Inside Iowa State: Iowa State University

July 5, 2002

ISU fund raising this year will focus on faculty, student needs

by Barbara Boose, ISU Foundation
Support for students and faculty is the focus of Iowa State's fund-raising priorities for the 2002-03 fiscal year, which began July 1.

Priorities for the year total just over $70 million in support of eight colleges, student affairs, the library, extension and 4-H, Plant Sciences Institute, Institute for Physical Research and Technology, university museums, athletics and other affiliated programs.

"With a focus on people and our academic programs, these priorities will advance our aspiration to become the nation's best land-grant university while providing important support for students and faculty," said President Gregory Geoffroy.

The priorities emphasize the "Investing in People" initiative announced last fall to increase private gifts for undergraduate scholarships, graduate fellowships and endowed faculty positions. They also include initiatives in such areas as agriculture, veterinary medicine, natural and social sciences, engineering, technology, environmental stewardship and economic development.

University administrators established the priorities following extensive discussions by faculty, department chairs, deans and other unit leaders. ISU Foundation staff also gave input on possible interest among alumni and other friends in supporting proposed projects.

All priorities are reviewed by the provost and vice presidents and require approval by Geoffroy.

Priorities are subject to change during the year. The ISU Foundation also accepts private gifts for purposes in addition to the priorities identified by the university, if a donor wishes to support projects that would be useful and appropriate for Iowa State.

The current list of priorities includes:

Nearly $25.8 million for faculty support -- endowed chairs and professorships, fellowships and professional development -- as part of the Investing in People initiative.
Nearly $13.3 million for student support -- undergraduate scholarships, graduate fellowships and graduate assistantships -- also part of Investing in People.
Nearly $11.8 million for capital projects, including remodeling and expanding Coover Hall and updating the veterinary teaching hospital.
More than $15.2 million for research and programmatic initiatives.

Highlights include creation of a Center for Rural Vitality in the College of Agriculture, innovative electronic library resources, enhancements in mechanical and computer engineering laboratories, support for undergraduate and multidisciplinary programs in the College of Business, and research to improve food nutrition.