An industry leader with connections to Iowa State recently pledged $1.5 million to the College of Business.

The John and Betty Ruan family of Des Moines pledged to fund the John Ruan Endowed Chair in the Transportation and Logistics Department.

John Ruan, an ISU alumnus, is the founder of Ruan Transportation Management Systems, which is one of the nation’s largest trucking operations with more than 200 terminals nationwide.

The Ruan family discussed the idea of an endowed position last summer, and the plan was announced March 19.

College of Business officials have not yet had a chance to discuss the gift because it is so recent, said Michael Crum, professor of transportation and logistics.

“The gift is ear marked for an endowed chair, but we have not yet had a faculty meeting to discuss it,” he said.

Crum said an endowed position is money used to pay or supplement the salary of a faculty member.

“It is a way to attract new professors or keep and reward an existing one,” he said.

Labh Hira, dean of the College of Business, said the gift is an honor for the College.

“Mr. Ruan is an accomplished individual,” Hira said. “It is a big name in the transportation industry and to have Ruan’s name associated with our program is quite an honor.”

Crum said the gift was made by Ruan’s son, John III, to honor his father.

“This tie to Iowa State is why the Ruan family has been a supporter of the university for many years,” said Tricia Drake, marketing manager for Ruan Transportation Management Systems. “The family feels strongly about giving back to the university and the community.”

The transportation and logistics program at Iowa State is ranked among the top in the nation, which is another reason the gift was made, Crum said.

“Ruan wanted to tie the gift to education and one of the best is just 30 miles down the road [in Ames],” he said.

Jason Menke, assistant director of communications for the ISU Foundation, which oversees gifts to the university, said the strong reputations of Ruan and the ISU program are a good fit.

“For the Ruans to support faculty and staff development at this level is truly a testament to the strength and reputation of this program,” he said.