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Campaign News: Gift will build Krause Pavilion June 22, 2005 By Kevin Evans - Executive Sports Editor CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- Bill Krause has agreed to give Northern Iowa $500,000 to build a connecting pavilion between the UNI-Dome and the new McLeod Center Arena. Scott Leisinger of the UNI Foundation said "the foundation approach ed Bill to consider a $500,000 gift to name the pavilion level of the connector. It is our understanding he has made a commitment to do that." Krause's donation will mean the lower level of the connecting building will be named the Krause Pavilion. "The university was under a June 15 deadline to decide whether or not to build the connector, and Bill's commitment allows us to move forward with the project," said Leisinger. Krause, who just a year ago committed $5 million to the renovation of Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, is the president and chief executive officer of Krause Gentle Co. in Des Moines. That company owns and operates more than 400 Kum & Go convenience stores throughout the midwest. "I have always supported all of the schools in Iowa," said Krause. "They needed some additional money to make sure they could get the two buildings connected." Panther athletic director Rick Hartzell has said the connecting building between the two major facilities is the final piece to making the complex a first-class facility. The two-story structure will hold the Hall of Fame, part of the Eldon Miller Plaza on the lower level and common and display areas between the two buildings. The building will cost $1.2 million. The McLeod Center is currently under construction. The 6,100-seat center will be home for Panther basketball, wrestling and volleyball and is expected to open in the fall of 2006. ----------------------------------------------
June 19, 2005 Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier Editorial UNI's Human Performance Complex is a good example of how partnerships should work toward economic development The University of Northern Iowa's proposed Human Performance Complex has stood in the shadows of the McLeod Center sports arena in a figurative sense, long before it will literally take that spot on the west side of UNI's campus. But the HPC was the center of attention for UNI officials this week when the Board of Regents unanimously approved the building's business plan and design. The Human Performance Complex will give the university another academic pursuit worthy of national attention with programs in athletic training, enhanced medical services in orthopedic rehabilitation and sports injuries, and additional weight training space for student athletes. Take note, because the future HPC building and concept will be a prime example of the community and the university working in a cooperative effort - just what our state leaders have asked for. Gov. Tom Vilsack recently called on the state's three regent universities to help more with economic development within the state, even though the universities have suffered through three years of huge cuts in state appropriations. "Our state is in the top 10 states supplying support for higher education, and in exchange for that, we expect them (the universities) to be part of the community, and we expect them to contribute to the community," he said. UNI has been doing that for years with its Regional Business Center, Institute for Decision Making, and other programs aimed at assisting business start-ups and entrepreneurial efforts. Now, the Human Performance Complex will form another university-community partnership. Medical professionals from the area will actually be teaching at the HPC in areas such as athletic training and physical therapy. "We are capitalizing on President (Robert) Koob's theme of building partnerships in the community," said Chris Edginton, director of the School of Health, Physical Education and Leisure Services. "We believe this will be an incubator driving social innovations. It will enhance our athletic training program and our physical education program." Cedar Valley Medical Specialists and Allen Hospital are already on board, which will give students hands-on experience with medical professionals from the community. Other health organizations may be included in the future. Gil Irey, CEO of Cedar Valley Medical Specialists, has envisioned the benefits since brainstorming with UNI officials from the beginning. "It's going to combine the best the community has to offer as far as physicians and health care providers," he said when speaking of the HPC concept two years ago. "It's a coordinated effort by the university and hospital resources to create a premier sports medicine program." The $6.9 million, 38,450-square foot complex will receive funding from private donations pledged through the UNI Foundation, a U.S. Health and Human Services grant, and university funds. But the partnership will also generate revenue. The university will receive rent payments for physical therapy space. With dwindling resources over the past few years, it makes more and more sense to form these partnerships. The Human Performance Complex wil lprovide a mutually beneficial relationship between the university and the Cedar Valley Medical community, all the while giving UNI students access to a variety of health care professionals. UNI Athletic Director Rick Hartzell has called the complex a good example of "cross-fertilization of academics and athletics." It's also a cross-fertilization of university and community - another bridge UNI can be proud of constructing. --------------------------------------------------
Human Performance Center approved June 15, 2005 By Emily Christensen, Courier Staff Writer COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa -- The Human Performance Complex has flown under the radar for nearly two years. With all the excitement surrounding the new McLeod Center, the smaller, more academically focused addition has gone nearly unmentioned outside the offices of University of Northern Iowa Administrators. Tuesday the two-story addition had its moment to shine when UNI President Robert Koob and Thomas Schellhardt, vice president for administration and finance, presented the Board of Regents with the building's business plan and design. The board unanimously approved the plan. Koob said the athletic training and physical education programs are both growing rapidly at the university, and much of the programs' success can be attributed to Chris Edginton, director of the School of Health, Physical Education and Leisure Services. "He (Edginton) has taken a department that is stereotyped as being the intellectually weakest and turned into it one of our most powerful programs," Koob said. The regents' nod means the university can now start work on more detailed sketches and seek contract bids. Schellhardt expects the bid to be let by the end of the summer and the building, which will adjoin to the southwest side of the Wellness/Recreation Center, to be completed by spring 2007. The project also includes the expnsion of the parking lot to the north of the WRC. The 38,450-square-foot center will house the academic, research and public service HPELS programs, the Center for Healthy Youth Development and the Sport and Human Performance Center. Programs like Camp Adventure, the Global Health Corps and the National Program for Playground Safety will be included in the Center for Healthy Youth Development. But space to be leased by Northeast Iowa Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine has Edginton most excited. The physical therapy clinic, run by Allen Hospital and Cedar Valley Medical Specialists, will bring orthopedic surgeons, sports medicine physicians and physical therapists onto campus. "This instructional lab space enables us to develop a unique partnership where students can enhance their hands-on experience with members of the community," Edginton said. "We are capitalizing on President Koob's theme of building partnerships in the community. We believe this will become an incubator driving social innovations. It will enhance our athletic training program and our physical education program." The $6.9 million building will receive funding from four major sources: private donations pledged through the UNI Foundation; rent paid for the physical therapy space; a U.S. Health and Human Services grant worth about $1.8 million; and university funds. The school will have to borrow about $2.25 million which will be paid back after the building period using rent payments and university money. ---------------------------------------------------- Regents OK new McLeod Center costs November 5, 2004 By Terry Hudson, Courier Staff Writer CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- Rising steel prices added one last hurdle to the construction of the new McLeod Center at the University of Northern Iowa when construction bids came in significantly higher than expected last month. That hurdle was cleared Thursday when the state Board of Regents approved UNI's request to add $2.66 million to the project's budget, for a revised total of $22.8 million. A year ago, the board approved the schematic design and a project budget
of $20,183,199. Tom Schellhardt, UNI's vice president for administration and finance, said the UNI Foundation has continued its fund-raising efforts to cover the new budget for the center. "Bill Calhoun and his staff are very confident they will raise the money quickly," Schellhardt said. "More than 600 donors have given to this project." Calhoun, UNI's vice president for advancement, said the new budget leaves about another $1 million left to be raised to cover the shortfall, but that fundraising efforts will continue beyond that to add several planned amenities to the base structure. "We will continue to raise what we need to have the kind of facility this community deserves," he said. "We got approval, but we're not done." The McLeod Center, which will be constructed just south of the UNI-Dome, will be home to Panther men's and women's basketball, volleyball and a performance site for wrestling. It also will serve as a venue for community and regional events, including concerts, exhibitions, school events, sports camps and competitions. Amenities that are planned include a commissary kitchen, a UNI Hall of Fame area, an alumni suite and additional sound and speaker systems. While discussing UNI's request, Board President John Forsyth said the board could do one of three things: --- Reject the bid and begin the bidding process over. "The top three bids were very tight, so there's no indication we would get a lower bid," he said. --- Reject the bid and redesign the project. "By the time we redesign, there's no indication the bidding climate will be any more favorable than today," Forsyth said. --- Accept the bid. "The community and UNI supporters have said this is really important and that's the reason so many dollars have come in over a reasonably short period of time," Forsyth said. "Again, the Foundation is willing to back that up and has made tremendous progress in a short amount of time. "Because it's being made up in philanthropy, I would hope the board would support this," Forsyth added. The vote approving the larger project budget was unanimous. "We've built a lot of confidence with our ability to raise funds," said UNI President Robert Koob. Koob also stressed the point that the project will be done without any state money. "I know how excited we were with a $10 million project for the Cedar Valley from the Iowa Values Fund --- and we should be," Koob said. "Well, this is a $20 million project and no tax money is involved. It's something that will bring people from across Iowa. We couldn't be more pleased with the