CSU Animal Science - 100 Year Celebration

100 Year Celebration

Great Ram fans Jim & Nadine Henry and
Tom Field enjoy the party!

The Department of Animal Sciences at Colorado State University celebrated its 100-year anniversary during the 2003 Homecoming weekend. Three hundred and fifty alumni, students and friends gathered at the Equine Center to enjoy a lamb, pork and beef buffet, to reminisce about old times and to discuss the future of a department that boasts 6.270 graduates and a long list of contributions to the livestock industry.

The exact date the Animal Husbandry Department was established is not clear, but records show that the Colorado Cattle and Horse Raisers Association went to the Colorado Legislature and demanded an “animal person” at the College. As a result, William L. Carlyle was hired in 1903 to oversee the development of the Animal Husbandry department and to serve as the first Department Head. The Department of Animal Sciences continues to serve Colorado’s large and diverse livestock industries. The Department’s commitment to research and outreach help make it the largest department in the College of Agricultural Sciences, and the third largest academic department on campus.

New CSU President Dr. Larry Penley and Dean Marc Johnson welcomed the attendees and commented on the Department’s rich tradition. The oldest living graduate is Cecil Staver (pictured below) who attended and enjoyed the evening. “We have had many successes,” said David Ames, professor and former department head of the animal sciences department. “But our greatest contributions are our 6,270 graduates, many of whom have provided leadership in the livestock industry.” Today, 100 years later, the department continues to research efficient and profitable production of safe and wholesome foods. “The land-grant university’s mission has been fulfilled by the work of the people affiliated within the departement," said Tom Field, alumnus and faculty member. "The marriage of ideas, practices and discovery within the context of livestock production has yielded a high degree of value to the people of Colorado, the region, the nation and the world."

Oldest living Animal Science Alum
Cecil Staver was in attendance.

The program included brief statements from:

Tom Bradbury, Alumnus and Cattleman
Randy Blach, Alumnus and CEO of CattleFax
Polly Collins Johnson, Alumna and Cattlewoman
Chuck Sylvester, Alumnus and National Western
Dean Emeritus H.H. Stonaker
B. W. Pickett, First Director of Equine Studies
Jim Oxley, Alumnus and Former Department Head
Brett Kaysen, Alumnus and Current Livestock Judging Team Coach
Amanda Ziehl, Recent Alumna

"The attention to educating students and serving the livestock industries via research and extension is the historical land-grant paradigm, and within that context, the faculty and its students have led change and inspired innovation and continue to do so,” said Kirvin Knox, alumnus, former faculty member in the animal sciences department and former dean and vice provost for agriculture and university outreach.
“Congratulations to all the students, staff and faculty. May the
next century be as productive and Progressive as the last.”

The celebration concluded with a department homecoming float and a RAM victory the following day!

100 Year Celebration Pictures

Richard Maxey and Dale Wiescamp talk
with their proffessor Vern Swanson

Even a Texan (retired county extension
}director Jim Smith) enjoyed the day
s he talks with David Ames.

Dean Marc Johnson addresses the 350
banquet attendees

A group of recent graduates gather
to talk about "old times" that really are not that old.

The judging teams prepared a beef, pork
and lamb dinner that
was enjoyed by all.

Emeritus Dean and Animal Science professor
H. H. "Stony"Stonaker provided a
description of changes that have occurred in
the Department over the past 61 years.

Chuck Sylvester gave a great overview
of Departmentalactivities and relationships
with the National Western.

Last Updated ( Thursday, 22 June 2006 )

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