Tufts University officials today announced that Cummings Foundation, Inc., has committed to investing $50 million in the University’s veterinary school over the next 15 years.

The gift is the largest in the history of Tufts University and believed to be the largest gift ever made to a veterinary school in the United States. The gift also ranks among the largest ever to a Massachusetts college or university. In recognition of the gift, the veterinary school will be renamed the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University in a ceremony to be held next spring.

“Tufts is enormously grateful to Cummings Foundation for this extraordinary gift,” said Tufts University President Lawrence S. Bacow. “One measure of a just society is how well it takes care of those that cannot take care of themselves. People who devote their lives to animals are among the most caring and unselfish among us. The Cummings Foundation gift appropriately recognizes their selfless commitment,” he added.

“The mission of Cummings Foundation is to invest in organizations that make contributions to our society,” said William S. Cummings, president of the Cummings Foundation. “We were moved to recommend this commitment due to the practical, entrepreneurial spirit of Tufts University in general, and Tufts Veterinary School in particular. This collaboration will help to provide the resources necessary for the school to sustain its vision. We are honored to support this world class institution of higher learning