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Cedar
Valley Drive Campaign News: 10/29/04 UNI receives CIPCO gift to partner students with Iowa businesses CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- University of Northern Iowa students
and Iowa businesses will benefit from a recent gift from Central Iowa
Power Cooperative (CIPCO). 9/19/04 UNI receives State Farm gift for computer science program CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The University of Northern Iowa recently
received $48,000 from State Farm Insurance Companies Foundation to support
computer science focus areas including a new computer laboratory, in addition
to Networking and System Administration (NaSA), Bioinformatics, and other
High-Performance Computing applications. The gift will be used to enhance
curricular applications of computer technology, which will allow the university
to offer new courses and research support for dynamic changes in computer
science. UNI's Bioinformatics program, a rapidly growing field with the
potential for important economic impact, is one of the first in the nation
at the undergraduate level. ---------------------------------------------------------------- 5/21/04 UNI receives Carver grant for nanoscience equipment and classes CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The University of Northern Iowa recently received a $226,000 grant from the Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust for specialized nanoscience and nanotechnology equipment. The grant allows UNI to take the first step toward a program in nanoscience and nanotechnology by offering two new courses to chemistry and physics majors. Coordinating the courses are Duane Bartak, professor and former head, Department of Chemistry, and Clifton Chancey, professor and head, Department of Physics. The two courses, Introduction to Nanoscience & Nanotechnology and Intermediate Nanoscience & Nanotechnolgy, will be jointly taught by physics and chemistry faculty. They will form the core of a future minor in nanoscience and possibly a Bachelor's of Science in nanoscience. Nanoscience and nanotechnology are the science and technology of manipulating atoms and molecules to produce machines on the scale of human cells. Understanding atoms and groups of atoms is the beginning of understanding the physical world at a very basic but profound level. "Chemists know a lot about atoms and physicists understand a lot about atomic forces -- nanoscience and nanotechnology join these knowledge areas together to study atomic-scale devices and machines," says Chancey. "The goal is to understand the atomic-scale and molecular-scale worlds so we can build with atoms at the atomic scale with the same ease as we use bricks to build houses." "The nano revolution will have as great an effect during the next 50 years as the micro revolution had during the last 50 years, with advances in medical technology, communications, power systems, materials, medical drugs, etc.," says Bartek. "The national and international economies are already gearing up to use new nano knowledge, but it is a relatively rare program to find at the undergraduate level. Offering UNI students the chance for hands-on equipment use in these classes may interest some of them in nano-related careers. That will be important for Iowa and the nation in the future." The equipment provided by the Carver grant includes: a scanning probe microscope capable of atomic force microscopy and scanning tunneling microscopy, a high-pressure mini-reactor, surface area and porosity measuring equipment, thermal analysis equipment and magnetometric equipment. The UNI chemistry department consistently graduates more chemistry majors than any other university or college in Iowa. The physics department currently has 63 majors -- double the number five years ago. The Carver Charitable Trust is the largest private foundation in the state of Iowa. It was created through the will of Roy J. Carver, a Muscatine industrialist and philanthropist who died in 1981. The Carver Trust has awarded $4.8 million to support educational projects and research at UNI. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 5/14/04 $1 million donation to UNI backs teachers CEDAR FALLS -- Teachers graduating from the University of Northern Iowa will have an incentive to pursue careers in Iowa, thanks to a gift from Rex and Kathy Eno of Cedar Rapids. The Enos are contributing the majority of their $1 million
gift to UNI to establish the Teaching in Iowa Incentive Award Fund, meant
to encourage students to take their first teaching position in Iowa. "We are facing a crisis in losing many of our finest teachers to other states at a critical time for Iowa education," said Rex Eno. "The quality of education and quality of students found at UNI provide Iowa with graduates who will be tomorrow's leaders -- especially in the field of education. It was important to us to establish a fund that will help encourage our most outstanding teachers to stay here in Iowa. We hope that others will be willing to contribute to this fund in order to keep our good teachers in the state." The foundation plans to make awards to two students in summer
2005. As the Rex Eno is the retired chairman of Life Investors Insurance
Company of America and serves as co-chair of UNI's national "Students
First" campaign. Kathy Eno, a UNI alumna, serves on the advisory
