“When the Western College of Veterinary Medicine needed grassroots support to make this expansion and renovation project a reality, the people who have personal and long-standing connections to this college didn’t hesitate in offering their support,” said U of S President Peter MacKinnon at this afternoon’s celebration. “Each of you has ensured that the WCVM continues to be a centre of excellence for veterinary education, research and clinical expertise.”

Faculty, students, staff, alumni and friends of the WCVM from across Western Canada were among the first to contribute when the veterinary college began its multi-phase, $74-million infrastructure project in 2004. The project’s major features include a two-storey addition to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, a new research wing and an addition to the college’s diagnostics area. Construction crews are also completing extensive renovations to more than a third of the original building — a process that will wrap up in 2011.

The college’s newest group of students were also honoured today during a “white coat” ceremony. The first-year class, whose 79 members represent communities across Western Canada and the northern territories, received personalized white lab coats and stethoscopes from national and provincial veterinary medical associations. The students will complete their four-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program in 2014.

WCVM Dean Douglas Freeman said contributions from the college’s donors have ensured that all WCVM students have access to world-class facilities and resources including a veterinary teaching hospital that serves as a vital teaching centre for future veterinarians. “The Class of 2014 can look forward to learning and working in a hospital that is equipped with nuclear scintigraphy and other advanced imaging tools, modern surgery suites, and specialized rooms for veterinary dentistry, ophthalmology and oncology.”

Located at the University of Saskatchewan, the WCVM is Western Canada’s premier centre of veterinary education, research and expertise. More than 400 undergraduate and graduate students are enrolled at the internationally-recognized institution that includes a veterinary teaching hospital, provincial diagnostics laboratory and research facilities.

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For more information, contact:

Myrna MacDonald, Communications
Western College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: 306-225-4479 • Cell: 306-291-9950
Email: sm.ridley@sasktel.net