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Purdue University dedicates new animal sciences complex

Purdue University President Mitch Daniels says the new $60 million animal sciences complex will help the university continue to be a leader in agriculture.

Daniels spoke at the formal dedication of the complex that includes the Hobart and Russell Creighton Hall of Animal Sciences, the Land O’Lakes Center for Experiential Learning, and the Purina Pavilion.

“If you want to attract the best you have to offer them the best opportunity to fulfill their own potential whether it’s a faculty member or a student,” he says. “With all our proud heritage we needed this facility to stay the world’s leader.”

The 123,000 square-foot facility will expand Purdue’s commitment to animal production.

Beth Ford with Land O’Lakes says the cooperative is proud to be part of the project that will create future leaders in the industry.

“Several years ago we made the strategic decision to invest broadly in Purdue,” she says. “Purdue University serves as a critical pipeline of talent for Land O’Lakes and our members and the exciting food and agriculture industries more broadly.”

More than 400 people attended the dedication in West Lafayette on Thursday.

The nearly 90,000-square-foot Hobart and Russell Creighton Hall of Animal Sciences includes research labs, classrooms designed for interactive and team-based learning, and conference rooms for Extension activities.

The 24,662-square-foot Land O’Lakes, Inc. Center for Experiential Learning includes research and teaching space for meat and protein sciences. It will also house the Boilermaker Butcher Block, a retail shop.

The adjoining 7,800-square-foot Purina Pavilion hosts events on livestock care, handling and evaluation.