CALF_News_August_September_2021

24 CALF News • August | September 2021 • www.calfnews.net By Larry Stalcup Contributing Editor A fter achieving what he dreamed of – and then some – in the veterinary medicine, equine and cattle busi- nesses, “Doc” Graham has more than fulfilled what his vet school dean requested – to give back to his beloved Texas A&M University. His goals to help expand A&M’s vet school were capped this summer with the official grand opening of the new CharlesW. “Doc” Graham, The Texas A&MUniversity System Center, located on the campus of West Texas A&MUniversity in Canyon. The center is home to the Veterinary Education, Research and Outreach Building (VERO) and the Charles W. Graham DVMTexas A&MVeterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory Building (TVMDL). Both are part of the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (CVMBS). The new facilities opened last September, signaling the cul- mination of the Texas A&M University System’s investment in large animal health in the Texas Panhandle. The grand opening celebration was delayed until this summer due to COVID-19. However, students completed their first year at the center this spring. The center is supported by some $95 million in investments into the WTAMU and Panhandle region. Ground was broken on both buildings in December 2018. “With this partnership at WT, the CVMBS continues to meet both the needs of the state and our students in the most innovative, high-quality, effective and cost-efficient manner possible,” said Texas A&M System Chancellor John Sharp. “We have created a two-way superhighway of veterinary edu- cation and research activity from Canyon to College Station. And it runs right through the VERO and TVMDL facilities within the Dr. Charles Graham center on the WT campus.” Doc Graham is known by most as a man who says directly what’s on his mind. And some of his words may even make a sailor blush. He served in the U.S. Army after earning his Bachelor of Arts degree at A&M. Following his tour for Uncle Sam, he returned to A&M and entered vet school. He learned all he could in class and “outside” the classroom and lab. “I was as nervous as a whore in church,” Doc uttered in his center dedication speech when describing his reaction to being called into the dean’s office just before graduating from vet school in 1953. It seems that Doc had been helping local live- stock producers on the side. He had cared for sick animals and performed other animal health chores. The dean apparently let the outside practice slip by until it was graduation time. He told Doc that he had questionably earned more money than anyone in the vet school. “I know you’re going to be financially successful,” the dean told him. “I’m going to ask you to do one thing. I want you to give back to Texas A&M University.” “I think I’ve done that,” Doc said, speaking to the center grand opening crowd that included Chancellor Sharp and other Aggie brass, fellow vets from the Texas A&M and WT WTAMU and TAMU Celebrate New Charles "Doc" Graham Vet Facilities LEFT: Charles “Doc” Graham, DVM, has more than given back to his beloved Texas A&M. West Texas A&M University proudly supports the new veterinary research and teaching facilities. RIGHT: WTAMU’s extension of Texas A&M veterinary research and education programs link the Panhandle and other High Plains ag students to the main vet school in College Station. Photo courtesy WTAMU Texas A&M System Chancellor John Sharp was among many Aggie dignitaries who made it to Canyon to honor Doc Graham and salute the many new educational opportunities available to WTAMU ag school students.