Inside Iowa State: Iowa State University

INSIDE IOWA STATE
May 3, 2002

Regents reject request to rename Honors building

by University Relations staff
The Board of Regents, State of Iowa, rejected a request from Iowa State's Faculty Senate April 17 to remove Martin Jischke's name from the new Honors Program building and instead simply call the building "Honors Building" for now.

Regent David Fisher noted that he made the motion in July 2000 to name the building for former ISU president Jischke and that the vote supporting his motion was unanimous. "The honor was well-deserved. I don't want to re-open this," Fisher said.

After some discussion and without any further motions, board president Owen Newlin declared the issue "closed."

President Gregory Geoffroy, who last month said he could not support the senate resolution, issued this statement:

"I understand the differences of opinion concerning the naming of the new Honors Building for former President Martin Jischke and the process by which it was approved two years ago. However, that name was approved by the Board of Regents, State of Iowa, and Wednesday, the board chose not to rescind its decision.

"The ongoing debate, some of which has been very negative, is harmful to the university in many ways, and I would urge the university community to put this issue behind us and move on to address the many other challenges and opportunities that lie before us."

In other action, the regents:

Approved parking permit fees for the year that begins July 1. All fees will increase between 4.2 percent (24-hour reserved) and 35.7 percent (commuter, residence hall and elected government students). Five rates (general staff, reserved, 24-hour reserved, commuter student and student stadium parking) will increase the same levels in FY04 and FY05 as well to help pay for two long-range parking facilities on campus and expanded lots around Jack Trice Stadium
Approved a $1 million contract with Daktronics, Brookings, S. D., for a new scoreboard, video screen and sound system for Jack Trice Stadium. Advertising sponsors on the board will cover the cost.
Elected incumbent president Newlin to another two-year term as board president.
Approved a project description and budget ($1.8 million) for a community center in the University Village student neighborhood north of campus.
Set the date for the annual Regents Merit system pay plan public hearing: 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 8, in the ISU Memorial Union Regency Room. The regents' next meeting is May 16 in Iowa City.