There could be no more appropriate building to bear the name of President Martin Jischke than an honors building built on central campus to be used by an elite few whose merits can be easily measured and bragged about. What is even more appropriate is that in order to get this building to bear Jischke’s name, the university is willing to set aside its own guidelines to do it as quickly as possible.

The university guidelines state: “Major buildings are generally named for a distinguished individual who has made extraordinary contributions of a scholarly, professional, or public service nature related to the University’s mission and whose employment by the University has been terminated for at least five years, whether by death, retirement or resignation. Nominations may be submitted at any time, but will not be reviewed by the committee until at least five years have elapsed.”

The rules state clearly that buildings cannot be named for faculty members until five years have passed, and for good reason. Caught up in the emotion of an outgoing president’s departure, any number of people might feel compelled to honor that person by naming a building after him or her. A grace period offers perspective.

Take former ISU President Robert Parks. He led Iowa State for nearly three decades through the most tumultuous times in American history.

Naming the library in his honor was a grand idea. Even if we had not, he would still be remembered.

Jischke made a lot of money, emphasized research over teaching, ignored student concerns and is now leaving for greener pastures because he got a sweeter deal from a bigger school.

Iowa State should be able to wait a few years to name a chunk of real estate after him when the rules demand it. What is the hurry? Are administrators afraid if they don’t do it right now, Jischke might forget them when hiring new staff at Purdue?

Naming buildings is all about honoring a legacy; a legacy requires time to properly gauge and appreciate it.

If Martin Jischke made such a difference here that he should be honored, then there is plenty of time to do that.

See any buildings with Gordon Eaton’s name on it?

You know why? After five years, most of us couldn’t remember who he was let alone be caught up in the emotion of his departure.

If Jischke has been as good for Iowa State as everyone likes to say he is right now, then there should be no rush to name a building after him, because his presence and greatness will still be felt in 2005.

This university would benefit greatly if our administrators lived by their own rules and didn’t make exceptions just because they are sycophants.

Iowa State Daily Editorial Board: Kate Kompas,Greg Jerrett, Heidi Jolivette, Justin Kendall and Tara Payne.