board of UNI's Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center. For more information on the "Students First" campaign, contact the UNI Foundation at 273-6078 or visit www.uni-foundation.org. 5/08/04 Carver grant funds unique UNI teacher program CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The University of Northern Iowa recently received a $50,000 grant from the Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust for outreach activities of the new Teaching of Students with Visual Impairments program. Coordinated by Sunggye Hong, assistant professor of special education at UNI, the TVI program prepares teachers to meet the diverse needs of students with visual impairments and acquire certification from the Iowa Department of Education. This is the only TVI program in Iowa, and one of the few available in the United States. The Board of Regents requested UNI create this program to remedy the state's lack of TVI training and its shortage of teachers who are fully qualified to work with visually-impaired students. As of 2002, there were approximately 700 visually impaired students receiving services in Iowa. Overall, the Carver Trust has awarded $4.8 million to support educational projects and research at UNI. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4/21/04 UNI professor to study campus ministries' influence on religious resurgence among students CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- Betty DeBerg, head of the University of Northern Iowa Department of Philosophy & Religion, has been awarded a three-year $687,000 grant from the Lilly Endowment Inc., to study religious ministries aimed at college and university students nationwide. DeBerg will work with John Schmalzbauer of the College of the Holy Cross, in Worcester, Mass., to complete the research. "Although much research reports a resurgence of religion on campus, little is known about the role of campus ministries in fueling it," explained DeBerg. "This study will round out our knowledge of the college/university experience of students active in campus ministries. We also hope that more and better information about campus ministries will increase dialogue among scholars of religion in the United States." Her research will include visits to chaplaincies, interviews
with campus ministry staff members, and surveys of staff members. The
collected data will be helpful to a variety of audiences, including campus
ministers, religious leaders who plan and fund campus ministries, university
administrators and foundations interested in funding campus ministries. Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based, private philanthropic foundation created in 1937 by three members of the Lilly family, through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Co. The endowment supports the causes of religion, education and community development. It affords special emphasis to projects that benefit young people and promote leadership education and financial self-sufficiency in the nonprofit, charitable sector. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Gifts from Maytag and Rockwell Collins benefit UNI laboratory CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- Although the average individual doesn't realize it, most gadgets that make everyday life simple are run by tiny computers. John McCormick, a professor of computer science at the University of Northern Iowa, explains that everything from vehicles and airplanes to washing machines and microwave ovens is computer driven. "Hardly anyone knows that the average car has 12 different computers in it," he said. "Even tractors have computers in them, and that makes them easier to use. We now have washers that can calculate the best cycle for removing a certain stain, and microwave ovens that know how long to run in order to cook a certain food. But when you say computer, everyone thinks Internet, not a car or a microwave. In fact, these computers are used 10 to 50 times more often than the Internet is accessed." McCormick has developed a course to teach about these computers -- called embedded computer systems -- and will display the products of student work during a Golden Spike party at 10:30 a.m., Friday, April 27, in 120 Wright Hall. Attending will be representatives from Maytag Corp., and Rockwell Collins. Both companies have provided $51,500 each toward classroom equipment. In fact, several students in McCormick's class have already been hired by Rockwell Collins, and will start work after graduation in May. The class is working now to complete the project which consists of three miles of railroad track, and a series of small trains controlled via an embedded computer system. Working in teams, students have written software to run the railroad, adhering to specific requirements. The result is software that can, among other things, detect failure in the system and perform optimal scheduling. One group developed software that will allow users to "box in" a stolen train. "My students have never been this excited," McCormick said. "And the industry is just as excited." McCormick said the course is one of only a few like it in the country. The problem has been that the development of embedded computer systems necessitates the convergence of electrical engineering with computer technology, two areas that haven't typically worked together. "There's sort of a gap," he said. "One of the purposes of this project is to bridge that gap. I'm looking to train computer science graduates to work on a team with electrical engineers, so they can understand one another." -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3/30/01 Pioneer Hi-Bred establishes professorship at UNI CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- Seeking to promote growth and vision in the field of agriculture, Pioneer Hi-Bred International has established a $250,000 Professorship of Innovation in the University of Northern Iowa's College of Business Administration (CBA). Lou Honary, associate professor and director of UNI's Ag-Based Industrial Lubricants (ABIL) research program, was named to the appointment. According to Willis Greer, dean of the CBA, the professorship will allow Honary to host special conferences on innovation, and travel to businesses and other academic and corporate centers that are known for progress in the field. The professorship also will provide for research assistantships and internships, as well as equipment and supplies to support research projects and teaching. "Of course, the state of Iowa will benefit from this professorship," explained