AMES, Iowa -- The Kresge Foundation has approved a $1 million challenge grant toward the renovation and expansion of the Dr. W. Eugene and Linda Lloyd Veterinary Teaching Hospital at the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine.
To receive the $1 million grant for the teaching hospital, the overall college fund-raising campaign must raise $4.57 million by June 2008. The $1 million from The Kresge Foundation will be designated for the teaching hospital project.
"This is an outstanding opportunity for the college and Iowa State University," said Dr. John U. Thomson, dean of the college. "Being approved for The Kresge Foundation challenge grant through its highly competitive selection process is an honor, and an endorsement for our plan to grow and enhance our professional program."
The college and the ISU Foundation submitted a proposal to the Kresge Foundation's Capital Challenge Grants program, which helps non-profit organizations at the midpoint of facility construction develop a sustainable base of private donors and enhance fund-raising efforts. In its approval letter, The Kresge Foundation stated, "The new Veterinary Teaching Hospital serves as an exciting centerpiece of the College's first campaign and will be instrumental in supporting your plans to increase enrollment and build the field of veterinary medicine."
Phase I of the new $48 million addition to the Lloyd Teaching Hospital is under construction and is expected to be completed in August 2008. It will include an advanced imaging suite; large animal and equine diagnostic, surgical and treatment facilities; intensive care unit; large animal isolation area; student rounds rooms and laboratories; and offices.
"As society increases demands on the veterinary medical profession, particularly in the areas of animal health and welfare and food safety and security, the need for more veterinarians is growing," Thomson said. "This challenge grant will enable us to enhance our resources to enable our faculty and students to better serve our clients and patients."
The Kresge Foundation, established in 1924 by Sebastian S. Kresge, is a national foundation with $3 billion in assets and headquarters in Detroit, Mich.
The College of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University was established as the nation's first public veterinary college in 1879. It is recognized worldwide for its work in animal and public health and food safety and security as a major teaching, research and service institution.