Iowa State is lucky to have Carrie Chapman Catt, a former champion of women’s issues, associated with the university, ISU President Martin Jischke said Tuesday during the opening ceremonies for Women’s Week.

“Iowa State is very fortunate in that she is one of ours,” Jischke said.

Jischke, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Dean Elizabeth Hoffman and Ames Mayor Larry Curtis spoke at the Chautauqua Tent on central campus, near the soon-to-be dedicated Carrie Chapman Catt Hall.

This year, Women’s Week is not only celebrating the opening of Catt Hall, but the 75th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote. Hoffman said the opening of Catt Hall has been in the planning for two years.

“I can hardly believe it’s really happening,” Hoffman said.

Curtis said he felt it was “appropriate that the Ames community be a part of this event.”

Curtis also stressed that Ames takes great pride in all the achievements that take place on campus.

Far more money has been raised for the building than was originally sought, Jischke said. Some were concerned about selling 2,000 bricks that recognize donors, but so far over 3,000 have been sold.

“The response to this week has far exceeded our original expectations,” Jischke said.

The week is also special, Jischke said, because many ISU alumni are on campus for the event. He added that the celebration honors Catt and “women from all walks of life. There has been incredible support from alumni and friends,” he said.

Hoffman highlighted many of Catt’s achievements during her presentation. Hoffman said she has worked hard to get where she is today, and she is grateful for the “brave women like Catt” before her.

Jischke said everyone should celebrate Catt’s accomplishments for years to come, and each person that walks through Carrie Chapman Catt Hall will now know of her.

The hall will be officially dedicated on Friday at 3 p.m.