Inside Iowa State: Iowa State University

August 30, 2002

Iowa State will seek funds to renovate Morrill Hall

by John McCarroll
President Gregory Geoffroy announced Aug. 29 a fund-raising campaign to bring new life to Morrill Hall, one of Iowa State's oldest and best-known buildings.

The decision to actively seek contributions is the result of a feasibility study, conducted by ISU Foundation staff during the spring and summer, which indicated there is sufficient interest among alumni and friends of Iowa State to begin fund raising.

"It became clear in talking with many of our alumni, potential donors and friends that Morrill Hall holds special significance to them and serves as a visible reminder of Iowa State's land-grant heritage," Geoffroy said. "Based on these and other conversations, I'm optimistic that people will provide the necessary financial support for Morrill Hall."

To renovate and reconstruct the 112-year-old building will cost approximately $9 million to $10 million. The cost must be covered by private gifts, Geoffroy said.

"While we believe the potential is there for success, raising the money needed for Morrill Hall is not assured. This project represents a significant challenge, but one that I know Iowa State supporters will embrace with a lot of enthusiasm," he said.

Three programs devoted to student learning would be housed in a reconstructed Morrill Hall. They are: University Museums' Christian Petersen Collection and Art on Campus program; the proposed Center for Visual Learning in Textiles and Clothing, which includes about 6,000 pieces of clothing from around the world dating to the 18th century; and the Center for Teaching Excellence, housed in Lab of Mechanics since it was established in 1993. A 200-seat classroom/auditorium and commons space also are included as part of the renovation.

"This is an ideal location for the Petersen collection and our Art on Campus program, which is one of the largest such programs in the country," said Lynette Pohlman, director of University Museums. "We see great potential to enhance the visual literacy skills of students; that is, learn about the cultural, social, aesthetic and religious aspects of objects."

Visual and object learning also are emphasized in textiles and clothing education and in the Center for Teaching Excellence, which focuses on helping faculty enhance their skills.

All three programs need additional space and Morrill Hall provides a central campus location that is easily accessible to students and faculty. University Museums will continue to operate the Brunnier Art Museum, located in the Scheman Building, and Farm House Museum.

Easier access to the collections, for teaching and research purposes, also is important to museum curators and textiles faculty, and renovated space in Morrill Hall should address that issue as well.

Built in 1890, Morrill Hall occupies a prominent location on central campus. The building has never had any major remodeling or upgrading. It contains 24,890 gross square feet on four levels. It has been unoccupied since 1998, and its condition has deteriorated substantially.

Morrill Hall has been used for many purposes over the years, including library, museum, chapel, music studios, photo studios and a variety of administrative offices.

Earlier this year, consultants concluded that despite its serious problems, Morrill Hall is structurally sound and can be salvaged. The building would retain the Morrill name (which honors U.S. Sen. Justin Morrill, who sponsored the original land-grant legislation in Congress.)

"Many alumni and friends have told us of their interest in seeing Morrill Hall renovated, and we are excited to begin the process of fund raising for this important project," said Peg Armstrong-Gustafson, interim president and CEO of the ISU Foundation.

Geoffroy said he plans to appoint a committee of alumni, faculty, staff and others to help guide this fund-raising effort.

A fund for Morrill Hall has been established, and contributions should be directed to the ISU Foundation, 2505 Elwood Dr., Ames, 50010, and designated for Morrill Hall. For additional information, call the ISU Foundation, 4-8464.