Iowa State University Alumni Association| online edition | fall 2006

FALL 2006
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BUILDING ON ACADEMIC STRENGTHS
IOWA STATE'S CAMPUS INFRASTRUCTURE CULTIVATES SUCCESS

Standing in the middle of Iowa State University’s central campus, students see the same big, beautiful buildings that have stood tall for decades. With structures like Beardshear and Curtiss Hall lining the green space, the character and charm of these facilities contribute to what is arguably one of the most beautiful campuses in the nation.

Not only are the buildings grand, but even more important are the resources available inside that help attract and retain the best and brightest students and faculty to Iowa State. For faculty, the facilities serve as a tool in their teaching and research. For students, the quality of the facilities directly affects their education, experience, and future opportunities.

In recent years, Iowa State has been faced with declining state support, and at the same time the need for maintaining and updating academic buildings is growing. While some state support is available, it is not enough to cover all the costs of repairs and improvements necessary to accommodate student and faculty needs. Iowa State depends on private support
now more than ever for help in keeping the university’s infrastructure strong and its mission moving forward.

President Gregory Geoffroy has identified the following projects as academic capital fundraising priorities:

Agricultural and biosystems engineering
Research and education in agricultural biosystems engineering is focused on global issues, while taking a leadership role in the revolution of biorenewables. With the help of state and private support, agricultural and biosystems engineering will construct a state-of-the-art facility with advanced laboratories and technology-ready classrooms.

Animal Sciences Corridor project
The Department of Animal Science has pioneered advancements in animal genetics and breeding, animal nutrition, and food safety. To continue that momentum, the department has identified the Animal Science Corridor project as a priority in linking research and teaching. Private funds are needed to construct
the corridor’s two cornerstone projects, which include the dairy/animal science education and discovery facility and a multi-species animal pavilion.

Chemical sciences
The Department of Chemistry has high-caliber researchers and students driven to push scientific boundaries. In order to support faculty researchers and their programs, Iowa State plans to build a new chemical sciences building and expand the university’s potential for growth in sciences. With a portion of the money coming from the state, private funds are necessary to support the project.

Coover Hall
Built more than 50 years ago, Coover Hall is home to the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. In order to renovate and expand the overcrowded facility, private support is needed. The expansion project will accommodate higher enrollments as well as the classrooms and offices needed to grow the department’s new programs in Internet security and software engineering.

Curtiss Hall
Iowa State’s College of Agriculture started with a traditional focus on farming. Today, students study a broader scope of the industry that addresses both national and global issues. Built in 1909, Curtiss Hall has been well maintained; however, improvements are needed to fulfill the college’s growing needs. Private support will allow the college to update technology, expand classrooms, and enhance student services.

Design
The College of Design does not have sufficient space to meet the needs of faculty and students. With the construction of a 22,000-gross-square-foot pavilion, facility and students will have a centralized location for all programs and an enhanced space for interaction and collaboration. University and private funds will be used to support this project.

Horticulture Greenhouses
The Horticulture Department finds it increasingly difficult to keep current with the latest research and teaching methods due to aging greenhouse facilities. Through private support, ISU will build a state-of-the-art greenhouse that will position faculty researchers and students at the leading edge of discovery.

MacKay Hall
When the College of Human Sciences was created, it was apparent that the consolidation and integration of student services and university teacher education would be essential but not possible in the pre-existing space. With the help of private support, MacKay Hall will undergo a renovation that will provide state-of-the-art classrooms, offices, student interaction, and work areas.

Marston Hall
Marston Hall is the backbone for the College of Engineering. While the building itself is sound, the infrastructure of the building, including heating and cooling systems and information technology, need updating. The college also plans to reconfigure the layout of the facility to include a first-floor technology gateway, a space for student organizations, and updated spaces for career services, advising, and recruiting. Private support will be the sole source of funding for this project.

Snedecor Hall
More than 4,400 undergraduate and graduate students attend classes in Snedecor Hall, and within these walls the Department of Statistics collaborates with researchers locally, nationally, and internationally. University and private support is needed to implement plans for renovation and expansion which will strengthen the department’s capacity to advance research campus-wide and world-wide.

Veterinary Teaching Hospital
The College of Veterinary Medicine provides outstanding animal health care based on the integration of clinical practice, teaching, research, and service. With state and private funds, a new facility will utilize the latest technology needed to continue ISU’s reputation for producing quality veterinarians.

Each of these projects contributes to the value and quality found at Iowa State University, and none of them will be possible without private support. With support from ISU’s alumni and friends, these projects will allow Iowa State to continue the tradition of excellence in teaching, research, and outreach. For information about these projects or how you can help make a difference, call the ISU Foundation at (866) 419-6768.

About the Writer | Kim Davis is the assistant director of communications for the ISU Foundation.