With approximately 15 months left in Penn Vet’s capital campaign, it is wonderful to let you know that we are $118 million towards our $125 million goal. Funds raised to date through the consistent, generous support of our loyal donors strengthen Penn Vet’s position as a preeminent teaching, research and service institution. It could not be done without your matchless goodwill.

This campaign is critical to our ability to produce the very brightest and best of new veterinarians, to uncover knowledge and understanding of conditions and diseases that afflict both our beloved animals as well as humans, and to develop the most innovative and effective treatments for the animals entrusted to our care. Twenty-first century veterinary medicine is practiced on a par with human medicine and demands the kind of infrastructure and equipment consistent with modern technology and scientific advances.

A significant example of progress on our campuses is the planned Equine Performance Evaluation Facility, for which ground is anticipated to be broken in March, 2012. The trend in equestrian sport is towards disciplines like dressage, show-jumping and three-day eventing. Care of the equine athlete demands specialized facilities in which to evaluate performance, diagnose subtle lamenesses and detect musculoskeletal problems using sophisticated equipment in conjunction with our clinicians’ highly developed observational powers. For New Bolton Center an indoor arena represents a “great leap forward” in terms of our ability to conduct lameness examinations, performance diagnostics and other critical tests in a safe, comfortable environment conducive to accurate and reliable assessments of a horse’s mobility.

The much-anticipated facility will provide superior footing, optimal lighting and a dedicated space protected from the elements. It will be a boon to clinicians, clients, students and of course, our patients.

The School has had the dedicated support of a number of key individuals who have not only made significant gifts towards the cost of the indoor arena, but have also worked with dedication and passion to bring others to the cause. It has been a remarkable example of cooperation and effort that gives true ownership of the facility to those who have joined together to make it a reality. We look forward to a wonderful celebration at the EPEF’s dedication next year!

The Ryan Hospital is equally proud to announce the opening of its Minimally Invasive Surgery Suite (OR1), which makes available to our companion animals the very best of 21st century surgical techniques. Dr. Lillian Aronson, chief of surgery at Ryan Hospital, observes that this facility “offers our clients cutting-edge technology and procedures available until now only to human patients.”

Minimally invasive surgery contributes to decreased recovery time, reduced pain levels and minimized risk of infection. It is the surgery of the future, available now. And it provides an exceptional learning experience for Penn Vet students to develop highly specialized surgical skills not offered in other veterinary training hospitals. For example, they will be able to assist in minimally invasive spays of shelter dogs, an invaluable service to both the community and the shelter animals whose adoptability depends on having had this procedure.

The advent of these two specialized spaces at New Bolton Center and the Ryan Hospital speak volumes about the momentum of our Making History Capital Campaign. They epitomize the great loyalty, generosity and kindness generated in all of you by the work done at Penn Vet. Thank you for partnering with us to reach our $125 million goal. You make it happen.