Eric Fogg, program manger for Pioneer. "But who's to say that ideas stemming from research here won't be applicable in Nebraska or India? That's what education is all about -- helping all of us advance." The $250,000 professorship is a five-year appointment. ABIL introduced the nation's first soybean-based multi-grade hydraulic fluid, and is recognized nationally as a leader in the development and commercialization of soybean-based industrial lubricants. Established in 1991, the UNI-ABIL Research Program brings together research and testing to identify soybean oil characteristics and match them to appropriate industrial uses. ABIL's first commercial product introduction came in 1997, when it introduced a high-performance multi-grade hydraulic fluid, brand named BioSOY. The next product, BioTRANS, a patented electrical transformer fluid, was jointly developed with Waverly Light & Power Co., Waverly, Iowa. ABIL also manufactures SoyTRUCK™, a fifth-wheel grease for semi trucks; and SoyLINK ™, a lubricant for chainsaws. Both were introduced in 1999. This year ABIL is licensing 16 industrial lubricants, greases and base oils made of soybean oil. For more information about ABIlL, vist the Web site, www.uni.edu/abil. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3/28/01 Madeleine Albright to be UNI's first Joy Cole Corning Distinguished Leadership Lecture Series Speaker CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- Former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright will speak at the University of Northern Iowa on Oct. 24. Albright will be the inaugural speaker in the Joy Cole Corning Distinguished Leadership Lecture Series. Established earlier this year by University of Northern Iowa alumna and former Iowa Lt. Gov. Joy Cole Corning, the series' purpose is to bring to campus nationally and internationally renowned leaders in such areas as the arts, business, education, government and the judiciary. A desire to give students the opportunity to hear and interact with leaders in their respective fields from all over the world prompted Corning to make a $1 million gift to the UNI Foundation's "Students First" campaign. In keeping with that theme, Albright will speak to students during the afternoon and speak to the general public in the evening. Both presentations will be held in the Great Hall of UNI's Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center. Times and ticket information will be announced later. Corning said her 25 years in elective offices gave her a myriad of experiences interacting with leaders in various disciplines. She believes it is important for students to understand what makes a leader and how people become leaders. She said that interaction with the speakers will be a part of the lecture series. Corning's gift is part the Northern Iowa Foundation's $75 million "Students' First" campaign, that includes a $16 million goal for program support endowments. "I greatly appreciate the education I received here and am happy to have the opportunity to give back to the university," said Corning. "I hope my gift might inspire others to think about a gift to the university." Now living in Des Moines, Corning taught school in Greenfield and Waterloo, following her graduation from UNI with a bachelor of arts in elementary education in 1954. She left the teaching profession to raise her family in Cedar Falls. She said she feels a "great affinity" for the Cedar Falls community, where she spent nearly 35 years of her life, and in which she began her career in elective office. She was first elected to the Cedar Falls school board in 1973, serving 11 years, nine of them as its president. After serving six years in the Iowa Senate, in the middle of her second term, she was elected lieutenant governor, serving for eight years. Now an active volunteer, Corning serves on nearly a dozen boards, including the UNI Foundation Board of Trustees; UNI's Performing Arts Center Advisory Board; the boards of the Des Moines Symphony, the National Conference on Community and Justice, and the Institute for Character Development. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1/24/01 CEDAR FALLS, Iowa - A desire to give students the opportunity to hear and interact with leaders in their respective fields from all over the world prompted University of Northern Iowa alumna and former Iowa Lt. Gov. Joy Corning, to make a $1 million gift to the UNI Foundation's "Students First" campaign. The Joy Cole Corning Distinguished Leadership Lecture Series will bring to campus national and internationally renowned leaders in such areas as the arts, business, education, government and the judiciary. Corning said her 25 years in elective offices gave her a myriad of experiences in interacting with leaders in various disciplines. She believes it is important for students to understand what makes a leader and how people become leaders. She said that interaction with the speakers will be a part of the lecture series. Corning's gift is part the Northern Iowa Foundation's $75 million "Students' First" campaign, that includes a $16 million goal for program support endowments. "Private support will play a vital role in the university's ability to make excellent programs even better," said Bill Calhoun, UNI vice president for advancement. "I greatly appreciate the education I received here and am happy to have the opportunity to give back to the university," said Corning. "I hope my gift might inspire others to think about a gift to the university." Now living in Des Moines, Corning taught school in Greenfield and Waterloo, following her graduation from UNI with a bachelor of arts in elementary education. She left the teaching profession to raise her family in Cedar Falls. She said she feels a "great affinity" for the Cedar Falls community, where she spent nearly 35 years of her life, and in which she began her career in elective office. She was first elected to the Cedar Falls school board in 1973, serving 11 years, nine of them as its president. After serving six years in the Iowa Senate, in the middle of her second term, she was elected lieutenant governor, serving for eight years. Now heavily involved in the volunteer arena, Corning serves on nearly a dozen boards, including the UNI Foundation Board of Trustees; UNI's Performing Arts Center Advisory Board; the boards of the Des Moines Symphony, the National Conference on Community and Justice, and the Institute for Character Development; and she is chairing a drive to raise money to build a chapel at the women's prison. