Upper Iowa University to hold groundbreaking for construction of football stadium complex on October 14
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Last spring, UIU alumni Steve and Diane |
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FAYETTE, Iowa (October 7, 2011) – Upper Iowa University (UIU) will break ground for its new stadium complex during ceremonies at noon, Friday, October 14, in Fayette. The stadium transformation was made possible by a $7.5 million gift to the University last spring from UIU alumni, Steve and Diane Harms of West Des Moines, Iowa.
The groundbreaking will include remarks by Steve Harms; UIU President Alan Walker; UIU Board Chair Bob Firth; Wendell Snodgrass, vice president of advancement, development and alumni relations; and a student football player, Tom Nesvik, sophomore defensive back from West Union, Iowa. The ceremony will be followed by an outdoor buffet. In case of rain, the event will be moved from the stadium to the UIU Student Center.
Plans for renovation of the UIU football field and stadium include an all-weather turf surface, which was installed this year, as well as field lighting, significantly increased seating capacity, a professional grade scoreboard with a large-screen video, and a large multi-use press box. The stadium is expected to be completed in time for the start of the 2012 football season.
"The press box alone is 10 times the size of our current press box and can be used for a variety of purposes year-round," said UIU President Alan G. Walker. "The Harms' gift will give UIU students and athletic fans a field and scoreboard to equal or exceed other NCAA Division II institutions. The versatility of the design enables UIU to use the press box and concession stands for events on the soccer field as well, and the lighted, all-weather field also can be used for high school and community events."
Steve Harms earned his bachelor's degree in physical education at UIU, where he played football. Diane Harms graduated with a bachelor's degree in psychology from UIU, where she was a cheerleader. Steve is currently a member of the UIU Board of Trustees. He and Diane are serving as two of the three co-chairs of the UIU capital campaign. Both graduated in 1973.
UIU's last game in the existing stadium will be played on Saturday, October 15, against Minnesota State University, with kick-off at 1 p.m. The final two UIU home games this season will be played on the North Fayette High School field in West Union on November 5 and 12.
To make a reservation, call 563-425-5399 or email alumni@uiu.edu. For more information or to donate to the UIU capital campaign online, go to www.uiu.edu/transforming.
Contact:
Monica Bayer Heaton
Executive Director of Communications and Marketing
Phone: 563-425-5773
Cell: 515-291-2070
heatonm@uiu.edu
About Upper Iowa University
Founded in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a private, not-for-profit university providing undergraduate and graduate degree programs and leadership development opportunities to more than 6,800 students—nationally and internationally—at its Fayette campus and learning centers worldwide. Upper Iowa University is a recognized innovator in offering accredited, quality programs through flexible, multiple delivery systems, including online and independent study. For more information, visit www.uiu.edu.