David and Barbara Downing, Lawrence, have made a commitment of $64,000 to the College of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University to establish the Barbara A. and David R. Downing Scholarship.

The scholarship will be funded by a bequest of a portion of their estate, which will be distributed at a later time.

David is a professor emeritus of aerospace engineering at Kansas University.

The couple were inspired to establish the scholarship to honor their dog, Princess, and K-State alumnus Dr. James Kraft of the Lawrence Veterinary Hospital.

The Downings said they admired Kraft’s knowledge and dedication as he cared for Princess and were touched by the Pet Tribute gift he made in her honor.

They have supported the College of Veterinary Medicine regularly over the past several years and have consistently contributed to the Vet Med Dean’s General Fund, as well as the Pet Tribute Greatest Need Fund.