Summer 2006 - University of Minnesota College of Veterinary ...

DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENTU of M Board of Regents approvesplans for $14-million equinetreatment and research centerAn artist’s rendering of the University of Minnesota Equine Center, which is expected to be completed in 2007.The University of MinnesotaBoard of Regents has approvedplans for the new Universityof Minnesota Equine Center.“A tradition of this University is to offerunparalleled teaching, research, andservice. This center shows our commitmentto an importantMinnesota sector —horses and horse owners,”commentedUniversity ofMinnesota PresidentRobert Bruininks.Construction will startin late summer.Rafferty, Rafferty, Tollefson architectsof St. Paul designed the center and areworking with Gralla Architects, anOklahoma firm that has designed manyworld-renowned equine complexes.The $14 million facility, which will bebuilt in the northeast section of theUniversity of Minnesota St. Paul campus,will allow the University to offerhorse owners integrated, research-basedcare for their animals. The University“Few other facilities inthe country will offermore resources forhorse owners.”will be able to evaluate, diagnose, andtreat diseases, conditions, and injuriesmore easily and effectively.Dr. Stephanie Valberg, the director ofthe Equine Center, believes the center“will be the cornerstone of our partnershipwith the horse community. Fewother facilities inthe country willoffer moreresources for horseowners. It will be ahome to innovativeequine research,comprehensiveclinical services,new undergraduateequine curriculum, and the We CanRide therapeutic riding program.”—- Stephanie ValbergThe Equine Center is a “program ofexcellence” within the College ofVeterinary Medicine and supports theUniversity’s initiative to become one ofthe top three public research universitiesworldwide. According to Dr. JeffreyKlausner, dean of the College ofVeterinary Medicine, “The EquineCenter will feature the best in diagnostictechnology and equipment, researchprograms, learning opportunities, therapy,and treatment. It will be a source ofknowledge and innovation for decadesto come.” The Equine Center will utilizeall of the resources available at theUniversity in collaboration with industryexperts to produce meaningful,innovative advancements in the health,well-being, and performance in thehorse.A public groundbreaking is planned forAugust 9, 2006, and completionof the project is expected in fall2007. Details are available atwww.cvm.umn.edu/umec.The College of Veterinary Medicinecontinues to raise funds for the center,with $4.62 million raised to date. Tocontribute to the Equine Center or formore information about the campaign,go to http://www.cvm.umn.edu/devalumni/campaigns/equine/home.html.22