Forever True, For Iowa State campaign reaches initial goal, increases target

AMES, Iowa – The Forever True, For Iowa State campaign has achieved unprecedented success raising $1.1 billion two years earlier than anticipated and is extending its challenge with a new target of $1.5 billion.

“When Iowa State University alumni and friends set their sights on a goal, they stop at nothing to achieve it. This has truly been the case for the Forever True campaign,” said Iowa State University President Wendy Wintersteen. “The momentum and energy our Cyclone family has created through its generosity has led to unprecedented success. While we’ve met our campaign goal, our work is not yet done; because there are still needs to be met, and ideals and aspirations to champion.”

In addition to increasing the target by $400 million over the original goal, the campaign will be extended a year to June 30, 2021.

With a name inspired by the Iowa State Fight Song, the Forever True, For Iowa State campaign is rallying support for scholarships, faculty support, facilities and programs.

“We are so grateful for the overwhelming confidence our donors have in Iowa State and the tremendous potential of the Forever True campaign,” said Jon Fleming, a 1975 Iowa State graduate and retired gastroenterologist from Ames, Iowa, who serves as campaign chair.

By supporting the university’s land-grant ideals, the campaign is helping Iowa State ensure access to an exceptional education, advance the university’s expertise in key areas that address global challenges and enhance Iowa State’s impact on the economy and quality of life in Iowa and around the world.

This includes advancing Wintersteen’s priorities to establish a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem at the university; to continue to recruit, nurture and retain excellent faculty; to continue making the student-centered experience a priority for every college; to implement new approaches to improve graduation rates; and to make Iowa State a leader in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment – where anyone who is willing to work hard can achieve their full potential.

Larissa Holtmyer Jones, president and CEO of the Iowa State University Foundation, said she is excited to continue the momentum of the campaign. “We have achieved an amazing amount of success with the campaign thanks to gifts of every size,” she said. “I look forward to partnering with President Wintersteen, our volunteers and our donors to make this a campaign that truly exceeds all our expectations as it embraces her leadership and vision.”

The Forever True, For Iowa State campaign is a historic initiative by the Iowa State University Foundation to raise private donations for the university. The campaign launched its quiet phase in 2012 and publicly launched in September 2016. For more information, visit forevertrueisu.com.

The Iowa State University Foundation is a private, nonprofit organization committed to securing and managing gifts that benefit Iowa State University.

Contact
Elaine Watkins-Miller, Communications, Iowa State University Foundation, 515.294.1005, ewmiller@foundation.iastate.edu

October 12, 2018