The College of Veterinary Medicine broke ground Saturday on a new $48 million facility that will strengthen the college’s capabilities.

Ground was broken for the new Dr. W. Eugene and Linda Lloyd Veterinary Teaching Hospital at 11:30 a.m. in a ceremony open to the public.

“This is a great day for the College of Veterinary Medicine,” said ISU President Gregory Geoffroy. “And it’s a great day for the millions of people ISU serves through this college.”

The expansion project will increase the college’s total space by 25 percent. It will significantly update the existing facilities, which are 30 years old.

“This is truly a state-of-the-art facility,” Geoffroy said. “It cannot come at a better time for the college.”

Geoffroy said the project is absolutely critical to the college and Iowa State given the growing needs in veterinary medicine, and will be a tremendous help in recruiting students and faculty.

The lead gift of $3.5 million, made by Eugene and Linda Lloyd, was announced in May 2004. Fundraising began immediately for the remaining amount needed. It was made possible by bonding approved through the Iowa Legislature and $9.3 million in private support.

Eugene Lloyd spoke about the donation he and his wife made and encouraged students, faculty and alumni to do the same.

“I learned that I was giving to ISU, but receiving more in return,” Eugene said.

Roger Mahr, president of American Veterinary Medical Association and ISU alumnus, also spoke at the event.

“Today, we join together to focus on the future,” Mahr said. “By working together, we can convert 21st-century challenges into opportunities.”

The hospital is expected to be completed in fall 2008. It will improve the college’s ability to diagnose, treat and care for large animals and horses. It will also accommodate increased class sizes to meet the recent demand for veterinarians, as well as increase the capacity of the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.

Facilities in the new hospital include new surgery suites, an advanced imaging facility, animal inpatient wards, intensive care units, faculty and business offices and much more.

“We will be proud forever,” Mahr said. “I envision greatness for the College of Veterinary Medicine and ISU.”

Eugene and Linda Lloyd have been longtime supporters of Iowa State. Eugene graduated from Iowa State with a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1949 and a Ph.D. in 1970. He founded Lloyd Inc. in Shenandoah, which manufactures pharmaceutical and nutritional products for humans and animals.

They have also established the W. Eugene and Linda R. Lloyd Endowed Professorship in Veterinary Medicine and the Lloyd Fund for Veterinary Medicine.