On Nov. 29 the Daily printed a letter from David Cmelik regarding fund-raising totals and tuition increases.

Cmelik, a 1995 graduate, suggested that the records of the ISU Foundation should fall under state open records laws because the Foundation “has bragging rights to billions of secret dollars.”

As chair of the Board of Directors of the ISU Foundation, I must point out that Mr. Cmelik clearly has never asked for any information from the Foundation. He appears to have formed his opinions in the absence of fact.

The audited financial statement of the Foundation, its annual report and the IRS Form 990 (tax return) provide detailed information about Foundation income and expenditures. These are public documents available at the Foundation receptionist desk.

In addition, last year the ISU Foundation transferred nearly $31 million to Iowa State University to be spent on student scholarships, faculty positions, facilities such as Howe Hall and programs as diverse as lectures, child care and library resources. These expenditures become part of the university’s public record. There’s nothing secret about how this money is spent.

Mr. Cmelik is right about one thing. The Iowa Newspaper Association has made it a priority to go after Foundation records.

Sadly, few if any, of these editors have ever visited the ISU Foundation, let alone made an effort to obtain or discuss the public reports.

Instead they are working hard to diminish the public’s confidence at the very time when Iowa State is looking to the Foundation to raise increased support during the state budget crisis.

There are 3,500 ISU students receiving scholarships funded with $7.5 million in private support this academic year and 29 endowed faculty positions.

There are thousands of additional students, alumni, and friends who enjoy academic, arts or athletic programs funded with gift dollars.

I urge Mr. Cmelik and others to stop the divisive efforts and join us in our work to increase private philanthropy to all educational institutions at this critical time.

John K. Lawson

Alumnus, 1962

Chair

ISU Foundation Board of Directors