Photo Courtesy of ISU Foundation
Heather Lou Brown
Staff Writer
On Oct. 7th, ASISU Senators met to discuss increasing reserve fund contributions to the Swanson Arch Foundation Plaza Project. Initial requests proposed that ASISU would contribute $100,000, but a new proposal increased that figure to $125,000.
President Wagner emphasized that the new proposal was intended to give current and prospective students a chance to participate in the ongoing project in a tangible way. The proposal included a potential design committee of two students among representatives from other departments and contributing organizations.
It was not explained how these students would be selected or which other contributors would be represented. Wagner did state that students who contributed funds would have formal representation on the design committee, receive updates, and have the opportunity to provide input on the final design.
ASISU Senators expressed concern that students do not support allocating additional funds toward the Swanson Arch Project for several reasons.
Senator Brendon Ball shared that he had spoken to graduate students and others who supported the beautification project, calling into question the need for additional funding from current student reserves. Senator Ethan Paine expressed concerns that many students oppose additional funding for a project that would proceed without their support or presence. Senator Silas Smith suggested that given the limited reserve funds, other projects could potentially have a greater student impact. Director of Finance Robert Saunders reiterated students’ concerns that funds would be better spent addressing deteriorating campus infrastructure, including but not limited to classrooms and bathrooms.
Wagner explained that ISU is actively pursuing funding for deferred maintenance and facility improvements. He noted that the university recently requested approximately $400,000 for bathroom improvements at the College of Business. He emphasized that the university is pursuing millions of dollars in additional support for necessary maintenance. Wagner countered reserve budget concerns, stating that additional funds for the Swanson Arch Project would make up only 10% of total reserve funds.
When questioned about the overall fundraising goals for the Swanson Arch Project, Wagner explained that the current estimate is approximately $1.5-1.8 million. The ISU Foundation has committed $1 million. The Alumni Association is expected to raise more than $100,000, and additional unnamed support is anticipated for landscaping. He referenced that additional fundraising may be necessary depending on the final plaza design and project costs.
While Wagner expressed that the additional funding would help the project move forward more quickly, it was not specified how or why this is the case. It was noted several times throughout the discussion, both in support and dissent, that the project would proceed regardless of additional funding from ASISU. Regarding the project timeline, ADA accommodation construction, as well as a groundbreaking ceremony, are anticipated this spring.
A motion carried to deny the $125,000 Reserve Fund Request for the Swanson Arch Plaza. Senators voted to deny additional funding, 10 to four.
More updates and information about the progress of Swanson Arch, as well as comments from ASISU Elected Officials will be forthcoming in our next editions. Look out for more!
