Boettcher Foundation Supports CSU Veterinary Complex to Enhance Veterinary Education and Care

The foundation sees CSU’s new Veterinary Hospital and Education Complex (VHEC) as a means to achieve multiple goals, according to Garrett Mayberry, the foundation’s grants program officer. These goals include improving community access to veterinary care, enhancing the health and well-being of veterinarians, and addressing the ongoing shortage of veterinarians by training more professionals each year.

“Supporting higher education, scholarship, biomedical research, and serving Colorado communities are all important priorities and values for the Boettcher Foundation,” Mayberry said. He indicated that the convergence of these priorities made the project highly appealing for board approval.

Mayberry’s personal experience with CSU’s veterinary services adds a poignant touch to the foundation's support. Years ago, his family's border collie-Australian shepherd mix, Rio, suffered a serious hind leg injury, necessitating surgery that their local veterinarian could not provide. The veterinarian recommended CSU, where the staff quickly addressed the situation with an innovative surgical procedure. “CSU got him in quickly. They weren’t intimidated by the situation; they tried an innovative type of surgery and it healed perfectly. Rio is a healthy dog all these years later,” Mayberry reflected.

Additionally, the Boettcher Foundation views the VHEC project as an opportunity to honor Dr. Tony Frank, the CSU Chancellor and former president, who served on the foundation's board for nine years. “Our board was really excited about the opportunity to recognize Dr. Frank,” Mayberry noted. “He’s a prominent and energetic leader who doesn’t seek the spotlight. For us, this was an ideal way to honor his leadership and the way he elevated CSU during his tenure.”