The Power to Transform

Lora and Russ Talbot like to lead by example. Although neither graduated from Iowa State University, it would be difficult to find more passionate supporters of the university and its veterinary medicine programs.

“We believe in promoting and supporting success,” says Russ. “We know and understand that we are one part of the process, one piece of the puzzle, and one step in the journey to make things better.”

The animal-loving couple first became friends and enthusiasts of Iowa State a number of years ago through the Companion Animal Fund and the Wildlife Care Clinic. Since that time, they have become outstanding benefactors of the university.

Inspired by Campaign Iowa State: With Pride and Purpose, Russ and Lora have made a three-step commitment to support veterinary medicine students and programs. The first phase was a $500,000 contribution, with $250,000 going to the Dr. W. Eugene and Linda Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center within the College of Veterinary Medicine. The other $250,000 was directed to the Russell G. and Lora L. Talbot Scholars Program, which they had established and permanently endowed in 1998 with a $3.4 million commitment.

In May 2008, the couple pledged $300,000 more to Talbot Scholars. It was the over-the-top contribution to complete the Kresge Foundation Challenge Grant of $1 million. In July 2008, Lora and Russ pledged another $500,000 to their scholarship program, bringing their total campaign commitment to $1.3 million.

To enhance the Talbot Scholars, the Talbots are now in the process of doubling the number of scholarships from four to eight. The change will result in the support of two Talbot Scholars in each of the four levels of the veterinary school. “We have greatly enjoyed so many rewarding experiences with our Talbot Scholars,” Lora says. “They are among the brightest and the best.”

At a young age, Lora developed a keen interest in animals and the veterinary profession. She grew up in Belmond, Iowa, with three veterinarians — all Iowa State graduates — as neighbors. “This was the beginning of a deep respect for the veterinary profession and an understanding of their important role in the world,” Lora says.

“More and more, education has become a central theme and basic fabric of our lives,” says Russ. “We spend much of our time as volunteers, supporters, cheerleaders, and donors in activities related to education.”

“We firmly believe that education is a key ingredient to success in life,” Lora adds. “We have had so many positive experiences with our Talbot Scholars. These aspiring veterinarians truly inspire us.”

The Talbots also have been generous benefactors in Belmond, where they now reside. They recently received Belmond’s Outstanding Community Service Award for their extensive volunteer work and long-time community support.

At Iowa State, the couple serves as ISU Foundation governors as well as enthusiastic members of the national campaign committee and the veterinary medicine collegiate committee for Campaign Iowa State: With Pride and Purpose. Recently, they became lifetime members of the ISU Alumni Association. “As we reflect on our lives and see how truly blessed we have been,” the Talbots say, “we understand that we have a responsibility to share and to give back, to help others and to make the world a better place in which to live.”

They encourage everyone to give time and resources. “If all of us come together, we can pool our efforts and contribute to activities which have the power to transform organizations, institutions and lives,” say Russ and Lora. “We wholeheartedly encourage others to experience the joy of giving.”