A look back at the ups, downs in 2002

by Linda Charles
A dwindling university budget took center stage through much of the first part of the year. However, campus life in 2002 included its share of high points -- from a visit by Garrison Keillor to the unveiling of a new conservatory and butterfly house. Here are some of the notable events during the year.

The buck didn't stop here
For the second year, the university community struggled to deal with deappropriations and less state revenue. In July, the university began the fiscal year with a state operating budget that was 13 percent smaller than the previous year. President Gregory Geoffroy named an ongoing budget advisory committee and vowed to work to rebuild faculty numbers. On a high note, after a year of turning off lights, adjusting thermostats and other conservation efforts, the university accumulated almost $1.5 million in energy savings.

ISUPD
Campus police received the OK from the Board of Regents, State of Iowa, to begin carrying Taser weapons.

Job security
A new system for non-tenure-track faculty provided job security and advancement opportunities for some who were hired in the past as temporary instructors. Approximately 232 faculty were hired under the new policy, with the highest concentrations in English and mathematics.

Live from Ames
Minnesotan Garrison Keillor brought his unique brand of small-town charm to Iowa State for a live performance of A Prairie Home Companion. About 200 music students returned the favor, heading to downtown Minneapolis for a special "President's Concert" performance at Orchestra Hall.

To be the best
President Geoffroy announced a university-wide enhancement plan to fund eight projects that focus on creating new faculty positions and helping undergraduate students succeed at Iowa State. Another five "big impact" initiatives that respond to critical needs in Iowa received start-up funds this year and a commitment for salary funding for seven new faculty positions in FY04. Planning began for a proposed ISU Center for Excellence in the Arts and Humanities to promote and support faculty development.

Jischke Honors Building

New names on campus
The Hawthorn Court student apartment community was renamed in honor of Charles Frederiksen, director of the ISU residence department from 1967 to 1996. The honors building took on the name of Iowa State's 12th president, Martin Jischke, and Union Drive Suite 1, featuring residential suites and programs aimed at helping freshmen adjust to college life, was named for former president Gordon Eaton.

College of Business faculty and staff members signed a topping-out beam that became part of the new Gerdin Business Building.

Merged menus
Jonathan Lewis was picked to head the university's new campus dining services -- a merged unit of the dining and catering services from the residence department and Memorial Union.

Construction zone
Construction began on the new Extension and 4-H Youth Development building north of campus and the new indoor multipurpose use and practice facility west of the Jacobson Building. Construction also continued on several buildings around campus, including the new Gerdin Business Building, Hoover Hall and the Carver Co-lab.

Morrill Hall

This old hall
President Geoffroy asked the campus community, alumni and others what should be done with dilapidated Morrill Hall. Suggestions ranged from turning it into a museum to tearing it down to build a parking lot, but most urged saving the building. Geoffroy announced a campaign to raise the $9 million to $10 million needed to renovate and reconstruct the 112-year-old building.

Open policy
The ISU Foundation moved to its new quarters off campus and created a public information policy that foundation officials said makes most foundation information available to the public.

Wheaties "Breakfast of Champion" cereal boxes featured Cyclone wrestler Cael Sanderson, who made wrestling history in March when he became the first undefeated four-time Division I champion.

On the job

• Collegiate wrestling wonder Cael Sanderson accepted a position as administrative assistant in the athletic department.
• Steve Carter was named president of the ISU Research Park Corp., after serving six months as the interim president.
• Benjamin Allen was tapped to serve as provost. Three finalists for that position visited campus late in the year.
• Tahira Hira was named to the new position of assistant to the president for external relations.
• Peg Armstrong-Gustafson, owner and founder of Amson Technology, West Des Moines, became the foundation's interim president.
• Labh Hira was appointed to a three-year term as Business dean, a position he filled on an interim basis for a year.

Reiman blossoms
Reiman Gardens opened its new conservatory and butterfly wing. The 5,000-square-foot indoor conservatory displays about 500 tropical plants, and 1,000 to 1,500 newly hatched butterflies are in flight in the butterfly wing.

More faculty
The regents approved a 17.6 percent tuition hike for 2003-04. Iowa State officials indicated that in addition to a set-aside for financial aid and mandatory fees, the university would use the additional tuition increase to support faculty recruitment and retention efforts, as well as new faculty positions and initiatives.

Memorial Union

University-owned
More extensive future renovation of the Memorial Union became possible when the regents approved a transfer of the property to the university. The move was initiated by students.

On air
The WOI Radio Group switched on its fourth station -- KWOI in Carroll --during WOI Radio's 80th anniversary celebration.