Responsiveness

The University commitment to serving the local community is demonstrated by the wide variety of services that are integrated into and shared with the local community.

Joint ventures with the City of Ames and the local business community include:

• CyRide is a citywide bus system operated by the City of Ames and significantly supported by Iowa State University student fees. By referendum, Iowa State students agreed to a mandatory student fee of $45.50 per semester to provide them free bus service throughout the Ames community. Approximately 86% of CyRide users are Iowa State students. The community needs met by CyRide are transportation to/from classes and access to employment sites, medical clinics, and most local shopping areas.

• Ames/ISU Ice Arena is a highly valued community recreational facility made possible by a partnership between the City of Ames and Iowa State. Built on University land, the facility was jointly financed by the City of Ames and Iowa State student fees. The City operates the ice arena as part of its Parks and Recreation program but approximately 50% of the usage is related to Iowa State intramural and club sport.

• The local community makes extensive use of University meeting space and entertainment venues. area. In addition, through its partnership with the Ames Convention and Visitors Bureau, the University brings many conferences and events to Ames. This partnership provides extensive economic benefits to the City of Ames and supports the University’s cultural and meeting facilities.

For example, with the addition of the Christina Reiman Butterfly Wing, the University’s beautiful Reiman Gardens has become a major tourism destination. Reiman Gardens had 200,000 visits in FY05. An estimated 40% or 80,000 of its patronage traveled more than 50 miles to visit the Gardens. In addition, Reiman Gardens has an active program of giving free passes to all agencies and clients of the United Way of Story County and participates in charitable requests from the Story County community. Last year, Reiman Gardens gifted $11,675 in passes, memberships, rentals, and auction gift certificates and items.

• The ISU Research Park and the Ames Economic Development Commission attract and expand high-tech companies in Iowa with a particular emphasis on the bio-economy initiatives at the state level. The ISU Research Park houses 50 companies and University departments. The ISU Research Park, widely recognized as a successful engine of economic development in Iowa, employs over 900 people in jobs with average annual salaries greater than $40,000.

• The Iowa State Center including the CY Stephens Auditorium and Hilton Coliseum bring many cultural, athletic, and entertainment events to the Central Iowa region. From Elton John to Alvin Ailey, the community’s cultural life is enriched by Iowa State-sponsored events.