Spring 2009

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Curtiss Hall Starts Second Century with Crucial Updates

Curtiss Hall turns a hundred years old in 2009.

First known as Agriculture Hall, then named in 1947 for Charles Curtiss, dean of the college from 1902 to 1932, the building is one of the most familiar and distinctive landmarks on Iowa State’s central campus. Each semester, thousands of students stream into Curtiss Hall to attend classes in the 400-seat auditorium and smaller classrooms. Besides serving the administrative needs for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, it also houses the Iowa Agriculture and Home Economics Experiment Station and Extension to Agriculture and Natural Resources, plus several other departments, centers and programs.

As the building enters its second century, a campaign is underway to ensure its use for future generations. The auditorium has already undergone complete renovation and the front steps have been replaced. Plans are underway to create a more student-centered building with modern, energy efficient, high quality features including a student commons, meeting rooms for group work and interviews and a ground-level wing devoted to student services.

The cost of the Curtiss Hall renovation will be provided through private fundraising and university resources. Although a timeline for the project has not yet been determined, initial work could begin in 2009 or 2010. The project team, consisting of university administrators and architects and the Smith Metzger architectural firm of Des Moines, is devoted to improving the overall safety, visual appeal and function of the building while preserving its traditional architectural elements.

The Monsanto Company pledged $1 million last August to enhance the offices and programs serving students in the college. The programs include student services, career services, study-abroad, entrepreneurship and marketing and recruitment. The college plans to name the student services wing of the building for the company.

The Monsanto Company gift is part of Campaign Iowa State: With Pride and Purpose, the university’s $800 million fundraising effort that was publicly launched October 2007.

For information about giving to the Curtiss Hall renovation effort contact Ray Klein, senior director of development, at (515) 294-7677 or rklein@iastate.edu.

STORIES online Extra:

Learn more about Curtiss Hall and its architectural ornamentation.