Inside Iowa State

Aug. 25, 2006

Welcome back! Here's what you missed

by Erin Rosacker

The summer is over and you're back to regular office hours, eagerly awaiting a print version of Inside Iowa State. Here's what you may have missed in the online versions, just in case you forgot your computer logon password from May to August.

Hello, my name is:

The office of the provost took on a whole new look after Ben Allen left ISU to take over as president at the University of Northern Iowa (see sidebar). The 18-member search committee remains on schedule in its search for a replacement.

Regents give thumbs up

The Board of Regents, State of Iowa, stayed busy in its monthly meetings. A one-year energy/environment surcharge was approved, adding $100 per semester to student bills at all three regents institutions. The board gave the go-ahead to an ISU proposal to use one-time state appropriated funds to create endowed chair and professor positions in biosciences, advanced manufacturing or information technology. Eleven research projects received grants from the Grow Iowa Values Fund, which is in its second year of distributing funds to economic development efforts. Iowa State got the green light to begin planning on several facility projects, including replacing the horticulture greenhouses, renovating Snedecor Hall and the Maple-Willow-Larch and Oak-Elm dining centers, and building a chemistry facility. Athletics received permission to begin fund raising and planning for its phased plan of renovations and additions to the football stadium and Hilton.

Where am I?

There may be cause for a few double-takes as you travel around campus.

The Curtiss autitorium is out of commission until next June, getting a much-needed makeover thanks to remaining funds in a classroom renovation project that began in 2002.

Tye Recital Hall has a completely new look after a summer renovation that included new seats. Perhaps the most aesthetically pleasing part of the project is the switch from the 1980 orange color scheme to a rich blue.

The Union Pacific railroad bridge over Stange Road on the north side of campus got a fresh coat of light gray paint. Pigeon-proofing measures also were added, but a colony of target masters perched on the now-popular outside ledges are trying to prove otherwise.

Coover Hall lost some weight after the southwest addition was demolished and the west lawn was cleared. A three-story addition is going up in its place.

Computer sales moved out of the Durham Center to team up with the University Book Store and create Tech CYte, a computer and software store in the UBS. IT Services' repair center is still located in Durham.

An ombuds office opened in 69 Physics, housing Edwin Lewis and Grace Weigel (see story on page 1).

The Memorial Union converted to a new floor and room numbering system to comply with the university's standard.

One man's junk

Reiman Gardens generated a buzz -- albeit not always positive -- after installing its "Cars and Campaniles: A Postmodern Approach to Gardening" display. Junked vehicles and scrap parts were used for anything from planters to signage. Like it or not, the display was an eye-catcher for traffic on Elwood Drive.

They came in droves

Ames and Iowa State played host to events that drew thousands of visitors to the area and kept campus hopping. In addition to new student orientation and summer camp activities, some of the biggest draws included Odyssey of the Mind World Finals, Special Olympics Iowa State Summer Games, Special Olympics USA National Games, and the Iowa Games.

The summer went by in the blink of an eye. Catch up on what you may have missed with this summary of the top things that happened between May and August.