Dr. John A. Coyne South Clinic Ribbon Cutting Celebration

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.

The ribbon-cutting began with an outdoor program.

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.”