E-Insight

December 2005

Update from the Dean's Office

Dear Friends,

So much has happened at the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences during the past month, it's difficult to know where to begin, so I will start with our most recent big event. On Nov. 30, we broke ground on the new Regional Biocontainment Laboratory (RBL) at the Foothills Research Campus. This much anticipated facility will greatly enhance our infectious disease program and is a milestone as Colorado State University emerges as a global leader in infectious disease research.

Dr. Tony Frank, who opened the event, gave a brief overview of infectious disease research at Colorado State University, and was followed by Dr. Barry Beaty who gave a presentation about the University's Infectious Disease Initiative. President Larry Penley made remarks as well as Sen. Wayne Allard and Dr. Alicia Dombroski, program officer with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease. I also had the opportunity to speak one-on-one with Sen. Allard about what is happening at the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at a luncheon following the groundbreaking ceremony, and enjoyed my discussion with the former small animal practitioner. You can read more about the RBL in this edition of E-Insight.

Dec. 1 saw the submittal of the College's long-anticipated Strategic Plan to the Provost's Office. This has been a lengthy process, but I have really enjoyed the opportunity to work with colleagues from across the University and in our College to chart a course for Colorado State University and CVMBS. Detailed planning can be time-consuming and sometimes frustrating, but it helps us to understand who we are and who we want to be, where we are and where we want to be, and how to best make that happen given our resources, assets and ambitions. If you are interested in reviewing the final College Strategic Plan, visit the CVMBS web page at http://www.cvmbs.colostate.edu/cvmbs/CVMBS_Strategic_Plan_2005_Final.pdf.

In addition to the RBL groundbreaking and completion of the College strategic plan, on Nov. 11, I attended a special ceremony honoring our long-time colleague, Dr. Ed Gillette. Dr. Gillette is retiring from the University after more than 45 years of dedicated service. He truly is a pioneer in veterinary oncology and a mentor and friend to many. In his honor, the College has renamed the radiology suite at the James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital the Dr. Edward L. Gillette Radiation Oncology Suite. Dr. Gillette will be greatly missed by all at the College, but the impact of his work will continue to benefit cancer patients (both human and veterinary) for generations to come.

In other news, I've recently traveled to Seattle to the American Association of Equine Practitioners conference. Dr. Wayne McIlwraith, director of the College's Orthopaedic Research Center, presented at the conference and the College hosted an alumni reception.

I also made a brief visit to France to give an invited talk, before hurrying back to the States to prepare for commencement ceremonies. Commencement this year is on Dec. 16 (graduate students) and Dec. 17 (undergraduate students). I congratulate each of our students who have successfully completed their diplomas and are entering the next chapter of their lives. For those who have finished their education and are venturing out into the world, please don't forget our career services assistance. For those who are continuing in higher education, keep in touch and let us know where your journey takes you. Best wishes and good luck to all.

For those coming back for spring semester, I hope you have a safe and relaxing holiday break with family and friends. Please enjoy yourself responsibly and I look forward to seeing you back on campus in January 2006.

Best Regards,

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