A Passion for Libraries

When Jon and Myrna (Mohn) Hamann from Las Vegas speak of the future of the Iowa State University Library, and of hopes that their recent $100,000 endowment furthers the library’s mission, they use phrases like “ever-changing,” “integral,” “staying ahead,” and “preeminent.” They speak of the need for continually updated technology, an unmatched research center and an exceptional art collection.

The Hamanns believe a library is the hub of a university, without which none of the colleges or departments could excel. They know what they’re talking about. The two ISU alums have visited libraries all over the world. Jon personally visited more than 1,000 libraries in 50 different countries over the last 15 years of his 37-year career with 3M Company.

Jon served as the worldwide business director for 3M Library Systems, dealing with everything from book security to materials management in public, private and university libraries. “I was lucky enough to travel with Jon,” says Myrna, a CPA who worked as a comptroller in private business for a number of years, “and it reinforced for me the importance of libraries to people of all backgrounds.”

Both Jon (chemical engineering ’66) and Myrna (mathematics (’65) grew up in families where their parents were not privileged to attend college. “But there was never any doubt that we would be going on to further education after high school,” says Myrna. “It was expected, and we feel our parents gave us strong support and personal sacrifice to make sure we could follow our dreams.”

The Hamann’s library endowment is meant to honor the memories of their parents, Albert and Mildred Hamann of Rock Rapids, Iowa (deceased) and Eitel (deceased) and Frieda Mohn of Aurelia, Iowa. It also goes to the core of the Hamanns’ belief that a library is “the village green” of any community.

Although it is the central gathering place for every student who attends the university, “people may not think of the library when they are deciding where to give,” says Jon. “For us it was a natural place to start. We owe our Iowa State educations a lot, and we decided we were at a point in our lives when it was time to start giving back.”

Now, the Hamanns have joined Campaign Iowa State as members of the national campaign committee. “We’ve made contributions through the years,” says Myrna, “and now that we’re retired, we’re trying to get involved with our time, too.”

Although this is Jon and Myrna’s first experience with university fundraising, they are excited about the campaign, collaborating with library leaders and further understanding the library’s mission and needs.

Jon sees this as an opportunity to help the university build for tomorrow. “One of our dreams is for Iowa State to become so irresistible that when our 1-year-old grandson, Carson, grows up, he can’t wait to go there.”

The University Library is seeking $7 million during the campaign to support programs and faculty.