Robinson Hall was built in 1972 to house the increased enrollment in the animal science programs. Today it houses the Veterinary Technology Program and the small animal housing units. The building is named after Dr. John Wade Robinson, a highly influential and respected North Dakota veterinarian.
Robinson was born on March 26, 1876 near St. Louis, Missouri. In 1883, his family moved to Dakota Territory and settled near Coleharbor. Upon graduation from high school, Robinson entered the University of North Dakota in 1896 and graduated in 1900. Robinson received a Bachelor of the Arts degree, but really wanted to study veterinary medicine. He delayed his study of veterinary medicine because many at this time viewed the field as "one of the lowest, most disreputable callings of man." Robinson ignored this opinion and entered the Chicago Veterinary College in 1900 and graduated in 1903 (Spectrum, February 24, 1956, p. 2).
Upon his graduation from the Chicago Veterinary College, Robinson helped to start the North Dakota Veterinary Association. He remained active in the Association and eventually served as president in 1939. In 1907, Robinson was selected as a charter member of the North Dakota Livestock Sanitary Board. He remained on the Board until his retirement in 1960--it also marked the end of his seventeen-year presidency of the Board. In 1956, the Saddle and Sirloin Club honored Robinson by naming him "Man of the Year in Agriculture." Robinson died on February 26, 1980--exactly one month short of his 101st birthday.
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University Archives, 701-231-8914 Published by the University Archives, NDSU Last Updated: 8/27/04 |