The School of Veterinary Medicine will swing open the doors Wednesday (March 29) to the Veterinary Medicine Student Services and Administration Center, new home for student-service units, administrative offices and Scrubs Café.

The two-story, 34,000-square-foot building is on Garrod Drive across the street from the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital and just north of the Arboretum Teaching Nursery. Designed to improve communications, collaborations and operating efficiencies, the building brings together about 100 veterinary school leaders and staff members, previously housed in multiple locations.

“We are proud that this new building, which completes the circle in our veterinary school campus, is fittingly dedicated to the support of our students,” Dean Michael Lairmore said.

“We now look forward to expanding and enhancing our veterinary hospital to better meet the clinical needs of animals throughout California and beyond.”

Opening ceremony and tours

After a reception at 4:30 p.m. and brief opening ceremony at 5:30, visitors can take tours of the new building, which includes the dean’s office, workspace for several student-focused programs, and the school’s information technology, development and communications teams.

The building’s front entrance and courtyard open to the west, facing the veterinary hospital, and the back patio faces southeast, providing a venue for large outdoor events and access to the UC Davis Arboretum.

Pet-friendly dining

Campus Dining Services said they anticipate having the new Scrubs Café open on April 17. In making the move from nearby Medical Sciences 1B, the café gets a walk-up window for veterinary hospital clients and others who have pets in tow.

The café’s menu will include cooked-to-order items, grab-and-go choices, snacks, and a variety of hot and cold beverages.

The new Scrubs has a bigger dining area to provide space for informal networking, and the outdoor patio can be reset for special events.

Animals in art

In the lobby, a two-story-tall mosaic wall depicts a horse and caring hands — one holds a stethoscope, the others embrace and caress the horse’s head and face — set against a representation of Northern California terrain. Mike Mandel’s work reflects the bond between animals and people, as well as teacher-student mentoring relationships and an environmental connection.

Outside, you will see bronze sculptures, whimsical work by Nina Kaiser, one depicting a goat, another a pig and a third a dog facing off with two geese.

The building also includes a permanent scholarship donor honor roll, recognizing the important contributions of alumni and friends to the educational success of UC Davis veterinary students.

Environmentally advanced

The university is aiming for LEED-gold certification under the U.S. Green Building Council’s program for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. WRNS Studio did the design, and Rudolph and Sletten Inc. built it.

The project cost came to $27.9 million for design, construction and equipment (including the café), with the funds coming from the campus and philanthropic contributions to the School of Veterinary Medicine.

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