Philip B. and Georgia E. Hofmann Professorship in Equine Medicine and Reproduction
Mrs. Georgia Hofmann, an owner and breeder of thoroughbred race horses, has through her estate, provided for the establishment of an endowed professorship at the School of Veterinary Medicine. The Philip B. and Georgia E. Hofmann Professorship in Equine Medicine and Reproduction with special emphasis on equine studies is named in honor of Mrs. Hofmann, who died in November 1999 at the age of 91, and her husband, Philip B. Hofmann, who died in 1986.
Georgia and Philip Hofmann, both avid horse enthusiasts, had a long standing relationship with Penn's School of Veterinary Medicine. In 1970 they established the Georgia and Philip Hofmann Research Center for Animal Reproduction at New Bolton Center, the School's large animal facility. Philip Hofmann served on the School's Board of Overseers and was chairman for a number of years.
Mrs. Hofmann bred and owned many outstanding race horses and producers, among them; Gold Beauty, Louis Quatorze, Gold Stage, Maplejinsky, Dayjur, Royal Indy, Bankers Gold, and Sky Beauty. The latter, in 1993, became the eighth filly to win the Triple Tiara, the equivalent of the Triple Crown for fillies.
Mr. Hofmann competed in the show ring, at hunter trials, and in three-day events and stadium jumping. He was a moving force in American and international coaching competition and headed the first Johnson Park International Driving Show, held in New Brunswick, NJ in 1970. Mr. Hofmann organized the Liberty Run, a two-day coach trip from Wall Street to Independence Hall in 1973. The Four-in-Hand coach, carrying 2,000 pieces of mail, traveled along an old post route. The run was completed in 34 hours, with an overnight stop in Princeton, NJ. In 1974 he was the first American to represent this country in a world championship driving competition.
For many years Mr. Hofmann's two daughters, Judy Hofmann Richter and Carol Hofmann Thompson, have distinguished themselves in show horse competition as riders, teachers and trainers. Carol was on several U.S. Equestrian Teams as a member of the show jumping squad.
The School of Veterinary Medicine has appointed a search committee for the position of the Georgia E. and Philip B. Hofmann Professorship in Equine Medicine and Reproduction. It is expected that an appointment will be announced in a few months. This is the 18th endowed professorship at the School.
Almanac, Vol. 47, No. 13, November 21, 2000