support from the Cedar Valley." Koob said the bid agreement could be signed by the contractor today and the work could begin on Monday. Ground broken at McLeod Center Site October 10, 2004 By Kelsey Holm, Courier Staff Writer CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The first shovel broke ground Saturday at the future site of the McLeod Center on the University of Northern Iowa campus. Located just outside the south doors of the UNI-Dome, the facility will house men's and women's basketball, volleyball and wrestling as well as community events including concerts and trade shows. Clark McLeod, who, along with his wife contributed a $4 million gift for the arena, called Saturday "an incredible day." The center is named after the McLeod family. "Everybody here knows what kind of facility UNI will have by the time we complete this project," said McLeod. "You won't find a facility like this anywhere in the Midwest. It will be second to none." Robert Koob welcomed guests of the groundbreaking at 2:15 p.m. Saturday, shortly before the Panthers faced Western Kentucky on the football field. He credited former UNI head basketball coach Eldon Miller with the idea for what would one day become the McLeod Center. "Eldon Miller went door to door. He was single-minded and focused" in getting people's support for the center, said Koob. "From there, the energy behind the idea grew." The McLeod fund-raising campaign reached its $18 million goal in December of last year, and the arena has a projected finish date of two years from now. Many spoke of the added revenue the McLeod Center will bring to not only UNI, but to the entire Cedar Valley. "An estimated 187,000 people will attend an event in the center, and it will open up the Dome for more events," said Barry Schaffter, general manager of John Deere Waterloo Works. "Overall, the complex will bring in an additional 225,000 visitors each year and $23 million in economic impact." Greg McDermott, head basketball coach and UNI alumnus, praised the passionate nature of the community toward its university. "I envision two years from now the long line of people waiting to get in to the McLeod Center on the first day," said McDermott. "It will be an exciting day for Panther athletics." Also speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony were William Smith, national arena drive chair for the Students First Campaign; Rick Hartzell, athletic director; Alex Cook, member of the women's basketball team and Jenny Rokes, student member of the Board of Regents. UNI to break
ground for McLeod Center CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The University of Northern Iowa's homecoming celebration will include a ceremonial groundbreaking for the McLeod Center at 2:15 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 9, just outside the south doors of the UNI-Dome. The public may attend. The facility will be named for Clark and Mary McLeod who provided the lead $4 million gift for the arena. Speaking at the event will be UNI President Robert Koob; Clark McLeod, Cedar Rapids, Iowa; William S. Smith, president; Wm. Smith & Co., Denver, Colo., national arena-drive chair for the Students First Campaign; Rick Hartzell, UNI athletic director; Greg McDermott, UNI head men's basketball coach; Alex Cook, senior, physical education major, Decorah, Iowa, member of UNI women's basketball team; Barry Schaffter, general manager, John Deere Waterloo Works; Jenny Rokes, senior, history education major, Dike, Iowa, and member of Board of Regents, State of Iowa. If it rains, the event will move inside the UNI-Dome. The McLeod Center will be home to Panther men's and women's basketball and volleyball, and the performance site for Panther wrestling. It also will be a versatile venue for community and regional events, including concerts, exhibitions, school events and sports camps and competitions. The McLeod Center fundraising efforts reached the $18 million goal in December 2003. Fundraising continues for features to ensure the arena is a premier facility for the university and community. These include a kitchen/catering area, light/sound grid, finished Panther hospitality suite and hall of fame connector. Construction of the center is part of the $100 million "Students First" campaign to support scholarships, academic programs and facilities. The campaign continues through June 2005. For more information on the "Students First" campaign and the McLeod Center, visit www.uni-foundation.org. --------------------------------------------------------------- UNI's McLeod Center Wall of Champions to recognize donors September 27, 2004 CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- A grassroots fundraising effort is under way for
the University of Northern Iowa's McLeod Center. Donors of $1,000 or more
will be recognized on nameplates as part of a "Wall of Champions"
created in recognition of those who have supported construction of the
facility. ------------------------------------------------------------------- September 10, 2004 McLeod Center receives major support from John Deere CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The John Deere Foundation has helped the University of Northern Iowa come closer to its fundraising goal for McLeod Center with a $250,000 commitment toward the project. "John Deere's support of the McLeod Center re-affirms their commitment to the quality of life in the Cedar Valley," said Robert Koob, UNI president. "Deere recognizes the impact that this facility will have on the Cedar Valley, both economically and culturally. With groundbreaking scheduled for October 9, this is a timely gift that will help us complete fundraising." A multi-purpose sports and events facility, the McLeod Center will be part of the university's west-campus complex and home to Panther basketball and volleyball. In addition, it will host numerous community events including concerts, craft and trade shows and youth activities, ranging from state and national tournaments to sports camps. Annual economic impact is estimated to be $20 to $25 million. "We are pleased to make this gift on behalf of the John Deere Waterloo Operations to the UNI McLeod Center," said Barry Schaffter, general manager of Deere Waterloo Operations. "It will be a facility that offers additional quality of life benefits to the Cedar Valley, as well as the acceleration of economic development and tourism opportunities in the area." Construction of the center is part of the $100 million "Students
First" campaign to support scholarships, academic program support
and facilities. The campaign will continue through June 2005. August 5, 2004 Regents approve name for UNI arena CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The McLeod Center name has been legitimized. The future sports and entertainment complex at the University of Northern Iowa has long been referred to as the McLeod Center in honor of donors Clark and Mary McLeod. On Wednesday, the Board of Regents made it official, unanimously approving the name for the arena. UNI President Robert Koob told the board the groundbreaking for the complex
is set for Oct. 9, which is also homecoming weekend at the university. A junior high math and science teacher, Clark McLeod founded Teleconnect in the early 1980s and over the course of eight years built it into the fourth largest long-distance company in the country. In 1992, he organized McLeodUSA, headquartered in Cedar Rapids. He has since retired from McLeodUSA. The McLeods' daughter, Holly, is a graduate of UNI. -------------------------------------------------- August 4, 2004 UNI arena likely to be OK'd by Regents CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- By The Associated Press From the earliest days of planning and fundraising, University of Northern Iowa officials have referred to their new arena and events center as the McLeod Center -- unofficially. This week, the state Board of Regents is expected to make it official. The proposal notes that the biggest benefactors to the $18 million project were Clark McLeod, founder and former chairman of the Cedar Rapids-based telecommunications company McLeodUSA, and his wife, Mary. They gave $4 million. "It's certainly a respectable gift," said Sue Nieland, a regent from Sioux City. "It almost seems like it's been called the McLeod Center from Day One." The building's naming rights are not the only item for sale. For a fee, donors can have their names affixed to the north and south entrance plazas, premium seating sections, locker rooms and the food service center. Gifts of $1 million are required to win the naming right to the boulevard in front of the 100,000 square-foot complex or the university's hall of fame; $100,000 buys the rights to the locker room for referees. Naming rights to a handful of features already have been sold, but nearly two dozen remain. They're expected to bring in hundreds of thousands of dollars in donations. "This is pretty common in any facility that is fully supported by private funds," said Robert Koob, UNI president. "It's important to remember that this whole thing would not have existed without private funds." Organizers say the $18 million goal needed for construction has been met, but fundraising is ongoing to cover the cost of extra features. The complex will seat about 6,100 and be the new home of Panther men's and women's basketball and volleyball. But it also will be used for concerts, community events and other activities and capable of seating 7,000 for some of those events. Construction is expected to begin in October on a site south of the UNI-Dome, and the project will take two years to complete, Koob said. Clark McLeod is a native Iowan and graduate of Coe College, in Cedar Rapids, who went on to start his first company, Teleconnect, in the early 1980s. By the time it was sold to MCI in 1990, it was the nation's fourth-largest long distance provider. In 1991, he founded McLeodUSA, headquartered in Cedar Rapids. He retired from the company in 2002, the same year the company filed for bankruptcy. He and his wife have been active in projects statewide with the McLeod Charitable Foundation, including the Iowa Children's Museum and the Cedar Rapids Science Station. "The naming rights really drive from their investment in the beginning," Koob said. "At that time, we'd never really seen a pledge made to the university of that size. It's been our intention, that if the campaign was successful, to name the facility after them." It's also not a first for a name to be affixed prominently to an athletic venue at Iowa's public universities. Carver-Hawkeye Arena, the basketball complex at the University of Iowa, was named for the late Roy Carver, a long-time donor to the university. Rick Hartzell, UNI's director of athletics, says it remains to be seen if naming rights will be used as a source of generating revenue for cash-strapped athletic departments. But he says it's likely the university will turn to naming rights in the future to raise money for brick and mortar projects. "It's a viable source of fund raising for money that is important when you're trying to build buildings or upgrade new ones," Hartzell said Monday. "We're hopeful we can continue to do that when it's appropriate." "People want to put their names on things that are prominent." The board will vote on the McLeod Center proposal during its meeting Wednesday in Sioux City. --------------------------------------- Financial boost for McLeod Center CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- A gift of $500,000 from Wells Fargo will support construction of the University of Northern Iowa's McLeod Center, university and bank officials announced today. "Wells Fargo realizes how important the McLeod Center is for Cedar Valley's economic development. This is an excellent opportunity to invest in the community in a manner that will truly add value," said Mark Oman, group executive vice president of the Home and Consumer Finance Group of Wells Fargo & Company. The McLeod Center will be the home of UNI basketball and volleyball and a competition site for wrestling. It will also host many other public events and will enable the UNI-Dome to schedule large events like trade shows and markets. "It is great to have a facility like this contribute to the overall economic vitality of the area," said H. Lynn Horak, chairman & CEO, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. These arena and UNI-Dome events are expected to bring Black Hawk County 225,500 new visitors and an additional $15-20 million each year. The UNI Foundation has raised $18 million in private support for the center's basic features. It is now seeking $3 milllion more for features such as rigging for concert light and sound systems, retractable seating, a commissary, a hospitality suite and hall of fame. "These enhnacements will enable McLeod Center to realize its full potential, said Bill Calhoun, vice president for university advancement. "Wells Fargo's generous gift will help us give the university and the Cedar Valley the facility they need and deserve." The university plans to break ground for McLeod Center this fall. For more information on McLeod Center and the Students First Campaign, contact the UNI Foundation at 273-6078 or visit http://www.uni-foundation.org. ----------------------------------------------------- April 29, 2004 UNI's HPC in line for R.J. McElroy Trust money CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The R.J. McElroy Trust has pledged $500,000 for
