Page 4 - VHSA - Onderstepoort 100 Years - Part 2

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ERSTEPOORT 100
Old Hospital, 1925
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and Infectious Diseases); H.H. Green (Biochemistry), G. v.d. W. de Kock (Anatomy), W.H. Andrews (Physiology) and P.R. Viljoen (Medicine). E.M. Robinson (Hygiene) and C.P. Neser (Medicine) were appointed as lecturers. Theiler was the first Dean and maintained this position till his retirement in 1927. Later appointments to the Faculty of Institute staff who were actively involved in the teaching of the first group of students and who can therefore also be regarded as foundation members of the Faculty were F. Veglia (Helminthology), J. Quinlan (Surgery), H.H. Curson (General Hygiene) and P.J.J. Fourie (Special Bacteriology).
The first group of eight students received the BVSc degree in 1924. Theiler was the spokesman at this occasion and he referred to the two-fold objective of veterinary education: scientifically trained graduates who are equipped to do research but also to fulfill the responsibilities of a state veterinary officer. Between 1924 and 1929, 42 students graduated and two obtained doctorates. The initial decision that the first 2 years of the 5 year BVSc course could be done at any university in the country equipped to teach the relevant subjects proved to be unpractical. After a year Stellenbosch pulled out, followed by Johannesburg in 1925. Pretoria then became the sole provider of the complete course. In 1926 it was decided that the second year should also be taught at Onderstepoort and not at the TUC campus.
The first students graduated in 1924
The first appointment in June 1920 was that of P.R. Viljoen, who played an exceptionally active role in the creation of the Faculty. He provisionally became Professor of Anatomy. On 20 August 1920 the appointment of six professors was announced: Sir Arnold Theiler (Pathology); P.J. du Toit (Hygiene
PART 2
Faculty of Veterinary Science: General History
1908-2008
Years