Can you provide us with some information about your background? Your education and career?

I grew up on a small livestock farm outside of Pontiac, Illinois. I raised purebred swine as my 4H project and was able to finance my first three years of college by selling them. I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a veterinarian, and that I wanted to attend the University of Illinois. Once accepted, I completed my undergrad in three years and then graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine in 1974.

I began working in a small animal hospital after graduation and had a formative mentor who taught me so much about not just being a veterinarian, but a business owner as well. He gave me my first opportunity to buy into a practice and own it after a ten-year period. Over the years, my love for veterinary medicine never waned, and my businesses grew. Eventually Coyne Veterinary Services was formed, and I was the primary or associate owner of 11 hospitals, supplying around 500 jobs. Although I’ve slowed down a little, I am still practicing and in fact I am opening a new hospital with advanced imaging, Prime Veterinary Center, in North Aurora this summer 2026.

Can you tell us more about how you have stayed connected to the University of Illinois since your time as a student? 

I stayed connected professionally through veterinary continuing education courses, conferences and recruiting students at career fairs. I am also a loyal athletic program supporter, especially football as a season ticket holder. In recent years, my passion for the school has manifested into being an enthusiastic donor to both programs. I supported the football program which resulted in the Dr. John A. Coyne Strength and Conditioning Center at the Henry Dale and Betty Smith Football Performance Center. I have supported the veterinary school by giving back in many ways. This includes establishing a Coyne Family Scholarship for veterinary students, endowing two named professorships, and funding a lobby renovation of the small animal clinic. My most recent gift was a multi-year commitment for the expansion of the College of Veterinary Medicine’s satellite clinic, housing its primary care service, Wildlife Medical Clinic and more, resulting in the renaming to the Dr. John A. Coyne South Clinic. This was a huge honor for me! 

Giving to the University of Illinois is clearly important to you. Can you explain what compelled you to give and keep giving? What do you hope your philanthropy accomplishes for the university? 

I feel a deep gratitude to this university for giving me the education, degree and opportunity to do what I absolutely love every single day. I think it is important to give back to an institution that has given me the means for such success. By doing that, I can only hope to improve the education, which in turn advances the profession. To be a part of providing cutting edge education to our students is very exciting. I am proud of this university and the highly esteemed education that it represents. Not only do I want that to continue, but I want it to thrive. 

What advice can you share about how to make a lasting impact at the University of Illinois? 

It is important to be an enthusiastic supporter of the institution. Give back in any way that you can. As a member of the Illini community, we want the quality of education to remain high, and that takes donors and financial support. The University of Illinois is a world class university; that doesn't happen by chance, it happens when alumni and others stay engaged and actively participate in maintaining the excellence of the school.

What is your favorite U of I memory? 

During my time there, I don’t know if one thing sticks out. Generally, arriving at Champaign-Urbana was such a cultural experience for a farm boy from central Illinois. It was so exciting for me to meet people from all over with different backgrounds and ideas. It was some of the best years of my life! I enjoy reminiscing over these years with my fraternity brothers and classmates. That, and when Illini football defeated Michigan in 1983 to go undefeated in conference and win the Big Ten Championship. Even though I was an alumnus by that point, it was still a beautiful day.