Just under 116 years after the first dedication of Morrill Hall on June 16, 1891, a rededication ceremony was held outside the newly renovated Morrill Hall with many university figures in attendance.

The ceremony took place at 11 a.m. Friday. Daniel Saftig, president and CEO of the ISU Foundation, welcomed more than 500 faculty, staff, alumni, students and community leaders.

“This is a day many thought would never occur,” Saftig said.

He discussed how a rotten storm in 2001 was responsible for many cutbacks surrounding the university’s budget.

“Many programs not considered core to the mission of teaching, research and outreach were particularly vulnerable,” Saftig said.

Since Morrill Hall had been vacant since 1998, it fit well into that category. Saftig said with a dire budget situation at hand, many felt that Morrill Hall should go by way of a wrecking ball.

“It was not worth hanging on to,” Saftig said. “Many felt that there were more serious issues at hand, and that a new facility could be built at a lesser cost than renovation.”

ISU President Gregory Geoffroy recognized the sanctity of the ISU Central Campus, and worked with others, including Morrill Hall Campaign co-chairperson, Lyle and Nancy Campbell and his wife, Kathy Geoffroy, to launch a $7.4 million fundraising campaign to restore the historic Iowa landmark.

In August 2002, Geoffroy announced that Morrill Hall would be saved.

“It was an easy decision to make, and I am very, very glad I did,” Geoffroy said.

Geoffroy discussed some of the history surrounding Morrill Hall. He included that Morrill Hall was the first major university building to be constructed on the campus in the 23 years since the college opened in 1868.

Geoffroy also paid tribute to Vermont Senator Justin Morrill, author of the Morrill Act.

“His vision and tenacity resulted in arguably the biggest and most progressive change in higher education that our world has ever seen,” Geoffroy said.

The programs housed in Morrill Hall are considered very special to Iowa State. Corly Brooke, director for the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching described the programs located inside Morrill Hall. These programs include the Christian Petersen Art Museum, Textiles and Clothing Museum, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and The Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT).

The Campbells also addressed the audience. Lyle Campbell took a quote from the first dedication ceremony of Morrill Hall.

“As long as Morrill Hall shall stand, it will be a monument to your memories,” he said.

The Campbell family extended their thanks to all who contributed to the renovation of Morrill Hall.

Following the rededication ceremony, President Geoffroy thanked all in attendance and invited everyone to tour Morrill Hall following the ribbon cutting.