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The Students First campaign began in April of 2000 with an initial goal of $75 million. By October of 2002, support was so strong the goal was raised to $100 million for the national phase of the campaign. Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of UNI alumni and friends, the $100 million goal has been reached well ahead of the July 2005 campaign finale.

“We’re very pleased to have achieved this level of success before the campaign’s end, and would like to thank all those who helped us reach this goal,” said Bill Calhoun, president of the UNI Foundation. “We look forward to continuing our fundraising efforts to provide the university with the resources needed to give students outstanding educational opportunities.“

The campaign includes more than $70 million for scholarships and academic programs, with the additional funds going toward facility construction and enhancement. Facilities include the McLeod Center, the Freeburg Early Childhood Center, the Russell Hall renovation, the Human Performance Complex and equipment for Lang Hall and McCollum Science
hall.

The McLeod Center has been the cornerstone of the facilities campaign with more than $18 million raised for the sports and entertainment facility. A groundbreaking ceremony took place during Homecoming 2004 on what Clark McLeod aptly described as “an incredible day.”

“Without you and many of our key Foundation members, this facility would not become a reality,” President Robert Koob said while acknowledging the alumni, businesses and organizations that have contributed to the project. Clark and Mary McLeod were thanked for their generous naming gift, while Betty McCoy was acknowledged for her signifi cant gift in memory of her husband, Robert McCoy, long-time editor of the Waterloo/Cedar Falls Courier, for whom the court will be named. Koob also recognized LeRoy and Nancy Redfern for their many years of service, and announced that the north concourse area will be named Redfern Terrace in their honor.

The McLeod Center is under construction and can be viewed through a live Web cam on the UNI Foundation’s Web site at www.uni-foundation.org. While construction bids came in higher than anticipated, the Foundation has voted to guarantee securing the remaining $1.5 million needed. “The price of steel and materials has risen dramatically over the past year, and we will need to continue our fundraising efforts to accommodate that fact,” said Calhoun.

In addition to the increased construction costs, fundraising continues for premiere features for the center. A kitchen/catering area, light/ sound grid, Panther hospitality suite and Hall of Fame connector to the UNI-Dome are extra components that will make the center a more versatile facility.

The Wall of Champions campaign is now underway to assist in fundraising efforts. “The Wall of Champions gives us an opportunity to recognize donors and provide additional monies to ensure that the arena is a premier facility for the university,” said Calhoun. Donors of $1,000-$4,999 will be recognized on the wall, while another area in the center will acknowledge donors of $5,000 and above.

The 100,000 square-foot arena’s projected completion date is 2006. Together with the UNI-Dome, the arena is expected to attract an additional 225,500 new visitors per year, with an annual economic impact of $15-$20 million.

To find out how you can be a permanent part of the McLeod Center’s Wall of Champions, contact the UNI Foundation or visit www.uni-foundation.org