Anonymous gift elevates veterinary oncology care at WSU

For Dr. Rance Sellon, a professor and veterinary oncologist, it began with a simple consultation. He had no way of knowing this routine request would lead to one of the most significant gifts in the history of Washington State University's College of Veterinary Medicine.

A couple from western Washington brought their dog to WSU's Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH) to learn about treatment options for their dog's tumor. However, given the dog's medical history and some increased respiratory effort and noise, Sellon suspected something more was wrong.

"I said we need to put the tumor on the back burner and figure out why your dog is having trouble breathing," Sellon said.

With the help of Dr. Bonnie Campbell, a VTH veterinary surgeon, the diagnosis was clear: laryngeal paralysis, a condition that prevents the muscles controlling a dog's or cat's larynx from properly letting air into the windpipe. If left untreated, for some dogs, the condition can lead to suffocation. When the dog did, in fact, experience a respiratory crisis shortly after its visit to the VTH, the owners knew what their dog needed and sought the necessary emergency care. For Sellon and the team at WSU's Veterinary Teaching Hospital, it was just another day on the job. Or so he thought. Several months later, he received an unexpected message.

Deeply grateful for their experience with Sellon and the rest of WSU's VTH team, the couple, who wish to remain anonymous, wanted to make a lasting impact. To ensure WSU veterinary oncologists could continue providing cancer care while also training the next generation of practitioners, they decided to establish a faculty chair in his name-the Dr. Rance Sellon Endowed Chair in Veterinary Clinical Oncology.

Offering New Hope in Critical Times

At $6 million, the anonymous gift is the largest in support of a faculty chair in the university's history.

"I was completely surprised," said Sellon. "It's overwhelming, to be honest. It wasn't something I expected at all."

Sellon began his veterinary career in small animal internal medicine, but his path took a pivotal turn in 1997 when he arrived at WSU Pullman. At the time, the College of Veterinary Medicine had no dedicated medical oncologist, and he quickly came to appreciate both the growing interest in veterinary oncology and its unique challenges. What inspired him most were the people who came to the hospital believing there was no hope for their tumor-bearing pets, only to discover that they had options.

"If you have to wait 2-3 weeks before seeing an oncologist, that can be time you don't have," Sellon said. "Time can be critical."

More than an honor, a gift with rippling impact

"The Dr. Rance Sellon Endowed Chair in Veterinary Clinical Oncology is a tremendous investment that will help us recruit top talent and drive forward innovative cancer research and treatment at Washington State University," said WSU President Kirk Schulz. "This gift not only honors Dr. Sellon's career but will also shape the future of veterinary medicine, improving the lives of countless animals and their families. We are profoundly grateful for this generous gift and all the good it will make possible."_­

An endowed faculty chair is one of academia's highest honors, offering permanent funding that enables universities to recruit and retain exceptional faculty. The Dr. Rance Sellon Endowed Chair in Veterinary Clinical Oncology will not only supplement the chairholder's salary but support salaries for research assistants and cover research-related expenses. This essential funding will allow future chairholders to focus on research, mentorship, and clinical care with fewer concerns associated with obtaining such funding from other, often limited, resources.

Additionally, it could allow the college to direct resources toward community outreach, classroom instruction, and clinical support.

"These donors exemplify philanthropy through their deep-rooted appreciation for education and animal welfare. Their commitment stems from their gratitude for the support they received during their educational journeys. It instilled in them a strong belief in reciprocating that generosity," said Dori Borjesson, dean of WSU's College of Veterinary Medicine. "Their gift recognizes and values the institution's tireless efforts in training compassionate, knowledgeable veterinarians and providing exemplary care to their beloved four-legged companions."

Sellon, who describes himself as "a grunt in the trenches," remains humbled by the gift and its lasting potential: "They're going to get the best I have," he said. "I'm going to do what I can to make sure this is used wisely and do as much good as possible."

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