Alumni and friends will create an Infinite Impact at Mississippi State University through naming opportunities at numerous levels. Gifts from alumni and friends are an essential component in the enhancement of new facilities at Mississippi State University. One of the latest additions for the burgeoning campus will be a new Meat Science and Muscle Biology Laboratory for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station (MAFES).

The university broke ground in mid-April on the nearly $8.5 million 15,000-square-foot Meat Science and Muscle Biology Laboratory building with completion slated for late summer 2017. The laboratory building will be constructed near the corner of Stone Boulevard and Blackjack Road, in the vacant lot in front of the Wise Center, where primary operations for the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine and animal hospital are located. The Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences currently occupies the fourth floor of the Wise Center.

The new Meat Science and Muscle Biology Laboratory is the initial phase of a three-building complex. The Meat Science and Muscle Biology Laboratory will enable faculty and students in the Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences and the Department of Food Science, Nutrition and Health Promotion to continue and enhance MSU's leading research centered on meat production. The space allows students to apply principles learned in the classroom in a tactile research environment that mimics a state-of-the-art production facility. In the future, the addition of separate buildings for Department of Poultry Science and Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences will complete an L-shaped complex.

"Over time, the need for more space has become paramount for expanding programs and advancing our endeavors in teaching and research with the operation of this much-needed laboratory building," said George Hopper, dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and director of the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station. "We are excited about this building. I ask all of our alumni, friends, and industry partners to help us bring the entire complex to fruition."

Historically, the MSU Meat Science and Muscle Biology Laboratory, located at Ballew Hall, has been known for its production of some of the finest locally-sourced beef and pork products available. These products are sold to the public at the MAFES Sales Store. Once complete, the new laboratory will continue the tradition of producing quality meat for the Starkville community.

The relocation of the program will enhance and grow teaching and research capabilities. The new facility will contain a premier classroom, a research and demonstration area, and a state-of-the-art processing area, along with freezer space. Office spaces will also be located throughout the building.

Individuals, businesses, and groups associated with our industry and Mississippi State University may wish to have their name associated with the Meat Science and Muscle Biology Laboratory. Naming opportunities for this facility exist at many levels, and MSU Foundation personnel will assist interested donors with tailored charitable gift plans.

"Outright gifts for select features are needed and a lead gift for the building would connect the names of contributors with MSU in perpetuity," said Jud Skelton, director of development for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. "All gifts can help with future operations for the facility and benefit learning and research at Mississippi State."

For personalized assistance, interested parties should contact Jud Skelton at 662-325-0643 or jud.skelton@foundation.msstate.edu or Will Staggers, assistant director of development, at 662-325-2837 or wstaggers@foundation.msstate.edu.