On August 25, Penn Vet held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the Gail P. Riepe Center for Advanced Veterinary Education at New Bolton Center in Chester County. This 11,800-square-foot clinical skills center is the first dedicated classroom space on the Kennett Square campus and the first new building at New Bolton Center since 2010, marking the beginning of a three-project redevelopment of the north campus.
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Andrew M. Hoffman, Penn Vet’s Gilbert S. Kahn Dean of Veterinary Medicine, welcomed Gail and Jim Riepe, their daughter Christa, and other guests, students, faculty, and staff. In his remarks, Dean Hoffman emphasized Benjamin Franklin's beliefs about learning environments, noting his preference for healthy outdoor spaces over cramped settings. He highlighted how the Riepe Center embodies these principles, stating, “You need only experience the Riepe Center, inside and out, on such a beautiful day as today, to recognize that all of these elements have come together to Ben Franklin’s specifications.”
Dean Hoffman acknowledged the significance of the Riepe Center, remarking, “The Riepe Center was years in the making, and in the years ahead will transform New Bolton Center,” while expressing gratitude to the Riepe family for their generous support.
Designed to enhance the educational experience for both pre-clinical and clinical students, the facility includes wet and dry simulation labs equipped for practice on high- and low-fidelity models. It features dedicated breakout rooms for clinical rounds and a multipurpose classroom that accommodates up to 124 individuals, suitable for both large presentations and small-group sessions.
Barbara Dallap Schaer, the New Bolton Center’s associate dean of clinical education and operations, remarked that the center represents a significant advancement in student learning, enabling them to master skills in a supportive environment. Liz Arbittier, associate director of academic and community affairs at New Bolton Center, pointed out that the building provides essential facilities for hands-on learning, such as a fabrication lab and 3D-printing center, allowing students to engage in innovative development.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Dean Hoffman presented the Riepe family with a painting of the building as a commemorative gift. Following this, Gail Riepe guided students and guests on a tour of the new facility, culminating in a luncheon.