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gift to UNI promises solid foundation for new honors program CEDAR FALLS, Iowa - The University of Northern Iowa recently received a $200,000 gift from the estate of Centerville native Nadyne Harris, who died in November 1999. Randy Rumery, director of gift planning for the UNI Foundation, said the gift will provide scholarships for liberal arts students, specifically those participating in the university's new Honors Program. "We know that financial assistance is critical to our students," said Rumery. "The latest data shows that more students are graduating with higher levels of debt than ever before. This gift will enable more students to take advantage of the programs here at UNI." The Board of Regents, State of Iowa, voted in May to approve the UNI Honors Program, which will begin in fall 2001. Eligible high school students are those who have a 27 or higher on the ACT, graduate in the top 20 percent of their class, or have a GPA of 3.65 or higher. Current UNI students with a 3.3 GPA may apply. "This program will attract and retain exceptional students to the university," said Rumery. "The state of Iowa will benefit from UNI committing itself to a program meant to assist our best students in achieving their goals." Harris and her husband owned and operated a feed store in Centerville for many years. Although neither she nor her husband attended college, they indicated an interest in education and made several bequests to educational institutions, including all three Regent universities and their local high school. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9/20/00 Waterloo/Cedar Falls Courier Carver gift to UNI campaign will purchase much-needed science equipment CEDAR FALLS, Iowa - The University of Northern Iowa has received a $1 million gift from the Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust. The gift, made to the university's $75 million "Students First" campaign, is earmarked for the purchase of scientific instrumentation and equipment for new chemistry and biology laboratories in McCollum Science Hall at UNI. Aaron Podolefsky, UNI provost and vice president, noted that since 1990 the number of biology majors at UNI has increased by 220 percent, and the number of chemistry majors by 250 percent. "UNI awards more baccalaureate degrees in chemistry than any other college or university in the state," said Podolefsky. "We need to continue to advance technology within the department, especially in the science hall which houses biology and chemistry." Through a planned expansion that will cost $16.9 million, the size of the building will nearly double, and state-of-the-art laboratories will be created. The university is seeking additional private support for scientific instrumentation for the facility. The project will be finished by the start of the 2003-04 academic year. "One of the hallmarks of an education at UNI is the opportunity for undergraduate students to engage in serious research experiences under the guidance of an accomplished faculty mentor, both through regular course work and through special experiential learning opportunities," said Podolefsky. "This gift will enable our biology and chemistry students to have unprecedented, hands-on exposure to sophisticated equipment that will make them exceptionally well-prepared for graduate education and the modern work environment." Barbara Hetrick, head of the university's Department of Biology, said that in the past the university has not had a mechanism for purchasing large, expensive equipment. "The amortization process allows for the replacement of equipment we've had 15 or more years but," said Hetrick, "most of the equipment we need now didn't even exist 15 years ago. In order to expose our students to the modern tools of science, we have to be able to purchase the new, state-of-the-art equipment." The UNI Foundation board of trustees voted in April to authorize the $75 million "Students First" campaign - the next generation of a recent, highly successful scholarship campaign that exceeded its goal, raising $14 million. The new, broader "Students First" campaign will focus on scholarships, academic programs and facilities. "Nearly two-thirds of the funds will go directly to meet the needs of students through scholarships and academic programs," said Bill Calhoun, vice president for University Advancement. "The remaining one-third will support students through construction of new facilities, and through equipment upgrades and renovation for existing facilities." New construction will include the McLeodUSA Center sports arena, the Freeburg Early Childhood Program, and a human performance center. Facilities needing renovation or equipment are Russell Hall, Lang Hall and McCollum Science Hall. The Carver Charitable Trust is the largest private foundation in the state of Iowa. It was created through the will of Roy J. Carver, a Muscatine industrialist and philanthropist who died in 1981. Including the gift to the McCollum Science Hall project, the Carver Trust has awarded more than $2.8 million to support educational projects and research at UNI. |
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| 205 Commons, Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0282
Phone (319) 273.6078 or (800) 782.9522 Fax (319) 273.3465 E-Mail: UNI.Foundation@uni.edu Last Modified: 10/29/04 |
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