ISU Alum Makes Gift to Support Life-Long Passion

102-year-old Laura Heddleson recently made a $200,000 gift to Iowa State University’s College of Human Sciences. The ISU alumna’s gift will support faculty and students interested in work with the ISU Cooperative Extension Service, an area she dedicated most of her career.

“I always felt that my work with extension was important,” said Laura. “My goal was to help people learn ways to make their lives better, to help them earn a decent living and live decently.”

Laura grew up on a farm near Strawberry Point, Iowa. Her career as an educator started with her first job out of high school teaching in a one-room school house in Deleware County. In 1932, she earned her bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University in home economics. A few years later, in 1936, she transitioned into work with the cooperative extension service.

“In Mahaska County, I was the first home demonstration agent for extension. I went to people’s homes and taught women how to sew, clean and preserve foods, lots of different things,” said Laura. “It was a different world at that time--women didn’t drive, there was no television or radio. I felt it was a necessary way of teaching women to earn a better living and become better homemakers.”

As a woman in this field, it was evident that Laura was independent and adventurous. But it was her passion and belief in what she was doing that also made her a trailblazer.

“I had to overcome a lot just to get people’s attention and get them to take part in the programs,” Laura said. “You had to work at it. Things developed and changed so fast that if you were going to help families, you had to keep one step ahead.”

Over the years, Laura worked with the Cooperative Extension Service is Iowa, Illinois and Kentucky. In 1970, she retired after more than 34 years in the profession.

“It was rewarding,” Laura said. “I watched lots of women go out and take leadership roles with groups like the local homemakers, the Parent Teachers Association and 4-H clubs. That was really satisfying.”

Laura was involved with many professional organizations such as the American Home Economics Association, the Epsilon Sigma Phi extension fraternity, the National Federation of Retired Federal Employees and served as president of the Home Agents Association in Illinois.

In retirement, Laura explored her other passions, such as traveling and visiting elder hostels. Today, she lives in a retirement community in Kentucky and is excited to know her recent gift will provide support to individuals interested in a career in extension or community outreach, an area that remains close to her heart.