Talk of weekend plans or anxiety over an upcoming test may seem to dominate many student conversations, leaving them oblivious to some things around them, including the vacant Morrill Hall.But this is not the case.”Destroying Morrill Hall would be like tearing out a page of ISU’s history,” said Ben Kubczak, senior in architecture.Kubczak became aware of the issues facing Morrill Hall two years ago, after reading an old article in the Iowa State Daily. Interested, Kubczak said he began an attempt at organizing a competition he hoped would inspire donor interest in the project. Kubczak’s idea would have allowed alumni to donate money to sponsor a design competition for students in architecture and design.”I think you’d tend to get a lot more donations with something visual to show them,” Kubczak said.Though his plan was well received, it was too late in the semester to begin a commitment so large, and Kubczak said he was forced to abandon the project.While many students share the same sentiment, others said the issue of funding can’t be ignored. Warren Madden, vice president for Business and Finance, said the university would need $8.3 million before any action can be taken to restore the building.Alex Olson, vice chairman of the Government of the Student Body Finance Committee, said while it would be great to renovate the building, money is definitely an issue.”I just don’t see where the money is going to come from,” said Olson, junior in agricultural business.Olson said GSB doesn’t expect to get involved in funding any project concerning Morrill Hall in the near future.”Because it’s a large capital improvement right now, it is up to the administration to seek [financial] support,” he said.Olson said he would like to see Morrill Hall renovated into a place that celebrates Iowa State, such as a visitors’ center.”We’ve invested a lot in academics, now it’s time to go outside of that,” he said.Other students are also in favor of renovation.”It’s such a central location on campus, they need to do something with it,” said Melissa Brunia, senior in genetics. “I walk by it every day and it’s a shame it is not being utilized.”Aaron Van Lengen, junior in genetics and an employee of the ISU Phone Center, said he believes the ISU Foundation could raise the needed money.”It would be worth the money to renovate,” he said.But other students are less adamant about renovation.Julie Van Slyke, sophomore in pre-advertising, has lived in Ames her entire life and said she had never heard of Morrill Hall.”I think we could spend our money on something else, other than a building that is not serving a purpose at the moment,” Van Slyke said.Rosemary Sundberg, freshman in animal science, said it didn’t really matter to her since the building holds no personal significance.”It hasn’t been open since I have been here,” Sundberg said.Some students have other ideas for the future of the building.”I, personally, would like to see a museum dedicated toward the idea of land-grant institutions,” said Brian Rusche, junior in community and regional planning.Historic structures play a large part in prospective students’ first view of campus, and Rusche said if put to proper use, Morrill Hall could be a definite asset to Iowa State.Although he agrees money is an issue, Rusche said he doesn’t believe in the necessity of a large donor before renovation can begin.”I think the university just wants it to go away,” he said.Regardless of whether the university decides to renovate or raze, Rusche and many other students would like to see the issue laid to rest for good.”The university can’t keep paying this lip service,” Rusche said. “They need to make a decision.”