GERDIN BUSINESS BUILDING OPENSBuilding Brings Latest Technology to ISU Business Students and Faculty

AMES, Iowa -- For the first time in its 20-year history, the Iowa State University College of Business has a home ofits own. Approximately 4,000 undergraduate and graduate students will soon begin their new semester in thestate-of-the-art Gerdin Business Building.

The 111,000 square-foot facility was designed specifically for business education and research. It includes wirelessInternet access as well as high-technology laboratories that replicate real work environments students will encounterin transportation and logistics, the telecommunications industry, and marketing firms.

"The features and resources included in the new building will provide an excellent place to earn my degree," says DavidConner, first year MBA student and President of the MBA Association. "The technologies in Gerdin Business Building willhelp me be even more competitive in today's technology driven business environment."

Labh Hira, dean of the College of Business says the new building will serve as a catalyst to attract and retain thenation's top business faculty and research talent to Iowa State, which in turn, will enable the college to pursueleading research.

"The facilities will enhance our ability to provide an innovative, real-world, educational experience and the abilityto discover new ways to apply technology to current and emerging business needs," adds Hira.

Hira says the new building already has become a source of pride among College of Business alumni and supporters.Private contributions covered more than 60 percent of the cost of the new facilities. Donors recently have providedincreasing support for faculty and student scholarships, he adds.

The Gerdin Business Building will let Business Career Services schedule more and frequent visits from corporaterecruiters who until now have held interviews with job candidates in the sky box at Jack Trice Stadium.

"The new building not only provides better accommodations for our meetings with individual students, but it also willassure closer interaction with faculty and staff to match student experience with our needs," says Craig Braget, SeniorManager, KPMG LLP, Des Moines.

The building is named after Russ and Ann Gerdin of Coralville, IA who contributed $10 million to the project. RussGerdin is the founder of Heartland Express, Inc., which was recently named one of BusinessWeek's Top 100 Hot GrowthCompanies. Formal dedication of the Gerdin Business Building is set for Feb. 20, 2004.