Video by Brynn Carman
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On Wednesday the highly anticipated official opening of the Animal Science building took place on the Monford Quad. In attendance were students, faculty, donors, head of the Animal Department, Kevin Pond and President Tony Frank.
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The newly renovated Animal Sciences building was unveiled yesterday afternoon during a ribbon-cutting event on the Monfort Quadrangle at Colorado State University.
The event featured speeches from CSU President Tony Frank, student speaker Amanda Summers and Dean of Agricultural Sciences Dr. Craig Beyrouty, as well as tours of the state-of-the-art building.
Beyrouty spoke about the Department of Animal Sciences’ plans for the future concerning equine programs, and thanked donors for their contributions.
“What you gave was an investment in education,” Beyrouty said. One of the many donors was renowned animal scientist and Colorado State professor Temple Grandin, who donated $250,000.
Originally built in 1959, the Animal Sciences building has not been modernized for decades, and was starting to need repairs.
“It was originally like a dungeon or a cave,” said Kevin Pond, head of the Animal Sciences Department.
Now, the building that took a year and a half to build boasts a contemporary, open design, as well as extensive technology, a comfortable environment and resources like a student success center and science labs.
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“The building has areas for study and interactions with faculty,” Pond said. “It will attract more students.”
Animal sciences is the largest department on campus, and 285 students joined animal sciences this year alone. Many of the animal sciences students were directly involved with the design and features of the building, such as furniture, building layout and technology.
“The students helped design it,” Pond said. “They suggested aspects that they wanted, like a living room appearance. It should be very inviting.”
Helen Brown, a junior majoring in equine sciences, was one of the many students directly involved in the design process of the building.
“I really enjoyed being a part of the planning process, and including students needs in planning,” Brown said.
The building features Eco-friendly components that students also selected. According to Pond, the counter tops in the bathrooms and the conference rooms are made of recycled beer bottles.
Classes have already begun, and many students are pleased with the outcome and the chance to have a central location for all things animal sciences.
“I like the view looking out on the Monfort Quad,” Brown said. “And, the chairs here are comfortable.”
Katharine Baldwin, a junior studying animal sciences and equine sciences, attended the event on horseback. She rode a horse leased to the Equine Sciences department named Dudley.
“Animal Sciences is a part of CSU and its history,” Baldwin said. “The new building is a new beginning for all of us and we are excited to enjoy it.”
Collegian Reporter Clarissa Davies can be reached at news@collegian.com or on Twitter @DaviesClarissa.
