A transformational gift of $5 million from the estate of Seth and Lucy Holcombe will establish the Dr. Harry Werner Professorship in Equine Medicine at New Bolton Center, the large animal hospital of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine (Penn Vet).

The endowed chair is named for the Holcombe’s veterinarian and life-long friend, Harry Werner, VMD, a 1974 Penn Vet graduate. Werner began caring for the Holcombe’s Morgan horses in the early days of his career and continued to do so throughout his years of working in Connecticut.

The professorship will include teaching, research, and clinical outreach, with an emphasis on equine welfare and wellness, important to both the Holcombes and Werners. Penn Vet is conducting an international search for candidates, with a goal of awarding the professorship in 2017.

“We are delighted that Dr. Werner’s clients have honored him with this wonderful gift to improve the lives of horses through a new program at New Bolton Center,” said Joan C. Hendricks, VMD, PhD, the Gilbert S. Kahn Dean of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania