The ISU Foundation celebrated National Philanthropy Day on Thursday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house.

The Foundation celebrated its move into its new building at the Gateway Center with tours of the renovated building and speakers who gave their views on the importance of philanthropy.

Jodi Andersen, communication specialist for the Foundation, said it was decided to have the open house to show the community their new building and to thank those that helped make it possible. Andersen said it was also an opportunity to inform the Ames community about National Philanthropy Day.

Peg Armstrong-Gustafson, Foundation interim president, took the opportunity to thank all those that helped make Foundation’s move to its new building in June a reality.

“You’ve made this a great place, a welcoming place,” Armstrong-Gustafson said. She also read a letter from President Gregory Geoffroy. He wrote that philanthropy has played a significant role in the history of Iowa State through many projects and programs.

“Through the generosity of alumni and supporters we have scholarships that allow students to attend Iowa State,” he wrote.

Armstrong-Gustafson said donors are the most important part of philanthropy.

“The core of philanthropy is the donor that recognizes a need and shares resources,” she said.

T.J. Schneider, Government of the Student Body president, also said the Foundation plays an important role at Iowa State and is only here to help students. “I hope we can give back to what Iowa State has given us,” he said.

National Philanthropy Day began in 1986 to recognize the contributions of philanthropy to society, and one of its main sponsors is the Association of Fundraising Professionals.