Stories in Agriculture & Life Sciences
Search
Close
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Campaign Committee met in April 2021 to celebrate the successful conclusion of the Forever True, For Iowa State giving campaign. From left: Pete Wenstrand, Dana Wenstrand, Roger Underwood, Clare Frevert, Jim Frevert, Chuck Cornelius, Chris Cornelius, Nancy Degner, Rich Degner, Howard Hill and Dan Robison. On screen: Dana and Martha Robes, Gregg Behrens and Cy.
Oct 14, 2021 Alumni Vol 15 No 1 2021 Spirit of Service

Forever True builds a strong foundation

By: Melea Reicks Licht

Fueled by a group of dedicated and passionate alumni and friends, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences campaign committee celebrated the remarkable success of Forever True, For Iowa State earlier this year.

The historic $1.5 billion fundraising campaign, the largest ever for an Iowa State comprehensive campaign, was launched in 2012 by the Iowa State University Foundation. The campaign set out to ensure access to an Iowa State education, advance expertise in key areas addressing global challenges and enhance the university’s impact on the economy and quality of life in Iowa and around the world.

“We rely on committed volunteers and their unique strengths to help raise funds for the college,” says Daniel J. Robison, holder of the endowed dean’s chair in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. “This team works tirelessly advocating for the college, championing our cause and supporting our efforts with time, talent and treasure. We are immensely grateful for their support.”

College alumni, friends and partners surpassed the original $200 million goal, reaching a total of more than $240,302 million. Forever True, For Iowa State is making transformative change through the creation of new facilities, improvement of existing programs and the support of faculty, staff and students.

The investment will support six key areas:

  • student and faculty enrichment
  • global agriculture
  • biosciences
  • agricultural business and entrepreneurship
  • sustainability
  • new innovative facilities for animal agriculture teaching and research

“With careers in Iowa agriculture, we understand the importance of the land-grant mission of Iowa State. So, when we were asked, we were pleased to serve on the CALS Campaign Committee,” say Rich and Nancy Degner. “Campaign goals have focused on enhancing and updating campus facilities and programs, which give students important experiences in their major and supports Iowa’s agriculture industry. The Kent Corporation Feed Mill and Grain Science Complex is only one shining example of additional teaching, research and outreach opportunities made available through the CALS Campaign.”

The CALS Campaign Committee inspired other donors to join the 95,758 Iowa State alumni and friends who participated in the university-wide campaign. Their efforts advanced a range of programs with personal significance and global impact.

“Iowa State University has always and continues to have a big piece of our hearts,” say Chuck and Chris Cornelius. “Our passion is the CALS Study Abroad program. We support faculty development and enhancement of study abroad programs. Our sons benefitted greatly from study abroad, and we see our involvement as a way to give back to Iowa State.”

Because of the generosity of thousands of donors and friends, the impact of the Forever True campaign will have a ripple effect over the next few decades: enabling thousands of students to become successful graduates with meaningful careers, moving forward innovative solutions to today’s greatest challenges and bringing our Iowa State ingenuity and know-how to improve the lives of countless people around the world.

Members of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences campaign committee:

  • Daniel J. Robison, endowed dean’s chair, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
  • Gregg Behrens (’74 agricultural business)
  • Lloyd Bettis (’70 agricultural journalism)*
  • Chris (’83 agricultural journalism) and Chuck Cornelius (’83 agronomy)
  • Nancy (’72 food science) and Rich Degner (’72 agricultural and life sciences education, ’77 MS agricultural and life sciences education)
  • Clare and Jim Frevert (’60 farm operation)
  • Howard (’73 MS, ’74 PhD veterinary microbiology and preventative medicine) and Nancy Hill (’74 MS education)
  • Owen Newlin (’51 agronomy, ’53 MS crop production)*
  • Dana Robes (’67 dairy science)*
  • Roger Underwood (’80 agricultural business)*
  • Dana (’87 home economics education) and Pete Wenstrand (’74 agricultural business)

* Also serving on the university-wide Forever True campaign cabinet