the University of Northern Iowa's proposed Human Performance Complex as
a challenge grant. "The R.J. McElroy Trust has given steadfast support for projects like the HPC that serve the youth in our area," said Bill Calhoun, vice president for university advancement. "We need to raise a total of $6 million in external support for this project, and have reached the $4.5 million mark. The McElroy Trust Challenge will provide the momentum we need to complete fund-raising for this important project." The HPC will include a 50,000 square-foot addition to the west side of the Wellness and Recreation Center. It will house the new Center for Healthy Youth, encompassing several UNI health-related education, research and service programs in the School of Health, Physical Education and Leisure Services. Included will be Global Health Corps, Camp Adventure, National Program for Playground Safety, the Institute for Youth Fitness and Obesity, and Youth Agency administration with the office of the McElroy Professor of Youth Leadership Studies. The HPC also will enable UNI to enter a unique partnership with medical professionals in the Cedar Valley to enhance services to their clients and the education of UNI students. The complex will serve UNI's intercollegiate athletics programs by creating training facilities for player-development activities including strength conditioning, plyometrics, nutritional advising, and agility/speed activities. The complex is part of the $100 million "Students First" campaign to support scholarships, academic program support and facilities. Other capital projects include the McLeod Center; McElroy Hall in Waterloo, which houses the Freeburg Early Childhood Program; renovation of Russell Hall; and equipment for McCollum Science Hall and Lang Hall. -------------------------------------------------- February 20, 2004 $10 million in bonds OK'd for McLeod Center By Terry Hudson, Staff Writer IOWA CITY, Iowa -- The Board of Regents approved the issuance of bonds totaling nearly $13.9 million Thursday that will allow the University of Northern Iowa to go ahead with two major projects. The board authorized the sale and award of $10 million in revenue bonds for the construction, equipping and furnishing of the McLeod Center. The bonds will provide partial financing for construction of the sports arena, which will provide a 6,100-seat multipurpose venue for athletic events, including men's and women's basketball games, volleyball matches, wrestling meets and other special events. Principal on the bonds, which have a rating of 3.94 percent, would be repaid over 20 years from pledged gifts and net rents, profits and income received from the UNI-Dome and the new arena. Debt service payments will be slightly less than pledged gifts through 2008. After that, the debt service payments will be approximately $600,000 per year. The UNI Foundation has reached its initial fund-raising goal of $18 million for the project. Additional costs, which include retractable seating, and lighting and rigging enhancements, mean additional fundraising of about $1.1 million is necessary. Construction could begin as early as late summer and is expected to take about two years. Although most of the money has been raised in pledges, those pledges will come in over several years. The issuance of the bonds gives the university the money up front to get started on the project. "Not all pledges come in immediately, so we have to finance bonds and pay them back with proceeds from the contributions," said Tom Schellhardt, UNI's vice president of administration and finance. "We're pleased the bond rating was such a good one. That's less interest we have to support with operating revenue and pledges." In addition, the board also approved the sale and award of $3.875 million in revenue bonds for the UNI Student Health System, which will be sold to construct a two-story addition to the Student Health Center, renovate the existing office and clinic space, and to provide infrastructure, fire safety, accessibility and other code upgrades. Principal on the bonds would be repaid over 20 years, with the debt service of approximately $290,000 annually to be paid from net rents, profits and income received from the Student Health System, including income from previously approved student fees. The board approved the schematic design for the project at the November 2003 meeting. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ December 9, 2003 McLeod Center funding goal hit By Doug Newhoff, Assistant Sports Editor CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- Officials at the University of Northern Iowa breathed their first collective sigh of relief today with the announcement that the McLeod Center fund-raising effort has hit its initial $18 million goal. That means UNI won't have to cut any corners when it builds the multipurpose facility, which will become the new home for Panther basketball and volleyball, as well as a competition site for wrestling and a venue for a variety of nonathletic events. "It's just really exciting to see the response this project has received from our community," said Bill Calhoun, the university's vice president for advancement. "We won't really celebrate until we see this coming out of the ground and including all the things that will make it a really well-integrated, multipurpose events complex. "This puts us in position to make this a very serviceable arena, but in order to truly make this the kind of events facility we desire, we still have a few amenities to include." That means fundraising efforts will continue as UNI attempts to add a commissary that will be able to provide food for group events, additional storage spaces, meeting rooms and locker rooms and complete plans for the Hall of Fame that will be incorporated in the above-ground walkway connecting the McLeod Center to the UNI-Dome. "I am gratified for sure, but I won't feel relief until we're all the way there with all the pieces of this building finalized," said director of athletics Rick Hartzell. "But the $18 million gets the building, and that's a huge success." The arena itself will include approximately 6,300 permanent seats with a total capacity of around 7,000. Most will be theater-style seats, although a section of bleachers has been proposed for the south end of what will be known as McCoy Court. Some of the seating also will be retractable to create additional floor space for shows and other events. Calhoun said architectural plans for the arena will be finalized over the next few weeks, and the project will then go to contractors for the bidding process. Construction is expected to begin in the summer. The concept of a new arena that will integrate athletics, academics and the community began nearly 10 years ago with former men's basketball coach Eldon Miller. UNI president Robert Koob embraced the idea, and fund raising began in earnest three years ago when telecommunications mogul Clark McLeod and his wife, Mary, stepped forward with a $4 million lead gift. Miller, who has been instrumental in fund raising, said the latest milestone is a tribute to everyone involved. "Bob and I met several years ago, and I told him I'd be willing to help out in some way," said Miller. "He said, 'Well, why don't you see if there's enough interest in building a basketball arena that could be used for a variety of activities.' "At that point, it was definitely a dream. It's not a dream today. People have just been terrific. "This is not only for the university, but for Northeast Iowa and the state. We're not going to build another one of these 10 years from now, so if we have the opportunity to do it so it has the greatest potential for everyone involved, we should do it now. "We're still finishing the UNI-Dome 25 years later. We don't want that to happen with this facility." Greg McDermott, UNI's men's basketball coach, is amazed what Koob, Miller, Calhoun, Hartzell and an army of others have been able to accomplish. "There has been so much work by so many people, and to get it done as quickly as they have been able to in this economy is really a credit to the people in our foundation and our administration," he said. "And I think it speaks to the people of the Cedar Valley that they have stepped up and made this a priority." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- November 12, 2003 UNI receives approval to build McLeod Center CEDAR FALLS, Iowa --The Board of Regents, State of Iowa, today gave the University of Northern Iowa approval to move ahead with construction of the McLeod Center, a 100,000-square-foot sports and entertainment facility to be located south of the UNI-Dome on the UNI campus. The UNI Foundation has raised approximately $17 million of the $18 million in private support needed to build the center. The anticipated total project cost is approximately $20 million. The remaining funds will come from the university and a $500,000 loan from the city of Cedar Falls. Bill Calhoun, UNI vice president for university advancement, said construction should begin sometime in the summer. The McLeod Center will be the home of Panther basketball and volleyball, and a competition site for wrestling. In addition, it will host numerous community events including concerts, trade and craft shows and youth activities ranging from state and national tournaments to camps. It will have seating for about 6,100 and a total capacity of 7,000. UNI's Institute for Decision Making, and C.H. Johnson Consulting Inc., an independent consulting firm, estimate the combination of the McLeod Center and the UNI-Dome will bring 370,000 more visitors to the Cedar Valley each year, with an economic impact of more than $15 million after three to five years of operation. Herbert Lewis Kruse Blunck, a Des Moines architectural firm, has been hired to design the facility. In 2001, this nationally known firm received the American Institute of Architect's 2001 Architecture Firm Award, the institute's highest honor for design practice. Herbert Lewis Kruse Blunck also designed UNI's Rod Library fourth-floor addition, completed in 1995; and Residence on the Hill, completed in 1994. They will partner with Crawford Architects of Kansas City for this latest UNI project. Construction of the McLeod Center is part of the $100 million "Students
