A seven-figure gift to begin a school of journalism at Iowa State has been donated by the mayor of Boulder, Colo., and his wife.

ISU alumni Bob and Diane Greenlee have not disclosed the exact amount, but they said it will help transform the current department into a separate school named for the couple.

John McCarroll, director of university relations, said ISU President Martin Jischke will make an announcement next month regarding the gift.

“We are hopeful to make an announcement on March 11,” he said. “Not all the details have been figured out. We’re very appreciative of their donation.”

Provost John Kozak told the Tribune that the shift to a school of journalism has more to do with recognizing the gift than with altering the current department’s structure.

He added that naming a school after a donor or famous graduate is a growing trend for universities.

According to the Associated Press, the Greenlees earned degrees in journalism from ISU in the 1960s and moved to Boulder in 1975.

The couple made millions after turning a small radio station into a major Denver station, which they sold for $27 million in 1988.

Bob Greenlee, an active Boulder City Council member for 14 years, was elected mayor last fall.

John Eighmey, chair of the journalism department, said the Greenlees’ donation is great news for the curriculum.

“Bob and Diane are wonderful people. They really care about our students and our program,” Eighmey said. “This is all very exciting.”