Equine Center Dedicated to Professor Chute

The Harold L. Chute DVM Center for Equine Research and Education was dedicated at its official opening Aug. 19 at the J.F. Witter Teaching and Research Center at the University of Maine.

Harold Chute was a UMaine professor of animal and veterinary sciences for more than 22 years. Chute, who died in 2008, also wrote more than 200 papers about poultry and equine studies.

Approximately 40 people gathered with Chute’s wife, Marion; daughters, Pamela Chute and Hazel Lee Richard; and granddaughter, Courtney Richard, to celebrate the opening. UMaine President Paul Ferguson, University of Maine Foundation President Jeff Mills, Provost Designate Jeff Hecker and Witter Farm Superintendent Jake Dyer were among the attendees who watched students Nichole Daniszewski and Kayla Sheaffer lead equine walking drills at the new multipurpose facility.

Robert Causey, UMaine associate professor of animal and veterinary sciences, hosted the dedication. He secured a grant from the Maine Technology Asset Fund that initiated the $300,000 project. Completion of the facility was made possible by donations from the Chute family, as well as Justin Jamison, former Witter superintendent, and the Maine Farriers Association.

The 60-foot-by-120-foot facility may be arranged for variety of uses, including isolation of sick animals.