Two women honored with emeritus status on Advisory Council of Equine Medical Center
Cindy Ingram is awarded Emeritus status on the EMC Advisory Council
Shelley L. Duke and Cynthia (Cindy) H. Ingram have been awarded emeritus status on the Advisory Council of the Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center (EMC).
The honor, officially conferred on April 2 by M. Daniel Givens, dean of the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, celebrates their decades of extraordinary leadership, advocacy, and service to the advancement of equine health and veterinary education.
“These two women represent the very best of what the EMC stands for,” said Givens. “Their legacy is not only one of leadership, but of compassion, innovation, and a deep love for the equine community.”
A legacy of vision and leadership: Shelley Duke
Duke’s influence on the Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center spans more than 25 years.
A Stanford University alumna and longtime resident of the equestrian-rich Middleburg community, Duke joined the EMC Advisory Council in 1998 and quickly became a cornerstone of its leadership. Her dedication to the center’s mission has been marked by innovation, mentorship, philanthropy, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Serving as chair and vice chair of the Advisory Council, Duke led EMC through pivotal periods of growth and advancement. She is best known for founding the “Foal Watch” volunteer program, a still-thriving initiative that provides critical care support to neonatal foals and their dams, an enduring example of her hands-on, forward-thinking leadership.
In recognition of her outstanding service, Duke became the first recipient of the Marion duPont Scott Distinguished Service Award. Her broader contributions to Virginia Tech are equally notable, including two terms on the university’s Board of Visitors, membership on the National Campaign Steering Committee, and advocacy through the Women in Leadership and Philanthropy Council.
In 2005, she was named an honorary alumna of Virginia Tech, a distinction granted to only a select few, and in 2013, received the William H. Ruffner Medal, recognizing individuals “who have rendered unusually distinguished services” to Virginia Tech.
Beyond her work in veterinary and academic circles, Duke has held leadership roles with the Middleburg Agricultural Research and Extension Center, the Olivio Ferrari Foundation, the University of California, San Francisco Board of Directors, San Francisco Suicide Prevention, and the Bay Area United Way. Her philanthropic legacy is further solidified by a transformative multimillion-dollar bequest to the EMC, securing its future as a premier center for equine veterinary care, research, and teaching.
“Shelley Duke has shaped the very foundation and future of the EMC,” said Givens. “Her extraordinary vision and generosity will benefit generations of horses and veterinarians to come.”
Championing innovation and outreach: Cindy Ingram
Joining the EMC Advisory Council in 2005, Ingram has been a tireless advocate for the equine center's visibility, outreach, and strategic growth. A graduate of Michigan State University and accomplished business leader, Ingram has bridged her professional expertise with her passion for horses and equine veterinary medicine.
Ingram played a pivotal role as chair of the EMC Executive Marketing and Outreach Committee, where she led efforts to elevate public awareness and engagement with the center’s work. She also served as co-chair of Virginia Tech’s Women in Leadership and Philanthropy Council from 2005 to 2011, helping foster a new generation of women leaders and donors.
Recognized with the Marion duPont Scott Distinguished Service Award in 2016, Ingram’s impact extends beyond veterinary medicine. During her successful career in the technology and business sectors, she held executive positions at IBM and Centurion Research Solutions (now part of Deltek), where she worked in project management, systems integration, and international sales strategy. She also served on the Advisory Board of Capital TechSearch, further demonstrating her commitment to innovation and leadership across industries.
A lifelong equestrian and accomplished dressage rider, Ingram resides in McLean with her husband Doug. Her dual identity as a business executive and equine advocate has brought a unique and invaluable perspective to the EMC.
“Cindy Ingram’s leadership has been instrumental in elevating the EMC’s profile and fostering vital support for our mission,” said Michael Erskine, EMC director “Her passion, professionalism, and dedication are deeply appreciated and will continue to inspire us.”
Awarding emeritus status to Duke and Ingram marks a significant milestone in the history of the EMC Both women have not only advanced the center’s mission but also helped shape its identity as a world-class institution serving the equine community.
Emeritus status is the highest honorary recognition for Advisory Council members and is reserved for individuals whose service has had a profound and lasting impact. For both Duke and Ingram, the title reflects a career, and a calling, dedicated to improving the lives of horses and supporting those who care for them.
As the EMC looks toward the future, the enduring contributions of Duke and Ingram will remain integral to its story. Their names will now be permanently recognized among the institution’s most cherished supporters, ensuring that their influence continues to guide and inspire for generations to come.