An alumnus of Iowa State and former policy adviser for seven U.S. presidents recently gave the political science department $150,000 to recognize Iowa State professors for excellence in public administration.

Dwight Ink, of Langdowen, Va., gave the Dwight Ink Faculty Award for Excellence in Public Administration, which originally totaled $100,000.

Recently, Dwight decided to raise this amount to $150,000.

The award is a “generous gift,” said James McCormick, chairman of the political science department.

McCormick said Ink’s monetary contribution will “stimulate others in other fields of political science to also give like endowments to support faculty excellence.”

Ink’s award will only recognize those who excel in public administration, not other fields of political science, McCormick said.

The award is a deferred gift, McCormick said, which means that when Ink and his wife pass away, the money will become available.

The award will be given to a faculty member who has “already demonstrated capabilities in teaching and research,” McCormick said.

“The award recognizes quality faculty and provides support in the teaching and researching area,” he said.

The chosen faculty member will be able to use the award money over a two- to three-year period for research, teaching and outreach activities in the Ames community and beyond.

In 1947, Ink became Iowa State’s first political science graduate.

He has had an extensive career in public service.

Since graduating from Iowa State, he has served under seven presidents – Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Carter, Ford and Reagan.

Under Carter, he was in charge of reforming the civil services as executive director to the president.

He was the head of the Bureau of Latin America and the Caribbean under Reagan.

“His aim is to continue to support efforts of students and faculty,” McCormick said.