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Veterinary college plans celebration
MISSISSIPPI STATE -- An anniversary celebration Feb. 27 will mark 30 years of veterinary education, service and research at Mississippi State University's College of Veterinary Medicine.
While the college has grown considerably since its development and construction began in 1974, MSU-CVM Dean Dr. John U. Thomson said the mission remains constant.
"We have a strong foundation on which to build. Our friends, alumni and key decision makers understand that we are a resource critical to the future success of our state and nation. The future looks brighter than ever," Thomson said.
The first CVM Doctor of Veterinary Medicine class, which graduated in 1981, consisted of 22 students who gained their expertise from 17 faculty members. Next year, the veterinary college will admit 72 students with a faculty of 92.
The celebration will begin with two ribbon cuttings on Friday morning. The Center for Environmental Health Sciences Research Laboratory ribbon cutting will take place at 10 a.m. Larry Yager of the National Institutes of Health's Center of Biomedical Excellence will be a special guest. The Morgan Freeman Equine Reproduction Research Unit ribbon cutting will take place at 10:45 a.m. Morgan Freeman is scheduled to attend, along with Lt. Gov. Amy Tuck and other state and university officials.
The anniversary festivities officially kick off with a collegewide celebration at 11:30 a.m. in the Wise Center auditorium. The program will include a video history of the college's progress.
Several well-known artists are taking part in the day's activities. The work of William Wegman and William Dunlap will be on display in the Wise Center gallery. Wegman, an internationally renown artist and author, is best known for his photographs of his weimaraners. Dunlap is a distinguished artist, arts commentator and educator. His paintings, sculpture and constructions are included in prestigious collections throughout the world.
The college's founding dean, Dr. James Miller, is scheduled to attend the festivities. Dr. John McCormack, a well-known veterinarian, speaker and author of several books, will also be taking part in the anniversary celebration.
For more information of the 30-year celebration, call (662) 325-1103.
Contact: Dr. Wayne Groce, (662) 325-1103
