Iowa State University: A Legacy of Academics, Campus Life, and Innovation

Iowa State University of Science and Technology, commonly known as Iowa State University (ISU), stands as a public land-grant research university in Ames, Iowa. As the second-largest university in Iowa, ISU boasts a rich history, vibrant campus life, and a strong commitment to academic excellence and groundbreaking research.

Historical Foundations and Growth

The seeds of Iowa State were sown in 1856 when the Iowa General Assembly passed legislation to establish the Iowa Agricultural College and Model Farm. Officially established on March 22, 1858, by the General Assembly, the institution's location was chosen as Story County on June 21, 1859. From its inception, Iowa Agricultural College championed the ideals of accessible higher education for all, emphasizing both liberal and practical subjects in its curriculum.

Early Years and Academic Innovations

Iowa State has been coeducational since admitting its first class in 1868. The Farm House, the first building on campus, was completed in 1861, serving as the residence for the superintendent of the Model Farm and later, the deans of Agriculture. The Iowa Experiment Station emerged as a prominent feature of the university, offering practical instruction, including courses designed to train future farmers.

In 1872, the university introduced courses in domestic economy (now known as home economics or family and consumer sciences), taught by Mary B. Welch, the president's wife. The School of Veterinary Science was established in 1879, becoming the first state veterinary college in the United States.

The Beardshear Era and Expansion

William Miller Beardshear's appointment as President of Iowa State in 1891 marked a period of significant growth and development. Beardshear spearheaded the creation of new agricultural programs and recruited distinguished faculty members, including Anson Marston, Louis B. Spinney, J. B. Weems, Perry G. Holden, and Maria Roberts. Today, Beardshear Hall houses the offices of the President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary, Provost, and student financial aid.

Transition to University Status

On July 4, 1959, the college officially became Iowa State University of Science and Technology. While the full name is still used in official documents like diplomas, the institution is commonly referred to as Iowa State University.

Academics: A Diverse Range of Disciplines

Iowa State's academic offerings are administered through eight colleges:

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
College of Veterinary Medicine
College of Engineering
Graduate College
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
College of Design
Debbie and Jerry Ivy College of Business
College of Health and Human Sciences

These colleges offer over 100 undergraduate majors and 200 fields of study leading to graduate and professional degrees. The academic program emphasizes a liberal arts education alongside research in the biological and physical sciences.

Research Prowess

Iowa State is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities - Very high research activity." The university is affiliated with several prominent research institutions, including the Ames National Laboratory, the Biorenewables Research Laboratory, and the Plant Sciences Institute.

ISU research for the government provided Ames National Laboratory its start in the 1940s with the development of a highly efficient process for producing high-purity uranium for atomic energy. The process to produce large quantities of high-purity uranium metal became known as the Ames process. Ames National Laboratory employs more than 500 full- and part-time employees.

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The Plant Sciences Institute (PSI), founded in 1999, focuses its research on understanding the effects of genotype and environment on phenotypes, aiming to predict the phenotype of a given genotype in a given environment. The institute is housed in the Roy J. Carver Co-Laboratory.

Campus Life: Traditions, Culture, and Community

Iowa State's campus life is rich with traditions, organizations, and events that foster a strong sense of community.

Traditions and Celebrations

Homecoming: Iowa State held its first Homecoming celebration in 1912, initiated by Professor Samuel Beyer. The celebration was designed to welcome alumni back to campus during the annual football game against the University of Iowa.
VEISHEA: First held in 1922, VEISHEA is a unique festival that combines the first letters of Iowa State's colleges: Veterinary Medicine, Engineering, Industrial Science, Home Economics, and Agriculture. Wallace McKee (class of 1922) served as the first chairman of the Central Committee, and Frank D. Paine (professor of electrical engineering) chose the name. VEISHEA returns.
St. Patrick's Day: St. sponsored by civil engineering students, is celebrated in March.

Student Organizations and Government

ISU has over 900 student organizations on campus, representing a wide array of interests. These organizations are supported by Iowa State's Student Engagement Office. The ISU Student Government serves as the governing body for ISU students.

Greek Life

Fraternities and sororities at ISU comprise fifty chapters, involving 14.6 percent of undergraduate students. These organizations collectively raise significant funds for philanthropies and contribute thousands of hours of community service.

Housing

Iowa State operates 20 on-campus residence halls. Friley Hall is the highest-occupancy residence hall with approximately 1,400 students. The Towers Residence Association (TRA) are located south of the main campus.

