Iowa State University launches historic $1.1 billion campaign

AMES, Iowa – Iowa State University President Steven Leath announced the launch of the Forever True, For Iowa State campaign, a historic initiative to raise $1.1 billion for the university by June 30, 2020.

The goal is the largest ever for an Iowa State comprehensive campaign, and will help achieve the university’s vision to lead the world in advancing the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology and human creativity to work.

The announcement was made at a campaign launch event on Friday, Sept. 30, at Hilton Coliseum. “One of Iowa State’s greatest resources is its family of loyal alumni and friends,” said Leath. “This degree of loyalty is why the name of this campaign feels so appropriate. Our alumni remain forever true to this university – as Iowa State remains forever true to the principles of innovation, diversity and accessibility on which it was founded.”

With a name inspired by the Iowa State Fight Song, the campaign will rally support for scholarships, faculty support, facilities and programs. It will help ensure access to an exceptional education, advance Iowa State expertise in key areas that address global challenges, and enhance the university’s impact on the economy and quality of life in Iowa and around the world.

Since the campaign began its quiet phase in 2012, many gifts have been received that are already making a difference on Iowa State’s campus. The Moving Students Forward initiative, launched by President Leath in 2012, raised $204 million specifically for scholarships and other student support. More than 23,000 students have received support through the initiative. Also during the campaign to date, 35 new named faculty positions have been created. The Marston Hall renovation and the addition of the south end zone of Jack Trice Stadium were completed, in part, with funds contributed during the quiet phase. These are just a few of the many examples of how philanthropy during the campaign is already benefiting the university.

“I invite everyone whose lives have been touched by Iowa State to consider what it means to be Forever True to this university,” said Jon Fleming, a 1975 Iowa State graduate and retired gastroenterologist from Ames, Iowa, who serves as campaign chair. “With the help of our extended Iowa State family, I know we can make this the most transformative campaign in Cyclone history.”

Larissa Holtmyer Jones, president and CEO of the Iowa State University Foundation, announced that more than $551 million has already been raised, saying, “This goal stretches us, but there is so much to be gained in meeting it for our students’ and for our children’s futures.”

For more information, visit forevertrueisu.com.

The Iowa State University Foundation is a private, nonprofit corporation dedicated to securing and managing gifts and grants that benefit Iowa State University.

Contact: Karen Simon, ISU Foundation, Communications, 515.294.7263