Unprecedented Growth at the College of Veterinary Medicine
The College of Veterinary Medicine is making significant strides, with three major capital projects moving forward at once—something we haven’t undertaken before. Here's what’s behind these important efforts.
Veterinary Diagnostics Laboratory (VDL) Expansion: Phase 2
Phase 1 of the new Veterinary Diagnostics Laboratory (VDL) was completed in Spring 2024. Due to the VDL’s vital role in addressing the pandemic, Phase 2 secured $40M in Federal relief funds from the American Rescue Plan of 2021. The Iowa Legislature has committed an additional $18M, but the total cost of $66.5M leaves an $8.5M gap to be filled through support from the University, College, VDL, and private donors.
Pet Cancer Clinic
Since the 2012 opening of the Hixson-Lied Small Animal Hospital, the Pet Cancer Clinic has been a key long-term goal. In 2017, we added a high-dose radiation therapy facility (SRT) service to provide radiation therapy, a vital component of integrated cancer treatment protocols. The next phase will renovate and expand remaining shell space to provide patient-centered treatment for companion animals with cancer in addition to enhanced clinical trial capabilities. The $7M initiative will allow us to address the much-needed and growing care needs of Iowa’s pet population while educating professional students and residents and advancing the college’s mission to be a leader in veterinary oncology.
Large Animal Equine Expansion
Originally planned as a phased project, the $12M expansion of the Large Animal Equine facility is moving ahead in full thanks to a lead gift from an Iowa State alumni couple. Their generosity has given us the momentum to begin the entire project now and encourages others to contribute. The expanded facilities will facilitate the college’s plan to expand clinical offerings to the growing Iowa equine community and increase student exposure to advanced reproductive techniques, equine sports medicine, and rehabilitative techniques seen as the next evolution in the care of the equine athlete. The expansion will increase research opportunities in these areas with a goal to create a premier research core faculty group in both reproduction and sports medicine and rehabilitation. These increased offerings in the reproductive and rehabilitative spaces will likely lead to the expansion of current LVMC caseloads.
Your Support Matters
With all three projects moving forward, we’re looking to our community to help close the funding gaps. Naming opportunities are available for those who wish to leave a lasting impact. Donor support is especially crucial for the Pet Cancer Clinic and Equine Expansion, which do not benefit from State or Federal funding and depend entirely on private contributions. Furthermore, building projects of this nature require funding through cash or pledged gifts, as opposed to estate commitments or other forms of giving.