News Releases: Iowa State University

QUICK LINKS
Today's News
News releases
ISU homepage

NEWS RELEASE

10-31-03

Contacts:
Ann Wilson, Iowa State University Foundation, (515) 294-9608
Elaine Edwards, ISU Extension, (515) 294-5168
Annette Hacker, News Service, (515) 294-3720
Aaron Putze, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, (515) 225-5414

IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY'S EXTENSION 4-H YOUTH BUILDING WILL BE DEDICATED NOV. 8

AMES, Iowa -- Iowa State University's new Extension 4-H Youth Building will be dedicated on Saturday, Nov. 8 at 10 a.m.

"The new Extension 4-H Youth Building sends the message that Extension and 4-H are vital parts of Iowa and Iowa State University," said Iowa State University President Gregory Geoffroy. "Its dedication is a milestone event in the 100th anniversary celebration of Extension, and it sets the stage for another century of leadership in Extension programs and services in the state where Extension was born."

The nearly 23,000 square-foot facility is home to staff of the Iowa 4-H/Youth Development office, who formerly occupied four different offices in Curtiss Hall, and the communications arm of ISU Extension, Educational Materials and Marketing Services (EMMS), which moved from the ground floor of the Administrative Services Building. Other staff from Continuing Education and Communications Services, of which EMMS is a part, also will be housed in the Extension 4-H Youth Building.

"This is a big event for all ISU Extension," said Stan Johnson, vice provost for Extension. "We now have a location on campus where all those who use our services can make the necessary connections. The facility also provides one central location for our 4-H Youth Development staff. We owe great thanks for this facility to the lead donor, the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation. It simply would not have happened without their support."

The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation provided $1 million to help build the new facility. Pioneer Hi-Bred International also contributed to the project.

"Farm Bureau members viewed the construction of this building as an investment in Iowa's most precious resource, our children. By participating with Iowa State University Extension and 4-H in this way, we are showing our commitment to building Iowa's future leaders. Our members across the state are proud to support quality education and educational resources," said Craig Lang, president of the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation.

The building is equipped with audio and video studios. Extension radio reports, including market reports, will originate from the new building.

The building's south wing has been dubbed the "WOW" Center, or "Why Opportunity Works." It is designed as a welcome center that will house interactive and multimedia exhibits intended to interest Iowa youth in science, technology and other fields of study.

The WOW Center contains two additions to Iowa State's Art on Campus program: terrazzo floors by artists Carolyn Braaksma and Brad Kaspari, and a bronze casting of Christian Petersen's "4-H Calf." In addition, the center will feature a collaborative project -- silk and cotton banners -- designed by Debra Satterfield, assistant professor of art and design, and printed by J.R. Campbell, assistant professor of textiles and clothing. The dedication event will include tours that highlight the artists' work.

The public is encouraged to attend the dedication, and may park in lots 120 and 20, south and west of the Extension 4-H Youth Building. The new building is located at the corner of Stange Road and 13th Street on the north side of the Iowa State campus.

-30-