First" campaign to support scholarships, academic program support
and facilities. Other capital projects include McElroy Hall in Waterloo,
which houses the Freeburg Early Childhood Program; renovation of Russell
Hall; and equipment for McCollum Science Hall and Lang Hall. November 12, 2003 Split panel approves McLeod Center by Terry Hudson, Waterloo/Cedar Falls Courier staff writer CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- A banking committee is recommending the Board of Regents approve the final business and financing plan for the McLeod Center event complex today, but it didn't come without a verbal tug-of-war. The 6,100-seat complex, to be built near the UNI-Dome, would serve as a home for Panther basketball and volleyball, as well as a venue for other community events such as concerts. More than $16 million has been raised by the UNI Foundation through private donations specifically for the $19.5 million project - money that would have to be returned if the board were to reject the plan. At the root of the arguments during the banking committee meeting Tuesday on the University of Northern Iowa campus was whether building the complex during a time of deep state budget cuts would send the wrong message to legislators - and if the center would indeed generate revenue. Regent John Forsyth, of Des Moines, agreed the center would be good for the community, but questioned whether going ahead with construction when state money is tight would be the best move. "The question is what's best for all the regent institutions," he said. "In my judgment, the size and scope of this project is not in the best interests." But committee member Mary Ellen Becker of Oskaloosa noted the center is what the private donors want. "Right now there is $16 million targeted for this," Becker said. "It's not going somewhere else if we don't build this. People have chosen to donate for this building. Whether I think they have chosen wisely is almost beside the point. This is what they donated for. To give something up because we don't think people are donating the way we think we should have - I think is being short-sighted." The regents recently asked for a feasibility study from an outside source. That was completed by C.H. Johnson Consulting of Chicago, which concluded that the events complex could be operated without an increase in student fees. The firm also suggested enhancements that could increase possible revenue, including a commissary kitchen, retractable seats, catwalks and rigging. The university has proposed that those enhancements could be added at a later date as further gifts become available. "We paid an outside consultant to make sure this facility would be able to support itself, and they said 'yes'," Becker said. "Why bother paying money for that if we're not going to take their advice? If we're not going to believe them, we shouldn't have paid them from the beginning. Regent Robert Downer, of Iowa City, also supported a recommendation to approve the plan. "I believe this is a project needed here and a rejection would send a very bad message to alumni and friends of this institution," Downer said. David Neil, a board member from LaPorte City, believes going ahead with the facility sends a bad message to lawmakers, who are dealing with huge cuts in state funding. "They don't think we really care, because we're willing to just go on spending money for athletics," he said. "This will affect other institutions, and it's the wrong time for this type of venture." Bill Calhoun, UNI's vice president for advancement, said 70-75 percent of the support for the project has come from Cedar Valley residents, not necessarily UNI graduates. "I believe they gave their generous gifts with the understanding it would be used by the university to make this community a better place to live," he said. Regents Becker, Downer, Owen Newlin and Amir Arbisser voted to recommend approval to the full board today. Neil and Forsyth voted against. Final approval will depend on the votes of the three remaining regents today - Neala Arnold, Sue Erickson Nieland and Deborah Turner. October 31, 2003 McLeod Center continues to receive major support from the Cedar Valley CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- Two local donors have helped the University of Northern Iowa Foundation come closer to its goal of completing fundraising for the McLeod Center. The Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier has committed $100,000 to the project. "When we decided to get involved, we decided to do so not as a newspaper, but as a community member that rises and falls on the health of the community," said John Goossen, Courier publisher. "It's important for us to support a project that is good for the community. The McLeod Center will improve the quality of life in the community by positively affecting the economy, the business sector and the recreational arts arena. It's not just a place to play basketball. It will be a wonderful venue for other shows and events, and make the Cedar Valley even more of a destination for regional and out-of-state visitors." Cedar Falls residents Greg and Lea Ann Saul have designated their $150,000 gift to name the women's basketball head coach's office. "We chose to name the UNI women's basketball head coach's office because of Tony DiCecco and what he has done for the program at UNI," said Greg Saul. Under DiCecco's guidance, the 2002-2003 women's basketball team completed one of its most successful seasons in school history, culminating in its second-ever post-season tournament berth -- an invitation to the 2003 Women's National Invitational Tournament. A multi-purpose sports and events facility, the McLeod Center will be part of the university's west-campus complex and home to Panther basketball and volleyball. In addition, it will provide space for numerous community events including concerts, craft and trade shows and youth activities. The McLeod Center's anticipated annual economic impact on the Cedar Valley is $20-$25 million. Approximately $17 million of the $18 million goal has been raised for the McLeod Center project; nearly $10 million of it from the Cedar Valley. The university foundation continues to raise funds for this project and hopes to break ground in spring 2004. September 28, 2003 Gifts for UNI's McLeod Center bring project closer to completion Waterloo/Cedar Falls Courier CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- Three gifts totaling $350,000 from area donors are bringing UNI's McLeod Center closer to completion. Peterson Contractors Incorporated (PCI) of Reinbeck, and its employees, donated $150,000. "We know the McLeod Center will be a great asset that will serve several generations of students and provide opportunities to those of us who work and live in the Cedar Valley," said PCI President Cordell Peterson. Standard Golf Company, and owners Peter and Marilyn Voorhees of Cedar Falls, made a gift of $100,000. Peter Voorhees is past president of the UNI Athletic Club and a former UNI Foundation trustee. He and his wife, Marilyn, are UNI graduates. "When you look at what facilities like the Curris Business Building and the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center have meant to those programs, you realize that facilities count. The McLeod Center is the final piece needed to upgrade the UNI athletic program, a process that began 30 years ago when the UNI-Dome was built and UNI moved to the NCAA Division I level," said Voorhees. The project also received a pledge of $100,000 from The Doerfer Companies of Cedar Falls. Doerfer President Dave Takes is a 1981 UNI graduate and serves on the UNI Foundation's "Students First" campaign committee. "The Doerfer Companies are pleased to make this gift to UNI, an entity that contributes so much to the quality of life in the area," said Takes. The McLeod Center, a multi-purpose sports, entertainment and events facility, will be part of the university's west-campus complex. The center will be the home of Panther basketball and volleyball. In addition, it will host numerous community events including craft and trade shows and youth activities, ranging from state and national tournaments to camps. The university is in its final push to complete fundraising for the McLeod Center. Nearly $16 million of the $18 million goal has been raised, $9 million of it from the Cedar Valley. "Our target is to reach the $18 million mark this fall so we can begin construction soon," said Bill Calhoun, UNI Foundation president. August 17, 2003 Panthers finishing what Miller started Waterloo/Cedar Falls Courier When Eldon Miller retired as Northern Iowa men's basketball coach, he probably could have become the university's director of athletics, the mayor of Cedar Falls or even the governor of Iowa. He chose to make a difference. After Miller's 12 years as the Panthers' head coach ended with a shove out the door that belied his dedication and commitment to the program and the university, he decided his work in the Cedar Valley was not yet finished. "I coached for 25 years before moving to the Cedar Valley," he said earlier this year. "We were looking for a particular community. We'd moved three times, and we didn't want to move again." "When we came here, I wasn't really prepared for the quality of academics at this university. I was confident in the community values, but I was surprised by the aspirations of the university." Miller, who also coached and taught at Wittenberg, Western Michigan and Ohio State, embraced UNI's perspective regarding athletics. Reach for the stars, he always said, but do so within the framework of education. So, when he found himself without a job, Miller didn't ask what UNI and the Cedar Valley could do for him. He asked what he could do for UNI and the Cedar Valley. While pouring himself into community causes such as the United Way, Salvation Army, Boys and Girls Club, Cedar Valley Hospice and his church, Miller also began to share his vision for a UNI facility that would meet the needs of the Panther basketball, volleyball and wrestling programs, but also enhance the quality of life for both students and area citizens. When the $18 million McLeod Center and the $7 million Human Performance Center are built on the UNI campus in the near future, it will be largely due to the efforts of a man who has always chosen to look forward rather than back. "I think at first this whole thing was a little bit of a pipe dream," said Scott Leisinger of the UNI Foundation. "Eldon was able to bring together the vision of athletics and community." "I think he clearly sold president (Robert) Koob on the whole idea," added director of athletics Rick Hartzell. Now it's time for UNI to thank one of the most respected and influential individuals the school has known. That will happen September 20 in the UNI-Dome with an evening that includes a reception, dinner, a program featuring an all-star lineup of speakers and the opportunity to boost fund-raising for the McLeod Center and HPC to the groundbreaking point. Miller wouldn't have it any other way. He insisted the event be constructed in a way that would further the cause he committed himself to for the past three years. "One thing about Eldon...once he's committed he's like a dog on leg," quipped Dan Watters, a member of the event's organizing committee. Longtime UNI athletics administrator Jersey Jermier will emcee the event. Former football coach Terry Allen will speak, along with former Ohio State coach Randy Ayers, Hartzell and others. Most of Miller's 1990 team, which was the only Panther squad to play in the NCAA Division I tournament, will be on hand. A special video tribute has been produced. "Our hope is that by the time this event gets here we will be so close to the $18 million goal that this will put us over the top," said Leisinger. "We thought the best way to honor him was to finish what he started." In addition to making a gift to the arena in Miller's name, interested individuals can attend the reception for $25 each or purchase tables for $200 (eight tickets). UNI also plans to name the courtyard between the UNI-Dome and the new arena in Miller's honor. "I don't think people have really had an opportunity to come together and honor Eldon," said Leisinger. "We feel this is long overdue." For ticket information, or to make a contribution to the arena in Miller's name, contact the UNI Foundation at 273-6078. