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FAQ: Morrill Hall fund raising
What is the plan for Morrill Hall?
The plan is to raise $9 million to $10 million to renovate and
reconstruct the 112-year-old building. Built in 1890,
Morrill Hall is part of Iowa State University's cultural heritage.
The building memorializes Senator Justin Smith Morrill, author of
the historic 1862 Morrill Act that established the land-grant
university system and philosophy of opportunity and
access.
A renovated Morrill Hall will foster artistic and historic preservation by
housing the works of sculptor Christian Petersen as well as Iowa State's significant textiles
collection. The building also will be home to the Center for Teaching
Excellence.
Where will money to complete the renovation come from?
Donors of private funds are expected to provide the financial
resources needed.
Why not use state dollars to pay for the renovation?
The state allocation to Iowa State already is committed to basic institutional
services. Private support often allows Iowa State to fund
programs that create a margin of excellence in its academic programs.
Can $10 million be raised for this project?
Leaders of the ISU Foundation share President Gregory Geoffroy's optimism that
the Iowa State community will support the effort to renovate Morrill
Hall. The survey he conducted through February and March 2002 and the
ISU Foundation's feasibility study indicated there is a desire among
alumni and friends to see the building saved.
Isn't it more expensive to renovate this old building than to build
a new one?
Yes, it will cost more in dollars, but Iowa State's constituents
have indicated they want to save this part of the university's
history. Also, the central location will allow Iowa State to bring
together three student-focused programs in a convenient way and free
classroom space in other buildings.
How can officials justify spending money on this project in light of
recent tuition increases?
Morrill Hall is an important historic symbol of Iowa State's
land-grant legacy and mission that, with this project, will directly
benefit students and enhance an Iowa State education with innovative
programs.
The private funds that will be used for Morrill Hall are only those
that donors designate for this purpose.
Isn't the Investing in People campaign the top fund-raising priority?
Each of the programs to be housed in a renovated Morrill Hall will
further leverage the Investing in People program, which is designed to
increase private funding for undergraduate scholarships, graduate
fellowships and faculty support. Morrill Hall's renovation will
provide academic resources to students and faculty and help Iowa State
recruit outstanding graduate students and faculty who are interested
in effective teaching methods.
Does the $9 million to $10 million renovation cost estimate include
an endowment to maintain the building as well as address its immediate
needs?
Renovation likely will cost $10 million in cash gifts. Additional
gifts to the project, both cash and deferred, will be used to
establish an operating endowment. For example, donors who wish to
designate part of their estate to Morrill Hall would help create that
endowment.
What role, if any, will donors of smaller gifts play in Morrill
Hall?
The success of the project relies on broad-based support among all
members of the Iowa State community, whether they can give $10 or $10
million.
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