential pet supplies to those in need.

Strengthening the Future of Veterinary Medicine

The Lewyt College of Veterinary Medicine, which enrolled its first class in 2020, is the only veterinary school in the New York Metropolitan area and one of just four in the entire Northeast. With the first class set to graduate in May 2024, the college is already establishing itself as a leader in veterinary education. A recent investment of over $30 million has resulted in the construction of the 33,000 square-foot Veterinary Medicine Learning Center, which includes a state-of-the-art Animal Simulation Suite. Here, students can practice on virtual patients through realistic examinations, surgeries, and medical imaging, preparing them for the diverse challenges they will face in real-world veterinary care.

In addition to these modern facilities, the partnership with the Lewyt Trust will ensure that veterinary students receive a hands-on education that emphasizes both technical skills and compassionate care. Students will gain invaluable experience at the Lewyt Training Centers, working with shelter animals and learning firsthand the importance of humane treatment and the impact of community outreach.

Honoring the Lewyts’ Enduring Impact

The decision to rename the College of Veterinary Medicine after Alex and Elisabeth Lewyt is a fitting tribute to their groundbreaking work in animal welfare. It also reflects the continuing legacy of their commitment to veterinary education, which will now shape the future of veterinary medicine in the region.

As Wendy McColgan, co-trustee of the Alex & Elisabeth Lewyt Charitable Trust, noted: “With their strong devotion to Long Island, the Lewyts would be honored to have Long Island University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in their name. This partnership is the perfect way to ensure that their love for animals and their commitment to saving lives continues for years to come.”

The Lewyt College of Veterinary Medicine stands as a powerful reminder of the Lewyts’ enduring legacy, one that will inspire generations of veterinary professionals and animal advocates to follow in their footsteps. Through this partnership, the Lewyts’ compassionate work will continue to make a profound difference in the lives of both animals and the people who care for them.