11/5/98

Contacts:
Dennis Marple, Head of Animal Science Department, (515) 294-2160
Barbara McManus, Agriculture Information, (515) 294-0707

KILDEE ADDITION DEDICATION TO BE HELD SATURDAY

AMES -- Iowa State University will dedicate a $20 million addition to Kildee Hall at 10 a.m., Saturday, November 7, funded through a partnership of public and private resources. Speakers will include ISU President Martin Jischke, College of Agriculture Dean David Topel, head of the Department of Animal Science Dennis Marple and ISU Foundation President Tom Mitchell. Owen J. Newlin, president of the State Board of Regents, also will speak.

"This addition provides Iowa State with a vast array of improvements to our animal science capabilities," said ISU President Martin Jischke. "It will significantly enhance our faculty's ability to address the increasingly complex issues and challenges facing today's livestock producers, processors and distributors."

Dennis Marple, head of the ISU Department of Animal Science, said the improvements will ease increasing demands resulting from students' growing interest in the field.

"It comes at an ideal time. Enrollment has increased dramatically -- in the last 10 years it has more than doubled," Marple said.

The improvements also will help the department serve a changing livestock industry. Marple said the new area provides added room for classrooms, laboratories and research facilities. The space also provides additional holding areas for large animals. New laboratories will be used for research in molecular genetics, immunology, physiology, nutrition, meat science and food safety.

"It will be used to enhance our programs in research, teaching and extension," Marple said.

Construction for the addition began two years ago during the animal science department's centennial celebration. More than $15 million in funding was appropriated by the Iowa State Legislature.

Another $3.5 million in private funds were the result of contributions to Campaign Destiny: To Become the Best. Conducted by the ISU Foundation, the campaign is the largest fund-raising initiative in ISU history, providing critical resources to implement projects in the University's strategic plan and to advance its aspiration to become the best land-grant institution in the United States.

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