Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1944 [PAGE 960]

EXTRACTED TEXT FROM PAGE:

1944]

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

957

Whereas, the work which has been carried on by the Department of Animal Pathology and Hygiene of the University of Illinois has shown the need for an enlarged program and has proven the values which accrue to agriculture and to the public generally from a program of this nature and the work in the control of bovine tuberculosis, mastitis, Bang's disease, and other similar programs has demonstrated the need for additional highly trained men and the need for further research concerning these and other animal diseases, their transmissibility to man, and the means for their control and eradication; and Whereas, the establishment of a veterinary college to carry on and conduct research and research activities in, and provide men trained in, animal diseases and animal pathology, improvement of the food supply and the protection of the public health would be of great benefit to agriculture and to the public health and welfare of the State; and Whereas, the General Assembly of Illinois in 1919 adopted an Act authorizing the establishment of a College of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, at the University of Illinois, but appropriations for the establishment of such a college have not been m a d e ; and Whereas, it appears that a College of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery of the highest type and standing should be established immediately on the campus of the University of Illinois at Urbana, Now, therefore: T h e undersigned, representing and acting on behalf of, the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association, Agriculture and agricultural and food processing industries, petition and urge the President and Board of Trustees of the Unisity of Illinois to establish a College of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery on the campus of the University of Illinois at Urbana at the earliest feasible date, such college to be of the highest standard with outstanding facilities and personnel to carry on and conduct research and research activities and provide instruction and training of the highest order. The undersigned further pledge their support and the support of the organizations and industries for which they speak in the establishment of such a college and in sponsoring such college and urging support therefor before legislative and other governmental bodies. T h e undersigned are ready to meet with any duly authorized committee of the University for considering any matters relating to the establishment of such college and determining upon the method in which the undersigned can be of most service. Respectfully submitted, DR. A. E. BOTT, Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association M. G. V A N BUSKISK, Executive Secretary, Illinois Dairy Products Association

P A U L E. MATHIAS, Corporate Secretary, Agriculture,

Illinois Agricultural

HOWARD LEONARD, Director

Association

of

State of Illinois JOHN STROHM, Managing Editor, Prairie Farmer EUGENE ECKERT, Master, Illinois State Grange DR. A. C. MERRICK, Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association

President Willard commented on this request, stating that in his opinion the time had come for action on this matter, but calling attention that the University was engaged in an extensive program of teaching, experimentation, and research, with insufficient funds to implement its program. President Livingston stated that the Board would expect the agricultural interests to support actively not only the proposed veterinary college, but the entire program of the University.