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ July 18, 2003 UNI gets the go-ahead to work with arena architects Waterloo/Cedar Falls Courier The University of Northern Iowa scored a point Thursday that may help keep the earliest possible construction timeline for the McLeod Center sports arena intact. During its meeting at the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, the Board of Regents approved the project's schematic plan, allowing the university to work with architects for the new arena while the board waits for a feasibility study and fund-raising updates before giving its final approval. The UNI Foundation has a goal of completing fund-raising for the arena by September. That's when the board will expect a presentation of a third-party review of operating plans, as well as an update on fund raising by the university. "That's why it's important for us to go ahead with the architectural work," said UNI President Robert Koob. "So we could still break ground at the earliest date." UNI officials have been hoping to begin construction as early as October. "I'm confident right now, with the dollars collected, that this will happen," Koob said. "They wanted further assurances before going ahead." During a banking committee meeting Wednesday, the board set forth guidelines for the university concerning the arena. Those include: -- no increase in student fees to support the proposed arena An independent third-party feasibility study must be obtained to validate the university's estimates of operating revenues and expenses in its business plan. Also, the university needs to present updated fund-raising information, the board office will review a loan agreement offered by the city of Cedar Falls. Last month, the board approved a policy designed to force campus leaders to prioritize and think hard about proposing major construction and renovation projects in an era of deep funding cuts and escalating tuition. During discussions Thursday, there was some question as to whether the board would allow the university to work with architects before gathering more information. "This is close to $1 million in unrestricted funds at a time when things are tight," said board member Amir Arbisser. Koob explained that none of the funds for the project are unrestricted. "We're not taking any university funds: we're using funds designated for this building and were from the beginning," Koob said. Money for the sports arena and the Human Performance Center is coming from a fundraising campaign that has already met its initial goal of $75 million. UNI officials announced in October that the goal was raised to $100 million. The majority of the money will be used for scholarships and academic programs. The sports arena has an estimated cost of $18 million. Although the money is coming from donations, some regents have been concerned about maintenance and operating costs. UNI officials maintain the arena will create revenue. Regent Robert Downer supported UNI's request to work with architects, saying it's a good time for construction costs and interest rates. "It appears to me, it would be helpful to bid the project sooner than later," he said. Koob remains confident the arena will meet the tighter guidelines set forth by the board and go ahead as planned. "The board wants assurance that we'll meet the campaign goal and the higher standard of credibility," Koob said. "That's a very reasonable expectation. There may have been some fear in the public that they were trying to stop the project. I never believed that." The UNI Foundation has collected more than $15 million of the estimated $18 million needed for the sports arena. "We can't collect five-sixths of the money, quit, and still maintain
credibility with our donors" Koob said after Thursday's meeting. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- May 28, 2003 Council moves toward agreement with McLeod Waterloo/Cedar Falls Courier The city attorney will draw up an agreement for Cedar Falls to help pay for the McLeodUSA Center at the University of Northern Iowa. The City Council voted Tuesday to have the agreement written up, but Councilman Stan Smith would like to see more discussion before such an agreement is approved. A proposed agreement would have the city contribute $580,000 to UNI at the outset of construction, with $200,000 of that not expected to be repaid. "I'd like an exchange of ideas among council members," Smith said, indicating the city may be better off spending its money elsewhere. "We've been brought in by ones and twos to talk about this. I feel we need a full discussion." Once the agreement is in hand, a council committee will discuss it, likely prior to its June 9 meeting. Under the proposed agreement, the University of Northern Iowa would charge a $1 surcharge on some events at the McLeod Center and UNI-Dome. UNI sports events would not be subject to the surcharge under the agreement. That surcharge revenue would help pay off a loan from the city. According to the proposal, UNI would be expected to pay back the city at a rate of $20,000 for 15 years with no interest. Most of the contribution would come from a planned annual refund of surplus funds from the Black Hawk County landfill. Hotel-motel tax revenues would count for $100,000 of the contribution. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- April 13, 2003 UNI putting
all pieces together with dynamic new complex Editorial - Waterloo/Cedar Falls Courier Pro basketball dynasties have been defined by a "one-two punch" and a solid supporting cast. From the Celtics' tandem of Bill Russell and Bob Cousy to the Bulls' Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen to the Lakers' Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant, a complementary pairing of stars with key role players has produced championship runs. The University of Northern Iowa is on the verge of adding to its impressive trophy case with a west-campus sports complex that will pair the new McLeodUSA Center with the UNI-Dome and other outstanding facilities. The state Board of Regents approved design and operational plans for the new arena Thursday. A final vote is set for May. In addition, a new L-shaped, two-story Human Performance Center will hug the Wellness/Recreation Center and house programs and facilities for the School of Health, Physical Education and Leisure Services. In the 27 years since the $7.5 million UNI-Dome opened, the 16,400-seat facility has been home to UNI football and basketball games, the NCAA wrestling championships, the annual state high school football semifinal and championship games, trade shows, the Rolling Stones and "Sesame Street Live." A half-million people attend events there annually, a number expected to double when the McLeodUSA Center opens in what is now the south parking lot. The arenas will be linked by an underground tunnel and possibly an aboveground Hall of Fame corridor, funding permitting. The concourse between the two could be used for social gatherings. The newest additions will cost $25 million -- the arena $18 million and the HPC $7 million, aided by a $1.8 million federal grant. All the arena money has been privately raised, but another $4.5 million is needed to break ground, possibly this fall. Arena construction could take between 18 and 24 months. The UNI-Dome is great for football and track, not so for basketball -- a sore point in the Missouri Valley Conference. UNI's powerhouse women's volleyball team plays in the crackerbox West Gym, where a low ceiling affects play, and pillars are an obstruction for spectators. The up-and-coming women's basketball team also deserves better. The McLeodUSA Center will be a more intimate venue for sports and entertainment with 6,100 fixed seats. "We wanted to make sure that the playing area and the spectator area, no matter how many seats there were, was quality, and the sight lines were good and people would be close to the floor," said director of athletics Rick Hartzell. The McLeodUSA Center will free up the Dome for more trade shows. It will be an alternate venue for concerts and activities not big enough for the Dome or too big or inappropriate for the confines of the 1,600-seat Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center. The teamwork in this venture extends to the city of Cedar Falls. It has approved a "letter of intent" to contribute $2 million over eight years -- from county landfill refunds -- to help make the Dome more accessible for trade shows. It can't accommodate John Deere's annual farm show or new product displays because the equipment won't fit thorough its doors. The city hopes to recoup its investment in 10.6 years, with an increase in revenues from the hotel-motel tax and events themselves. In addition, the sports complex should spur hotel development. The agreement would provide the city with some use of the Wellness/Recreation Center. The Human Performance Center will give the university another academic pursuit worthy of national recognition with programs in athletic training, enhanced medical services in orthopedic rehabilitation and sports injuries, and additional weight training space for student athletes. Credit UNI President Robert Koob for bringing all the pieces together, what Hartzell called "a good cross-fertilization between academics and athletics." Indeed, coming on the heels of the $17 million WRC in 1998 and the $23 million Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center in 2000, UNI has done a remarkable job of integrating sports and entertainment facilities with academic programs. UNI once boasted it was the "best kept secret in the state," but the cat won't fit into that bag any more. Both the school and the Cedar Valley community have been and will be reaping dividends from all these developments. