Veterinary Medical Hospital construction reaches milestone
Friday, December 12, 2014
Several Oklahoma State University administration and faculty members gathered Friday morning at OSU’s Center for Veterinary Health Sciences to celebrate a milestone in the construction of a new faculty office building. A topping-out ceremony was held marking the completion of the building’s framework.
The new 13,972-square-foot space will house 40 veterinary clinical sciences faculty members. These veterinarians, most of whom are board-certified specialists in their respective fields, provide veterinary medical services to the public and referring veterinarians through the center’s Veterinary Medical Hospital. In addition, this faculty conducts research and serves as clinical instructors for fourth-year veterinary students.
Topping-out ceremonies trace back to ancient Scandinavians and have evolved into painting the last beam of the structure white and having designated officials sign the beam. Lastly, the autographed beam is raised to its final destination atop the structure.
On hand for the celebration were OSU President Burns Hargis, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences Dean Jean Sander, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences Head Reed Holyoak, former dean Dr. Michael Lorenz, veterinary center facilities manager Jim Hargrave along with representatives from Long Range Facilities, Studio Architecture and Lambert Construction.
Also attending were dignitaries from the OSU Foundation, members of the centers’ Veterinary Administrative Council and Veterinary Clinical Sciences faculty.
“This event has been a long time coming and is due to the efforts of many folks including President Burns Hargis, Vice President Joe Weaver and former dean Dr. Michael Lorenz,” Dr. Sander said. “I am grateful for all the support that I’ve been provided in making this dream a reality.”
Estimated completion for the Academic Center Faculty Office Building is June 2015. Naming opportunities are still available. For more information, contact Heather Clay, senior director of development, at 405-385-5607 or hclay@osugiving.com.