W - College of Veterinary Medicine - Oregon State University

Students Arrive Amidst Construction
Drills, hammers, and the shouts
of workmen could still be heard
in the hallways when classes
began for OSU’s veterinary
students this year. But even
though classes were held in the midst of
a construction zone, the students were
patient and positive about the changes
taking place.
“It’s been difficult in this type of
construction, but we’re trying to make it
as transparent as possible for the students,”
says Michael Hansen, chief business officer
for the college. Finishing touches were still
being made on some instructional areas in
early fall, but that work was accomplished
on evenings and weekends.
For the past year, workmen have been
building two new additions to Magruder
Hall—a new east wing that houses a lobby,
library, the dean’s office (which includes
student services), a wet lab, and offices
for clinical faculty; and a north wing that
comprises the new Small Animal Teaching
Hospital, state-of-the-art research facility,
and faculty offices. In addition, many areas
of the college have been renovated to adapt
to new functions and increased class sizes,
and to bring the building up to current
safety standards.
www.vet.oregonstate.edu
While the construction has displaced
faculty and staff and disrupted normal
routines, Hansen says the experience has
been positive overall.
“Everybody has been great,” he says.
“The contractors and the architects say this
is one of the best projects they’ve ever
worked on because people are so cooperative,
nice, and understanding.” Lease
Crutcher Lewis, the building contractor,
thanked faculty and staff in late September
by hosting a catered barbecue.
New east wing
A new—yet somewhat familiar—face
greets visitors at the entrance to the college.
Behind a towering glass façade sits the new
lobby, enhanced by the brick bas-relief
artwork that used to be the outside wall of
the entrance to Magruder Hall. Cushioned
chairs and tables offer an inviting place for
visitors, students, faculty, and staff to meet
or relax. The space will easily accommodate
large gatherings.
The front lobby will always be open
during business hours, and visitors can
check in at the new reception desk. “That
will be the information center for the
college,” says Hansen. “They’re the ones
who should know what’s happening in
College News
“It’s been difficult in this type of
construction, but we’re trying to
make it as transparent as possible
for the students.” —Michael Hansen
the college—what classes are being held,
where to go for continuing education
classes, and so forth.”
Hansen points out that the old design
was less accessible, and people got lost
easily. “We have tried to make it as accessible
to the public as possible,” he says of
the upgraded facility. “Visitors can circulate
throughout the front of the building.” The
front lobby area, the library, the lecture
hall, and the conference room outside the
dean’s office are all open to the public.
Once completed, the hallway connecting
the lobby and small animal clinic, plus
the reception area, will also be publicly
accessible. Access to research labs and
surgical areas will be limited.
Off the reception area, under the
dean’s office, is the new library. As of late
September, it was the most settled spot in
the new wing, having moved into its new
home in late August. Anne Christie,
veterinary medicine librarian, and Derrick
Padar, library technician, have assumed
administration of the library from
Allison Bates, now retired (see related
stories on page 6).
Behind the reception area and
library are new faculty offices designed
for the clinicians who work in the Small
and Large Animal Teaching Hospitals.
Up an open staircase sits a glassenclosed
conference room and the dean’s
office. Next to the dean’s office is a new
wet lab built to accommodate secondand
third-year students—who will no
longer be required to travel to Washington
for their small animal education.
Continued on page 4
Magruder Hall’s new lobby provides a
comfortable space for study and relaxation.
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