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ April 11, 2003 Things to come: UNI officials take first look at new design By TERRY HUDSON CEDAR FALLS - The Board of Regents got its first look today at computer images of the McLeodUSA Center and the Human Performance Center that will be built at the University of Northern Iowa. Architect Rod Kruse, of the Des Moines group Herbert, Lewis, Kruse and Blunck Architecture, unveiled the schematic designs of the buildings, showing images of the interior and exteriors of both centers that will take their place near the UNI-Dome at a combined cost of nearly $25 million. His pictures showed the rectangular sports arena sitting atop a berm adjacent to the Dome. "Fans will enter at the concourse level at the top and descend into 'the bowl,'" Kruse said The McLeodUSA Center will be connected to the UNI-Dome by a glass-encased walkway above ground and a tunnel connecting them below ground. The arena will house sporting events such as men's and women's basketball, volleyball and wrestling. Most of the men's basketball games are now played in the Dome. That will allow for more concerts, trade shows and other events such as the craft show that brings in 100,000 people over four days. "By moving off the Dome floor three months of the year, we'll have three months of prime event space," said UNI President Robert Koob. But David Neil, a board member from La Porte City, says some of the regents have concerns about the ability to finance the upkeep of the new buildings. "When you take a look at the amount of tuition increases and look at the overhead to take care of those buildings, plus the state financial commitment to the regents is not meeting the increases - a lot of things go into everyone's decision." "We've had an increase in tuition of 50 percent over three years," he added. "Can we continue to take on more and more responsibilities and grow the system when the resources aren't there? Those are some of the things going through some of the regents' minds." The money to construct the buildings is coming through a massive fund-raising campaign. Officials had first sought to raise $15 million for the sports arena, but the success of raising money so far has prompted them to increase the goal to between $18 million and $20 million. "We've exceeded expectations for this point in time," Koob said. Part of the HPC wil be built between the Dome and the Wellness and Recreation Center. Some of it will extend along the west side of the Physical Education Center. The Human Performance Center will include space for the UNI School of Health, Physical Education and Leisure Services. It will also provide facilities for programs in athletic training, offer enhanced medical services in the areas of orthopedic rehabilitation and sports injuries and provide additional weight training space for student athletes. "It's an exciting project because we're working in conjunction with the Cedar Valley medical community," said Chris Edginton, head of the school of HPELS. Neil said there are issues the board has to consider before giving the final OK. "As far as the Human Performance Center, the medical end of it is an enterprise we have to look at very closely," Neil said. "There are two smaller programs in that area, one at Iowa and one at UNI. All that has to be taken into consideration." Construction is expected to take between 18 and 24 months. "We could have a ground-breaking by October, but that may be optimistic," said Bill Calhoun, UNI's vice-president for advancement. --------------------------------------------------------------------- April 10, 2003 Shape of things to come: Northern Iowa unveils images of proposed McLeodUSA, HPC projects By DOUG NEWHOFF CEDAR FALLS - If seeing is believing, University of Northern Iowa administrators will leave a lasting impression on the state's Board of Regents today. After months of conceptual discussions, rough drafts and revisions, the university's vision for the new McLeodUSA Center and Human Performance Center has taken on substance, style and stature. That's what the Board of Regents will see today when UNI seeks approval of the actual physical and operational plans for the new facilities, which will be built with no financial assistance from the state at a combined cost of roughly $24 million. "This is a huge step," said Bill Calhoun, UNI's vice president for advancement. "This is the first time the board will have seen the plans. If all goes well, we will see conceptual approval of the plan and design tomorrow, then they will give final approval at their board meeting in May." The final arena plans include fixed seating for 6,300 people with a total capacity of around 7,000 for athletic events such as men's and women's basketball, volleyball and wrestling. The building will be located south of the UNI-Dome. Fans will enter at ground level into a facility constructed much like Carver-Hawkeye Arena with all the seating below the main concourse. It's bright, and it's intimate. "The footprint of the building is a little smaller than when we started," said Rick Hartzell, UNI's director of athletics. "I had hoped for 7,000 fixed seats. "We decided in the middle of this process that there was no way we could have everything we wanted because of the cost. We wanted to make sure that the playing area and the spectator area, no matter how many seats there were, was quality, and the sight lines were good and people would be close to the floor. "We wanted to make it the best arena of its kind in the country in terms of people being close to the action, and we've certainly done that. "As far as the other things, I don't think we've compromised much." Calhoun agreed. "One of the visions Bob Koob (UNI's president) had is to integrate these facilities so they promote a lot of interaction both in terms of the people who use them -- coaches working with our people and health, physical education and leisure studies -- to get good cross-fertilization between academics and athletics for the benefit of the kids and also for the users. "I think it has ended up looking a lot like we envisioned it." The McLeodUSA Center will be connected to the UNI-Dome by a glass-encased walkway above-ground and a tunnel linking them below ground level. That connection is important, said Calhoun. "We think one of the biggest benefits will be the community aspect that will result," he explained. "The City of Cedar Falls' (financial) commitment will really enable this to be much more than just a basketball arena. "It will enable us to link the two facilities (the Dome and arena) in such a way that on the ground floor we will have some seamless space where you can go right from the Dome on the ground floor into the arena. Whether it's for shows or events or whatever it might be, now we've got another space we can expand into." Once the McLeodUSA Center is operational, it will also relieve some of the strain on the UNI-Dome caused by the number of Panther athletic teams that practice and train there. "Justin Sell (UNI's associate athletics director in charge of internal operations) estimated that right now we bring in about a half-million visitors to the Dome every year," Calhoun noted. "We think we can double that and get it up to a million with both facilities in full use." The HPC design has been tweaked a bit. That structure will include weight rooms, medical and athletic training facilities and offices, among other features. "We always imagined it sitting right over the tunnel that connects the Dome to the Wellness/Recreation Center," said Calhoun. "Part of it will go between the Dome and the WRC, but there will be a piece of it that extends along the west side of the PEC (Physical Education Center)." UNI still needs to raise approximately $4.5 million to complete the fund-raising needed for both projects. Hartzell expects that to happen this summer. "We have a lot of proposals out and a lot of people to see yet," he said. "I think we're very confident that through the summer we will make that goal. I think fund-raising will become infinitely easier when people can look at these pictures and the concept that's in place." If all goes well today and at the Board of Regents' meeting in May, Hartzell
said bids could be let early this summer and awarded sometime in early
fall with groundbreaking in September or October. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Friday, March 28, 2003 UNI's McLeodUSA arena project receives boost from new gifts CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The University of Northern Iowa Foundation has received new gifts totaling more than $300,000, all to be used for construction of the McLeodUSA Center. John Martin, owner of Martin Brothers Inc., has pledged $160,000 to the
multipurpose arena. Martin played basketball at UNI from 1967 to 1970.
William Calhoun, vice president for University Advancement, noted that more than $15 million has been raised for the $18 million project. He said more than $9 million of those funds have come from Cedar Valley residents and businesses. Facility enhancements totaling $1.5 million are being planned for the arena/UNI-Dome area, to be funded by landfill refund money from the city of Cedar Falls. Construction of the arena is part of the $100 million "Students First" campaign to support scholarships, academic programs and facilities. Other capital projects include McElroy Hall in Waterloo, which houses the Freeburg Early Childhood Program; a human performance center to be built onto the north end of the UNI-Dome; renovation of Lang Hall and Russell Hall; and equipment for McCollum Science Hall. ---------------------------------------------
C.F. Commitment advances UNI's McLeod Center project By Jon Ericson The city may get some revenue-sharing and use of the Wellness and Recreation Center back in exchange for a $2 million donation for the McLeodUSA Center. Earlier this week, the City Council signed a letter of intent to give the University of Northern Iowa $250,000 per year for eight years. In exchange, city residents could see more time inside the Wellness and Recreation Center, as well as more money coming back to city coffers. UNI officials say the city contribution would make a key component of the final design.Justin Sell, operations manager for the UNI-Dome, said that $2 million would allow the new arena to be connected to the UNI-Dome and make a larger entrance door to allow for bigger trade-type shows. It also could add retractable bleachers, which would make room for concert stages and a second basketball court." It takes care of some of the issues that we would have otherwise have had some trouble finding," Sell said. The university and city are still negotiating the details of such an agreement." We are investing in UNI as a partnership, we're not just donating," said Richard McAlister, city director of administrative services. While the details have not been finalized, UNI will likely share some revenues from UNI-Dome and/or McLeodUSA Center events with the city. One option would be to have a surcharge on tickets sold for dome events. That revenue would go back to the city. The nature of which events would be subject to the surcharge has yet to be determined. The university was willing to share some time in the Wellness and Recreation Center as well. "There are some times in that building where it could be used more by other people," Sell said. "Of course our priority will remain to provide services to our students." Most likely, the Wellness and Recreation Center would be made available for specific city programs at times when it is little used by students and staff. For example, a Saturday night basketball league could be offered. In addition to the facilities use and revenue sharing, the arena is viewed as an investment in the drawing power of a new arena. "All the things that we're gearing up for will help build hotels and restaurants and gas stations," Sell said. "The dome has proven over 26 years that it's an economic benefit to the community and this will only enhance that." The city's letter of intent received council approval Monday, but it was far from a smooth road. The city plans to use landfill rebate money to pay for the improvements. Cedar Falls is slated to receive about $600,000 in landfill rebates per year for the next 15 years. However, that allotment is not etched in stone. That makes some council members hesitant to budget it for the McLeod Arena or for Vision Iowa projects. "Aren't we getting a little ahead of ourselves with the outcome of Vision Iowa still to come in?" asked Stan Smith. Written into the city's letter of intent is a caveat that if the landfill money does not come to the city, the donation to UNI won't be paid either. If a smaller portion comes to city coffers, a smaller donation would be made to UNI. Waiting on city approval left UNI plans on hold for a couple of weeks. With the letter of intent in hand, arena design will continue in earnest. "We couldn't go ahead and do much of the planning, especially the interior, without knowing if that money would be coming," said