E-Insight

October 2004

Update from the Dean’s Office

Dear Friends,

What a pleasure it is to kick off this update with some exciting news. We learned at the end of September that the National Institutes of Health has awarded the research team at the Mycobacteria Research Laboratories a renewal contract of more than $25 million. I want to congratulate Dr. John Belisle and each of the co-investigators on this project for a job well done. This type of investment by the NIH in the Mycobacteria Research Laboratories is indicative of the quality and value of the work the researchers are doing, and recognition by NIH of the contributions this team is making toward improving the diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis. You can read more about the NIH contract in this edition of E-Insight.

Earlier in September, I and numerous faculty and students attended the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association’s annual meeting in Steamboat Springs. While there, I presented a talk entitled "Responding to the Need for Veterinary Services for Underserved Animal Species and Underserved Areas,” and then presided over the panel discussion. The panel included veterinarians, industry leaders and two PVM students, Erin Epperly and Eric Downing. Response to the Food Animal Veterinary Career Incentive Program was enthusiastic with a number of individuals expressing interest in starting scholarship programs in their home towns, a key element of the program.

The beginning of October saw Homecoming, which was a busy time for reunions. We hosted the Class of 1954’s 50-year Reunion Dinner (our “Golden Grads”). The dinner also was open to graduates from earlier classes and we had representatives from the classes of 1942, 1943, 1946, 1948, 1950, and 1952. It was truly an honor to celebrate with these wonderful individuals and to share in the stories of their lives and careers. We also hosted the 25-year Reunion Dinner for the Class of 1979 and then a 45-year Reunion Brunch for the Class of 1959. I’d like to thank all our alumni who journeyed from near ( Fort Collins) and far ( Belgium) to join us in these celebrations. It was a pleasure, and I look forward to the time when we will see each other again.

In upcoming events, I’d like to remind everyone about the fall State of the College address on Tuesday, Oct. 19, 4:15 p.m., at the University Park Holiday Inn. I’ll be presenting goals and objectives for the year, as well as discussing progress of the University-wide strategic planning, and illuminating the key elements of that plan. In a more celebratory event, I’d also like to invite faculty, staff, students and alumni to a reception honoring new initiates into the George H. Glover Gallery. The reception will be held Friday, Oct. 22, 3:30-5 p.m., in the foyer of the Pathology Building. Please join me as we induct each of the honorees and recognize them for their part in making the College the center of excellence it is today.

Best Regards,

Lance Perryman, DVM, PhD
Dean, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences