CORVALLIS, Ore. -- Faculty and students at Oregon State celebrated on Wednesday after receiving the largest donation in the history of the university, a $50 million gift that officials said will transform the Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine into a leading-edge institution of learning. 

The money was donated by Dr. Gary Carlson, who graduated from the school in 1974. Officials said they would rename the veterinary school in his honor.

The donation will be used to provide more training and hands-on learning experiences for students and to help them keep up with current technology. The college also hopes to expand its facilities by adding another classroom and a small wing to the animal hospital so staff can provide better animal care and prevent diseases. 

"The reason we are here is that we are training the future veterinarians, so what this gift is doing is ensuring those future veterinarians will be extremely well-trained," Susan Tornquist, dean of the vet school, said. "They already are, but it will make their training better and allow us to train them in some of the most current techniques and instruments that are out there in veterinary medicine."

Tornquist said they plan to hire more faculty and add specialties to the program. She said she is excited about the opportunities the donation will provide for the college.