Health-related programs get a boost from new facilities

[youTubeVideo url=”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bibWUuOL3Wo” width=”638″ height=”338″]
With the 5,000 square foot second wing completed and open to students, the McQueary Family Health Sciences Hall will be dedicated at 3 p.m. April 20.

A significant gift from the McQueary Family helped fund the expansion of the building on the corner of Kimbrough and Cherry, which is currently used by the physical therapy, public health and biomedical sciences programs. The expansion houses an anatomy laboratory, classrooms and offices for various health-related programs. The anatomy lab will be used by physical therapy, physician assistant studies, sports medicine and nurse anesthesia students.

“The McQueary family has always been involved in this university for several generations,” said Brent Dunn, vice president for university advancement. “We are so pleased we have a building that bears their name and honors their support for many years. They have an interest in all aspects of the university but have made their living in the health industry with their wholesale pharmaceutical company; so it is fitting the Health Sciences Hall is named in their honor.”

William M. McQueary started a family business in the early 1900s when he opened a drugstore on the corner of Madison and John Q. Hammons Parkway. William McQueary’s sons, William Les and Frederick Gordon McQueary, then founded McQueary Brothers Drug Company in 1924. The McQueary Family’s legacy of giving was inspired by Les and Jennie McQueary, who enjoyed Missouri State athletics, leading to the couple’s children, Fred M. McQueary and the late William T. “Bill” McQueary, serving as the first co-chairs of the Bears Fund in 1982. Fred and Ramona McQueary and Bill and Shirley McQueary, and their families, have continued the long tradition of support of Missouri State University.

“The state-of-the-art anatomy laboratory and high-tech classrooms made possible by this generous gift from the McQueary family will enhance teaching and learning and enable us to accept more students into highly competitive health programs,” said Dr. Helen Reid, dean of the College of Health and Human Services.

More information about Our Promise: The Campaign for Missouri State University is available on the university website at www.ourpromise.missouristate.edu. Anyone wanting to give to the campaign can do so online.