UNI Facilities Planner Morris Mikkelsen. "I would expect design to move forward quickly in the next couple of weeks." Top 12/04/01 Widow donates in memory of former Courier Publisher UNI arena lands generous gift The basketball court in the new facility will be called the Robert J. McCoy Court, thanks to a gift in his name from his wife, Betty. The gift of an undisclosed amount is the "largest gift from Black Hawk County" for the project, said UNI vice president for advancement Bill Calhoun. The building will be named The McLeod Center after a donation of $4 million from Clark McLeod. The McElroy charitable trust donated $1 million to the project, the second-biggest local donation. "To have the kind of facility we want, we couldn't have it without this gift," said Eldon Miller, one of the main proponents of the new arena. McCoy, who would have turned 81 Sunday, died April 10, 2000. He spent 31 years running the Courier and was one of most generous civic leaders in the Cedar Valley. He often was the driving force behind a project, but rarely would allow his name to be used in public. "We have had over the last five or six years a transformation of the university," said Calhoun. "It revolved not just from the university, but from community projects like the performing arts center. "I think the McLeod gift is like that. I think this gift is like that, because it changes this community in ways none of us can truly appreciate, because it will last so far down the road. It has such a lasting impact," he added. Betty McCoy has been waiting for an appropriate way to honor her late husband, and is delighted at this opportunity. "The Cedar Valley meant so much to him, and his love of basketball went back to when he played at East High," she said. "It was his favorite sport, and the fact this (new building) will bring some basketball tournaments to the area he would have loved. He would have resisted having his name on the court, but this one is my call." What the gift does is ensure the building will be built. But UNI officials say there is still a need to raise more funds to finish the project. "Back in October, when we hit the $12 million mark, it was approved by the Regents that we could hire an architect," said Calhoun. "Our next major mark was $15 million to put a shovel in the ground, begin construction." That mark has almost been met. Construction on the facility will start as early as next fall, but the size of facility is still not known. "Within the next year we need to know if we are building a $15 million facility, or a $20 million facility," said Calhoun. The goal is to raise as much as $20 million so the facility's capacity can hit around 6,000 seats, possibly including sky boxes, and include room for some internal expansion. "I think we can go further to something that will provide a facility like the university community would really like to have," said Calhoun. "The McCoy gift gives us the impetus for that." Fittingly, McCoy and R.J. McElroy, the two largest local donors, were best friends. "Bob went to work right after Ralph (McElroy) died to get McElroy Auditorium named after him," said Betty McCoy. "I am absolutely delighted that his (McCoy's) name will be there for many, many years for so many kids to see." That's something McCoy would have not wanted if he were alive. "No, he wouldn't have gone for it, but he would be overwhelmed by it," said daughter Kathy McCoy. "He would have given them the money and said put any name on it you want." --------------------------------------------- 11/06/01 Gifts to UNI benefit Russell Hall CEDAR FALLS -- The University of Northern Iowa's Russell Hall renovation project has received a boost with gifts from long-time supporters of music at the university and in the Waterloo/Cedar Falls community. The Charlotte and William Hinson Family, which has made contributions to the university for many years, has given $250,000 toward the project. Charlotte and the late William Hinson attended Iowa State Teachers College in the 1930s. Their children, Richard Hinson and Carol Driver, are university alums and trustees of the Charlotte and William Hinson Family Foundation. Bruce Bengtson, a 1964 alumnus of the university, has made a $250,000 donation to the project. A Waterloo native who now resides in Wyomissing, Pa., Bengtson served as executive vice president and treasurer of Maier's Bakery in Reading, Pa., from 1975 to 1998. A popular and accomplished organist, he also is an honorary trustee of the Reading Music Foundation and was its president from 1986 to 1989. The Russell Hall renovation and addition project is part of the university's $75 million "Students First' campaign expected to be completed by January 2005. Russell Hall is home to the UNI's School of Music (SOM) and the acclaimed Jazz Band One; and houses a series of rehearsal rooms, offices, studios, classrooms and an auditorium. John Vallentine, director of the SOM, said the program has outgrown the facility. In the last decade, the School of Music saw record enrollment and space concerns are an ongoing challenge. When the building was erected, about 40 years ago, the SOM had 21 staff members and 85 students. Today the school has more than 50 faculty and staff, and more than 300 students. Hundreds more take music courses and play or sing in ensembles. Further, he said, the building has serious ventilation problems. The acoustics in the auditorium, classrooms and faculty teaching studios are poor as well. "This building was erected in 1962 as one of the best at that time. But there have been lots of developments and advancements in building structure and technology since then, and we'd like to take advantage of that new knowledge to benefit our students and the community as a whole," Vallentine explained. Projected cost of the renovation and addition is $8.2 million. The university Foundation will seek $2 million in private funding; to date about $700,000 has been raised. The rest of the funding would come from the state, if approved by the Board of Regents. Featured in the addition will be a new rehearsal and performance hall, and a jazz recording studio. The "Students First" campaign will support scholarships, academic program support and facilities, including $15 million to build the McLeodUSA Center, a multi-purpose sports arena for basketball, volleyball and wrestling. Other capital projects include McElroy Hall, which houses the Freeburg Early Childhood Program; a human performance center to be built onto the north end of the UNI-Dome; renovation of Lang Hall; and equipment for McCollum Science Hall. The university has raised more than half the campaign's $75 million goal, including approximately $11 million for the McLeodUSA Center. The leadership gift phase of the campaign's local drive is now underway. The Cedar Valley major gift drive kicked off Sept. 24, while the national kickoff will take place during fall 2002. --------------------------------------------- 10/15/01 Paup Announces Support for UNIÙs Human Performance Center Project CEDAR FALLS--Bryce Paup, recently retired from the NFL, and a former Northern Iowa football standout, announced Sunday his intentions to make a financial commitment that will help to support the schoolÙs plans to build a Human Performance Center on campus. The former NFL defensive MVP who played for the Green Bay Packers, Buffalo Bills, Jacksonville Jaguars and Minnesota Vikings during his professional career was inducted into the University of Northern IowaÙs Athletics Hall of Fame on Saturday, and made his announcement at a brunch highlighting the planned project on Sunday morning. ´The Human Performance Center is the type of facility that will truly make a difference for our football program. It is the kind of facility that will put us over the top in recruiting top quality student-athletes and will allow us to once again separate from the pack in the Gateway,´ said Paup in reading from a prepared statement. Paup announced his leadership and commitment to the success of this project and challenged others to join him with the following words. ´After thoroughly reviewing all of the elements of this project, I am convinced that an investment in this project is truly an investment in the future of the Panther football program and the athletic department as a whole. As an alum, I recognize the opportunities that I was afforded as the result of someone elseÙs investment, and the dreams that it allowed me to live out not only as a Panther, but as a veteran of the NFL. I feel that itÙs time to give something back and to make that dream a reality for future generations of Panther athletes.Ü The Human Performance Center will be a three-story, 50,000-square foot facility adjoining the north end of the UNI-Dome and the south end of the Wellness Recreation Center. The new facility will include a new weight room, locker rooms, meeting rooms, coaches and administrative offices, and an athletic training center/human performance lab in partnership with the private medical community. It also will be the future headquarters for the National Program for Playground Safety and Camp Adventure. The $7.8 million facility is part of the UniversityÙs ´Students FirstÜ campaign, part of a larger $75 million effort to raise private funds targeted at scholarship and program support endowment, along with other facility projects, including the McLeodUSA Center. Construction on the Human Performance Center is scheduled to begin when adequate funding has been secured. In addition to PaupÙs planned gift, the University received its initial gift of $500,000 for the facility from Des Moines, Iowa-area businessman Richard Jacobsen, along with several other smaller gifts intended for the project. Additional fundraising efforts are ongoing. ´We are very pleased with BryceÙs commitment to this project,Ü commented UNI Associate Athletic Director Kevin Buisman, who is coordinating fundraising efforts for the new facility. ´The leadership and direction it provides serves as a signal to fellow football alums to become directly involved and to lend their support to a program that has meant so much to each one of them over the years.