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The Memorial Union

Designed to be a living memorial for ISU students lost in World War I, the Memorial Union includes the Gold Star Room, a solemn memorial hall that honors the names of fallen veterans. Symbolically, the hall was built directly over a library (the Browsing Library) and a small chapel, representing the importance of education and religion. The original building was designed by architect, William T. Proudfoot and employs a classical style of architecture reflecting Greek and Roman influences. The building's design specifically complements the designs of the major buildings surrounding the University's Central Campus area, Beardshear Hall to the west, Curtiss Hall to the east, and MacKay Hall to the north.

Campus Diversity

Archie and Nancy Martin, an African-American couple, moved to Ames in 1913 and were among the first African-American families to live there. Archie Martin worked to ensure black students would be housed on campus on equal terms of white students. The Martin house, now a historical landmark, was constructed on 218 Lincoln Way in 1919.

Campus Landmarks and Art

Iowa State's campus spans 2,000 acres (8.1 km2) and features over 160 buildings. Several buildings and the Marston Water Tower are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The central campus encompasses 490 acres (2.0 km2) of trees, plants, and classically designed buildings.

The Campanile

Constructed in 1897-1898 as a memorial to Margaret MacDonald Stanton, Iowa State's first dean of women, the campanile is a major symbol of Iowa State University. The site was selected by Margaret's husband, Edgar W. Stanton, with the help of then-university president William M. Beardshear. Taylor and Co. of England to the College made the scientifically tuned chimes in the world, which is still in the Campanile.

Lake LaVerne

Lake LaVerne is located west of the Memorial Union and south of Alumni Hall, Carver Hall, and Music Hall. The lake is home to two mute swans named Sir Lancelot and Elaine, donated to Iowa State by VEISHEA 1935. Lake LaVerne is the result of $10,000 to the College to be used for beautification of the campus.

Reiman Gardens

Iowa State has maintained a horticulture garden since 1914. Reiman Gardens, the third location for these gardens, began in 1993 with a gift from Bobbi and Roy Reiman. The gardens have grown to become a 14 acres (57,000 m2) site with distinct garden areas, an indoor conservatory, a butterfly "wing," a gift shop, and greenhouses.

Brunnier Art Museum

The Brunnier Art Museum, founded in 1975, is Iowa's only accredited museum emphasizing a decorative arts collection. It is located within the Iowa State Center. The museum is named after its benefactors, Iowa State alumnus Henry J. Brunnier and his wife Ann.

Farm House Museum

Located near the center of campus, the Farm House Museum stands as a monument to early Iowa State history and culture and is a National Historic Landmark. Built in 1860, it was the first building on campus.

Art on Campus Collection

Iowa State is home to one of the largest campus public art programs in the United States. The Art on Campus Collection includes over 2000 public works of art.

Morrill Hall

Named for Justin Smith Morrill, Morrill Hall was completed in 1891. Originally a library, museum, and chapel, it was renovated in 2005 and now houses the Christian Petersen Art Museum.

Anderson Sculpture Garden

The Elizabeth and Byron Anderson Sculpture Garden is located by the Christian Petersen Art Museum at historic Morrill Hall. The garden incorporates sculptures, a gathering arena, and sidewalks and pathways.

Parks Library

The W. Robert and Ellen Sorge Parks Library contains over 2.6 million books and subscribes to more than 98,600 journal titles. It is named for W. Robert Parks, the 11th president of Iowa State University, and his wife, Ellen Sorge Parks. Surrounding the first floor lobby staircase in Parks Library are eight mural panels designed by Iowa artist Grant Wood.

Research and Outreach

Iowa State's commitment to research and outreach is evident through its various centers and programs.

Cooperative Extension Service

The cooperative extension service traces its roots to farmers' institutes developed at Iowa State in the late 19th century. Iowa State pioneered the outreach mission of being a land-grant college through the creation of the first Extension Service in 1902. In 1906, the Iowa Legislature enacted the Agricultural Extension Act, making funds available for demonstration projects.

Ames National Laboratory

Iowa State is a member of the Universities Research Association, University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, and the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities. The university also hosts the Ames National Laboratory, a U.S. Department of Energy research laboratory physically located on its campus.

ISU Research Park Corporation

The ISU Research Park Corporation was established in 1987 as a not-for-profit corporation operating under a board of directors appointed by Iowa State University and the ISU Foundation.

Biorenewables Research Laboratory

In 2010, the Biorenewables Research Laboratory opened in a LEED-Gold certified building, promoting interdisciplinary, systems-level research and collaboration.

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