For Immediate Release
April 22, 2003

Auburn’s new Large Animal Teaching Hospital to be dedicated Aug. 29

In August, Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine will celebrate another milestone in its 111-year history: the dedication of its new Large Animal Teaching Hospital. The event will be held on Aug. 29 at 4 p.m. and is expected to draw guests from across the Southeast.

“We want everyone to help us celebrate this accomplishment,” Dean Timothy Boosinger said. “Auburn University is moving from having the oldest facility in the country to the newest, most modern one. This will allow us to make more advances in the medical care of animals and provide much more experience for our students.”

Construction is almost finished on the 71,500 square-foot hospital that will have modern surgical suites, an intensive care unit, pharmacy, radiology section, field services unit, offices, conference room, and a 60-seat classroom. After it is completed, the college hopes to begin work this summer on two beef cattle wards and two dairy wards. 

Already completed and in operation are an equine lameness arena with hard and soft surfaces, as well as two equine wards, an isolation facility, and an equipment and maintenance shop.

The entire complex will cover 120,000 square feet, with all of the structures being made of red bricks, white trim, and green roofs. A white fence will encompass the buildings and surrounding pasture.

“This is the largest construction project ever at the college,” Dean Boosinger added. “We are glad to see it nearing completion because many of us have been working on this project for more than five years.” 

College officials began planning the project and seeking support in 1994, and in 1998 Alabama voters approved an agricultural bond initiative to provide $7.5 million toward the project. Funding sources also include $7.5 million in university funds, $7 million from the college, and private support being generated by individuals and groups.

“We are offering opportunities for donors to be honored throughout the facility,” said Sam Hendrix, director of development. “We encourage our alumni and friends to participate in this program and support the college.”

More information on the donor recognition program is available at (334) 844-1446.