Board of Regents Approves Equine Center

NEWS RELEASE                                                                             
For Immediate Release

Contact:
Jan Williams, College of Veterinary Medicine, 612-624-6228

U of M Board of Regents Approves Plans for $14 million Equine Treatment and Research Center

MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL, (June 14, 2006) – The University of Minnesota Board of Regents approved plans for the new University of Minnesota Equine Center on June 8, 2006. “The recent events surrounding the horse Barbaro has revealed how specialized and advanced equine care has become,” said University of Minnesota President Robert Bruininks. “This exciting new center shows our commitment to serve Minnesota’s horse enthusiasts and the health of these beautiful animals.” Construction begins in late summer.

Rafferty, Rafferty, Tollefson architects of St. Paul designed the center and is working with Gralla Architects, an Oklahoma firm that has designed many world-renowned equine complexes. The $14 million facility, which will be built in the northeast section of the University of Minnesota St. Paul campus, will allow the University to offer horse owners an integrated, research-based care for their animals. The University will be able to evaluate, diagnose and treat diseases, conditions and injuries more easily and effectively. Director of the Equine Center, Dr. Stephanie Valberg, believes the center “will be the cornerstone of our partnership with the horse community. Few other facilities in the country will offer more resources for horse owners. It will be a home to innovative equine research, comprehensive clinical services, new undergraduate equine curriculum, and the We Can Ride therapeutic riding program.”

The Equine Center is a program of excellence within the College of Veterinary Medicine and supports the University’s initiative to become one of the top three public research universities worldwide. According to Dr. Jeffrey Klausner, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, “the Equine Center will feature the best in diagnostic technology and equipment, research programs, learning opportunities, therapy and treatment. It will be a source of knowledge and innovation for decades to come.” This Equine Center will utilize all of the resources available at the University in collaboration with industry experts to produce meaningful, innovative advancements in the health, well-being, and performance in the horse.

A public groundbreaking is planned for August 9, 2006, on the site of the new facility and completion of the project is expected in fall 2007. Details will be available at www.cvm.umn.edu/umec.

The College of Veterinary Medicine continues to raise funds for the center, with $4.62 million raised to date. To contribute to the Equine Center or for more information about the campaign, go to  http://www.cvm.umn.edu/devalumni/campaigns/equine/home.html.

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The College of Veterinary Medicine improves the health and well-being of animals and people by providing high-quality veterinary training, conducting leading-edge research and delivering innovative veterinary services.