Ü ´I know that Bryce recognizes how meaningful this facility is for UNI football and the impact that it will have on that program, and that was important to him. His gift provides this project with some much-needed momentum at this point. We are confident that others will take up BryceÙs challenge and become involved in their own way, moving this project closer to its ultimate success,Ü UNI Athletic Director Rick Hartzell concluded. --------------------------------------------- 9/2701 Local families donate a total of $350,000 to UNI arena project CEDAR FALLS Three local families have each made six-figure gifts to benefit the University of Northern Iowa's "Students First" campaign, earmarked for the planned McLeodUSA Center. Those making gifts are Ken and Amy Lockard, Jim and Cecelia Mudd Sr., and David and Cindy Peters. Ken Lockard is president of Lockard Companies, which includes Lockard Development and Lockard Realty Co. He sits on the board of the directors of the UNI Athletic Club and the Leadership Advisory Council for the Cedar Valley phase of the "Students First" campaign. He and his wife made a $100,000 gift to the university's foundation. Dave Peters is president of Peters Construction Corp, an adjunct professor in the UNI Department of Technology, and chair of the university's Industrial Technology advisory board. He and his wife Cindy, both alumni, serve on the Leadership Advisory Council for the Cedar Valley portion "Students First" campaign. Their gift to the arena project is $150,000. Jim Mudd is president and CEO of Jim Mudd Advertising Agency and The Mudd Group. He serves on the Leadership Advisory Council for the Cedar Valley portion of the "Students First" campaign. He and his wife made a $100,000 gift. Bill Calhoun, vice president for university advancement, said the "Students First" campaign is expected to be completed by January 2005. The campaign has a goal of $75 million for scholarships, academic program support and facilities, including $15 million to build the McLeodUSA Center, a multi-purpose sports arena for basketball, volleyball and wrestling. Other capital projects include McElroy Hall, which houses the Freeburg Early Childhood Program; a human performance center to be built onto the north end of the UNI-Dome; renovation of Lang Hall and Russell Hall; and equipment for McCollum Science Hall. The university has raised more than half the funds already, including approximately $9 million for the McLeodUSA Center. The leadership gift phase of the campaignÙs local drive is now underway. The Cedar Valley major gift drive kickoff took place Sept. 24, while the national kickoff will take place during fall 2002. --------------------------------------------- 06/07/01 Gallaghers' $500,000 gift boosts UNI arena CEDAR FALLS, Edward J. and Catherine Cassidy Gallagher of Waterloo have made a $500,000 gift to the University of Northern Iowa's "Students First" campaign, to be used toward construction of the McLeodUSA Center. The multi-purpose sports arena will be home to the university's volleyball, basketball and wrestling programs, with seating for 5,000 to 6,000 which could accommodate concerts and other community events. "This arena is a necessary project, both for the university and for the Cedar Valley," said Ed Gallagher. "It will strengthen the athletic programs at the university, and offer a sizable facility for other community events. It's a win-win situation for UNI and the Cedar Valley." It is the second major gift the Gallaghers have made to a UNI facility in recent years. They contributed more than $1 million, along with the late Carl and Peggy Bluedorn, toward the construction of the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, which opened last year. The university is now approaching the $8 million mark in funds raised for the proposed $15 million center. Officials said the entire $75 million Students First campaign has now eclipsed the halfway mark. That includes funds for scholarships, academic program support and facilities, including the McLeodUSA Center. Gallagher is the senior partner in the Waterloo law firm of Gallagher, Langlas & Gallagher in Waterloo. Past president of the Iowa chapter of the American College of Trial Lawyers, he also is a member of the International Society of Barristers and past president of the Iowa Academy of Trial Lawyers. Gallagher chairs the UNI Board of Trustees, and served on the board of regents of Loras College for nine years. He is now a regent emeritus. He is past chairman of the board and is now a trustee of the Grout Museum, board member of Covenant Hospital Foundation, board member of Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony and immediate past president of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa. Mrs. Gallagher is a graduate of UNI. She serves on the board of trustees of Clarke College in Dubuque, and is an honorary member of the Waterloo/Cedar Falls Symphony Guild. She is a past president of the Symphony Guild, past president of Covenant Hospital Auxiliary and a past officer of the Junior League of Waterloo-Cedar Falls. UNI's "Students First" campaign has a goal of $75 million for scholarships, academic program support and facilities, including $15 million to build the McLeodUSA Center. Other capital projects include McElroy Hall, which houses the Freeburg Early Childhood Program; a human performance center to be built onto the north end of the NI-Dome; renovation of Lang Hall and Russell Hall; and equipment for McCollum Science Hall. Last summer, UNI received a $4 million lead gift from Clark and Mary McLeod of Cedar Rapids, owners of McLeod Communications. In the spring, three Cedar Valley families announced gifts totaling $650,000 toward the new arena. In April, the R.J. McElroy Trust made a $1 million challenge grant to the campaign to be used toward the arena. The university's foundation must raise another $3 million to meet the challenge. The major gift drive kickoff will be later this year. --------------------------------------------- 4/20/01 McElroy Trust gift benefits UNI's McLeodUSA Center CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The R.J. McElroy Trust has made a $1 million challenge grant to the University of Northern Iowa's "Students First" fundraising campaign, to be used toward construction of the McLeodUSA Center. The university's foundation will now have to raise another $3 million to meet the challenge. The foundation is seeking to raise the matching funds through gifts of $100,000 or more. "You don't receive a gift of this magnitude or generosity every day," said Robert Koob, UNI president. "But it's indicative of the kind of support we've typically received from this community, and we're going to work hard to show our appreciation." The goal for the center is $15 million. To date, close to $7 million in gifts and pledges has been raised. "The McLeodUSA Center will help us attract even better student-athletes; the student body will have a quality facility in which to watch intercollegiate volleyball, wrestling and men's and women's basketball; and we will have a state-of-the-art building for other important university and community functions such as convocations, lectures and concerts," said Rick Hartzell, director of athletics at UNI. The "Students First" campaign has a goal of $75 million for scholarships, academic program support and facilities, including $15 million to build a multi-sport arena, the McLeodUSA Center. Other construction includes R.J. McElroy Hall in Waterloo, which houses the Freeburg Early Childhood Program, and a human performance center to be built onto the north end of the UNI-Dome. Facilities needing renovation or equipment are Russell Hall, Lang Hall and McCollum Science Hall. Ross Christensen, chairman of the McElroy Trust, expects the impact of the McLeodUSA Center to extend beyond the Cedar Valley. "The construction of this arena will increase access to UNI's many and valuable programs, and that will enhance the lives of young people throughout Northeast Iowa," he said. Campaign preparation has begun, and the official campaign kickoff for the Cedar Valley portion will take place later this year. The university's last major campaign ended in 1995 and exceeded its $25 million goal. The McElroy Trust was established in 1965, with a primary goal of enhancing the lives of youths in Northeast Iowa. --------------------------------------------- 4/10/01 Local families donate $650,000 to build UNI sports arena CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- Three Cedar Valley families have made gifts to the University of Northern Iowa's "Students First" Campaign, to be used toward construction of the McLeodUSA Center. The Young Family Foundation has given $300,000; Tom and Maureen Porth have pledged $250,000; and Elizabeth McCoy has donated $100,000. The proposed center will provide a first-class facility for University of Northern Iowa athletics. Research estimates the potential community impact of the arena at 273,000 visitors and $15 million annually. The Young Family Foundation was established in 1990 to benefit the citizens of Northeast Iowa. The Young family has given to many community projects throughout the years, including the UNI-Dome and Young Arena. The Porths are owners of Village Inn Restaurants in Cedar Falls and Waterloo. Elizabeth McCoy's gift was made in memory of her husband, Robert, who was general manager of the "Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier" from 1952 to 1983. The "Students First" campaign has a goal of $75 million for scholarships, academic program support and facilities, including $15 million to build the McLeodUSA Center. Other capital projects include McElroy Hall in Waterloo, which houses the Freeburg Early Childhood Program; a human performance center to be built onto the north end of the UNI-Dome; renovation of Lang Hall and Russell Hall; and equipment for McCollum Science Hall. The leadership gift phase of the campaign's local drive is now underway. The Cedar Valley major gift drive kickoff will be later this year. ---------------------------------------------- 2/02/01 UNI poised to build cutting-edge sports medicine complex Waterloo/Cedar Falls Courier CEDAR FALLS, Iowa - The way Dick Jacobson sees it, a university athletics program is much like the front porch of a house. "It's not the most important part of the place, but it's one of the first things you see," he explained. Jacobson, a Des Moines businessman and philanthropist, recently gave $500,000 to help UNI build a Human Performance Center (HPC), for use by UNI athletic teams and students, and community members. His gift will be used toward construction of the $7 million sports medicine complex. "The HPC is centered around athletics," said Jacobson. "That's an extremely important department for any university or college, because it produces opportunities for leadership. And if there is one thing our country has a tremendous appetite for, it's leadership." To be built onto the north end of the UNI-Dome, the HPC will provide facilities for programs in athletic training, offer enhanced medical services in the areas of orthopedic rehabilitation and sport injuries, and provide additional weight training space for student athletes. It also will include space for instructional and outreach programs for the UNI School of Health, Physical Education and Leisure Services. "My vision for UNI athletics has always included having facilities that assist our athletes in competing at the highest level, and developing themselves personally and physically," said Rick Hartzell, UNI's director of athletics. "This is a win-win situation for the entire student body. The construction of this center will allow students to get applied experience in certain areas of study, and provide a clinical angle that was previously unavailable on campus. The HPC will add a new dimension to our athletic training program and give our students access to a whole new level of instruction." He noted the HPC will make an excellent complement to the UNI-Dome; the McLeodUSA Center, a sports arena the university is planning to build near the Dome; and the Wellness Recreation Center, which opened in 1997. Funding for the HPC will come from a variety of sources, including support from the local medical community and specific donors who are being approached by the university. Construction of the HPC is part of the university's $75 million "Students First" campaign, which will officially kick off in 2002. The next phase of a recent highly successful scholarship campaign, "Students First" will focus on scholarships, academic programs and facilities. Jacobson Warehouse Co., is one of the largest privately owned public warehouse companies in the country, operating in 11 states and employing 1,000 people. Dick Jacobson also owns trucking, packaging, transportation logistics and employment businesses, which together generate close to $100 million a year in revenue. A well-known philanthropist, he has contributed generously to the Mayo Clinic, Iowa State University, University of Iowa, Drake University and myriad nonprofit organizations. "Life has been very good to me," he said. "And I believe money is meant to be used, not hoarded. When we give to others, everyone benefits." --------------------------------------------- 7/25/00 University of Northern Iowa to build new sports arena; McLeodUSA Center CEDAR FALLS, Iowa - The University of Northern Iowa today announced receipt of the largest gi |
