For the first time in the last 25 years, Penn can finally look forward to the opening of a new Veterinary School facility.
Set to open its doors on October 31, the four-story Vernon and Shirley Hill Pavilion, located at 38th and Woodland streets, underwent its groundbreaking in April of 2004.
According to Interim Director of Facilities and Real Estate Services Tom Stump, the new Vet School building is set to open as scheduled and on budget, with only some minor setbacks in construction.
"There was a water line break in the basement, which caused some flooding," Stump said. "That set us back a few days. But there was nothing that caused any major delays."
The finished facility will contain research laboratories, seminar and lecture rooms, and space for small animal cages and habitats. The fourth floor will be occupied by the Penn School of Medicine.
With no new facilities in nearly 25 years, the Vet School is in great need of the new technology and resources provided by the new Hill Pavilion.
"Penn's veterinary school has always been considered among the best in the country and I think one of its biggest drawbacks has been its older facilities," third year veterinary student Bill Gilsenan said.
The addition of the new Vet School space leads many students to feel that it will improve the schools image.
"With the new building opening in August, I believe the school's reputation will be stronger than ever, which is incredibly exciting for everybody associated with the school," added Gilsenan.
For incoming Vet School student Lauren Tang, the benefits of the new Hill Pavilion were one of the contributing factors to her decision to attend Penn Vet over other schools.
"By putting money towards new facilities, it is indicative of the philosophy of the school and wanting to keep current and stay innovative. It's definitely a good selling point," Tang said.
Tang, who also attended Penn as an undergraduate, added that "having great facilities in order to learn and research is really important. Its very comforting to know that the school thinks it is important to build new facilities."
Vernon and Shirley Hill gave a $10 million gift to the Vet School in fall of last year.
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