Changing People’s Lives

Philanthropy didn’t come naturally for Peg Armstrong-Gustafson.

Instead she took her cue from others associated with Iowa State University — particularly Iowa State alumnus Owen Newlin, whom she worked with at Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.

“Owen truly believed that one person could change the world and that Iowa State University could change the world,” said Peg, who earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science in 1981.

“He was so influential in sharing what our social responsibility was. We needed to invest not only our personal finances, but also our time, for the betterment of others. Those examples were very strong.”

Peg has used Newlin’s philanthropic philosophy when she makes her own decisions.

“I have had the privilege of an education,” she said. “Now I have a responsibility to give back to my community.”

It’s a philosophy that Peg has passed along to her teenage daughter, Alexandra.

“She has a responsibility to give,” Peg said. “For her recent confirmation, she took 25 percent of the money she got and gave it to Care for Creation, to help launch an environmental group she is interested in. We (husband Greg Gustafson [’80 agronomy]) matched her gift.

“Philanthropy permeates our entire family.”

For a time, philanthropy also played an important role in Peg’s professional career. For two years, she expanded on her role as an ISU Foundation governor and served as the organization’s interim president. She helped the organization transition from one chief executive officer to another.

“This was one of the greatest professional and personal experiences I’ve ever had,” she said. “I got to see firsthand the huge role philanthropy plays in higher education.”

One after another, Peg cited examples of how philanthropy at Iowa State has changed people’s lives. Whether it is the Sustainable Rural Livelihood project in Uganda or a scholarship, she saw how the professionals at the ISU Foundation would work hand in hand with benefactors to establish a program that benefitted the students of Iowa State and the world.

During her time at the ISU Foundation, she expanded on Newlin’s philanthropic philosophy.

“What can be so challenging about philanthropy is that it is a complex mix of a social responsibility, personal values and the financial goals of each donor,” Peg said. “In the end, it is our own personal values, however, that everyone needs to consider.”

At Iowa State, Peg’s own personal philanthropy varies greatly — from a Legacy of Heroines scholarship in the Catt Center for Women and Politics to supporting the arts to assisting Cyclone athletics.

“Going to Iowa State is more than just classrooms. It’s Veishea. It’s Varieties, student government, the Greek system, and athletics. It is about the total life experience,” she said. “I’m passionate about higher education.

“It changes people’s lives.”