Monday, September 12, 2005

Special Book Commemorates 100 Years of Veterinary Medicine at K-State

By Brennan Engle

MANHATTAN -- A book commemorating the 100th anniversary of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University is now available.

"A Century of Excellence" was written by the college's Howard Erickson, professor of physiology, and Ronnie Elmore, associate dean. The history book is the culmination of 10 years of research by its authors. It costs $40 and can be purchased at 101 Trotter Hall or by calling 785-532-5660.

The 288-page hardback book has a timeline, hundreds of photos, and devotes a two-page spread to each year of the college's history, documenting the events, faculty and graduating class of each year. Interspersed are sections on topics such as veterinary facilities, continuing education, graduate studies, deans and the college's Alumni Fellows.

The first veterinary classes at K-State can be traced back to 1872 at the Kansas State Agricultural College, as the university was called then. The four-year doctor of veterinary medicine degree program was established in 1905, and the first class graduated in 1907.

Elmore said the book illustrates the significant changes that have taken place during the last century in veterinary medicine and how they affected the college.

"It's amazing to think how far we've come," Elmore said. "We've progressed from a college strictly devoted to teaching men how to diagnose and treat farm animals to a diverse program that treats all animals. Another significant shift in the profession is that we now have more female students than male."

According to the book, an applicant to the veterinary program in 1908 was required to be at least 14 years old and pass a basic examination on reading, writing, arithmetic, history, grammar and physiology. Tuition was free but an incidental fee of $3 per semester was charged to Kansas residents, and there was a $10 enrollment fee. Books cost about $3 per semester.

The book also has a chapter about the college's collaboration with the Nigerian government to establish a veterinary college at the Ahmadu Bello University in Nigeria. K-State helped provide planning, consultation, curriculum and faculty to the school from 1963 to 1977.

Research for the centennial book included material from the university archives, stored historical documents, Royal Purple yearbooks, alumni newsletters, American Veterinary Medical Association journals, newspaper clippings and interviews with former students.

Erickson, who entered the K-State College of Veterinary medicine as a freshman in 1955, remembers vividly his days as a student working in the veterinary library for the first dean of the college, Ralph Dykstra. Erickson said recording the history of the veterinary college that he has been a part of for 50 years has been personally rewarding.

"After reading the book, I think people will get a better appreciation of the history of the college, its early faculty and many transitions. It also will educate veterinary students about the founding of this institution and will inspire them to contribute to our heritage," Erickson said.

A personalized, leather-bound copy of the book was recently presented to Jon Wefald, K-State president, during the opening orientation session for freshman veterinary students.