The Hixson-Lied Student Success Center Comes Alive
A longtime dream for Iowa State students has come true. Dedication of the Hixson-Lied Student Success Center took place in February 2007 with a standing-room only crowd all boasting about the new facility. ISU President Gregory L. Geoffroy said, “This facility makes a powerful statement about the importance we place on student learning and success.” ISU Foundation President Daniel P. Saftig said, “This spectacular and beautiful new facility will serve generations of Iowa State students for years to come.”
The Hixson-Lied Student Success Center provides services directed to any student in need of academic counseling, tutoring and testing. The 33,500-square-foot building includes tutoring rooms, computer labs, counselor offices, testing centers, classrooms, study lounges, and other spaces designed to give students the best resources to do well in school.
Distinguished guests attending the ceremony included Christina M. Hixson, Las Vegas, Nev., and Rod and Connie French, West Des Moines, Iowa, whose generous support made this project a reality. The $10 million funding for this project was accomplished entirely through private gifts. “We thank all the donors who made this dream come true,” said Saftig. “The Hixson-Lied Student Success Center is yet another example of the loyal support that alumni and friends have for Iowa State and its students.”
The new center houses three units—the Christina Hixson Opportunity Awards Program, the Rod and Connie French Athletics Academic Center, and the Academic Success Center. The Christina Hixson Opportunity Awards have supported up to 400 undergraduates each year since 1995. These scholarships are for Iowa high school students academically capable of college, but with little hope of attending without financial assistance. The Lied Foundation Trust of Las Vegas gave $5 million to support this project. Christina is the sole trustee of the Lied Foundation Trust and has given generously to support Iowa State students in the past.
The Rod and Connie French Athletics Academic Center will serve student-athletes in need of customized academic and personal development programs, study groups, tutoring, and other services to help student-athletes complete their degrees. Rod and Connie are longtime supporters of Iowa State and gave $1.5 million in support of this project.
The Academic Success Center is a collection of services and programs designed to help students reach their academic goals. There is individualized or small group help available for general academic work and course-specific assistance. Other services provided by the Academic Success Center, such as the disability resources office, continue to be housed in the Student Services Building.
President Geoffroy summed up the special day by declaring the center as the new academic home for all students, including student-athletes. “This project is much more than a building. It’s a way for us to positively impact student retention and recruitment, graduation rates and the academic success of all our students.”
