|
|
 |
|
Aug. 29, 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."
Price tag: $9 million to $10 million
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.
"Ideal location" for Petersen collection
"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.
Morrill name would be retained
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.
|
