|
navigation
|
|
Message from the Dean
Spring 2008
The Power of People
As Campaign Iowa State was just beginning
in 2003, I remember reflecting back on just how
far we had come in the past couple of decades or
so.
Earning college status. Graduate programs.
Achieving accreditation. More faculty, and many
more students. And at that time, we were about
to realize the most important milestone in our
journey: the Gerdin Business Building, which
would open just a few short months later.
Excitement was at a fever pitch; students,
faculty, and staff were all eager to take full
advantage of this wonderful new facility.
And yet, for all that progress and enthusiasm
generated by our new building, we were already
thinking ahead to the opportunities in front of
us. As we identified our campaign priorities, it
was clear that our people had to be central to
our efforts going forward. We had worked so hard
to improve our physical space, now it was time
to focus on our people and programs.
But a campaign goal of over $40 million was
audacious, given our relatively young donor
base. And the task of transferring that momentum
to a new campaign, with a very different focus,
was challenging. Would our alumni and friends
support less tangible concepts like faculty
development, student support, and academic
programs as eagerly as they supported the Gerdin
Business Building?
The answer, resoundingly, was yes.
When Campaign Iowa State went public in
October 2007, we had raised $26 million of our
$42 million goal. Since that time, we have
raised an additional $7 million. The support we
have received has been nothing short of
incredible and makes me very proud.
It is with such pride that I announce the
creation of the David and Ellen Raisbeck Dean’s
Chair in the College of Business. The Raisbecks
have long been supporters of the college, and
their recent $3 million gift has created the
second endowed deanship at Iowa State
University.
Their support is especially appreciated because
it comes at such a critical time for our
college, as we prepare for the launch of our PhD
program, which is profiled in this issue of
Prospectus. As you will read, a thriving PhD
program plays an important role in any college,
and it is critical to enhancing ours. Support
like that which the Raisbecks have provided
gives us the freedom and the resources to
enhance the excellence of our people and
programs.
I am truly humbled at the fierce commitment to
the success of our college that exists among our
alumni and friends. I am confident that, a
couple of decades from now, when one of today’s
young faculty members looks back to 2008, he or
she will recognize this campaign – and the
generous support of donors such as David and
Ellen Raisbeck – as another pivotal time in our
college’s history.
Labh S. Hira
Dean
College of Business
This message from the dean was published
in the spring 2008 Prospectus magazine. To access this
and past editions of the magazine,
click here. |
