UIU reaches ‘Ideal’ agreement

An agreement between Upper Iowa University and Ideal Industries will soon provide UIU faculty, staff and students approximately 30,000 sq. ft. of additional classroom and office space at its Campus in Fayette, Iowa. UIU President William R. Duffy and Ideal Industries President/CEO Patrick C. Lyons signed a five-year lease-transfer agreement of Ideal’s Fayette facility to UIU on Wednesday, April 12. In addition to the large building, the agreement includes the lease-transfer of the six-acre property located just south of UIU’s Fayette Campus.

“Upper Iowa University takes great pride in adapting to the ever-changing needs of our students, faculty and staff,” said President Duffy. “This agreement unlocks an entirely new avenue of possibilities for both the short and long term in our academic and athletic departments. The 3D Art program will be among the first to benefit from the added space. In addition to new office space, various athletic teams will also be able to utilize the building.”

The UIU in 3D initiative will create an exciting new space for creation of three-dimensional artwork, including ceramics and sculpture courses that further enhance academic teaching and learning at UIU.

“On behalf of UIU, I would like to thank Pat and his entire team for facilitating this agreement,” added Duffy. “Our Board of Trustees, faculty and staff are all determined to provide our students with the resources required to be successful inside the classroom and in achieving their lifetime goals. We feel this agreement is another step in helping students reach their full potential.”

“It has been a pleasure getting to know several members of the University’s administration, staff, and faculty during this process,” said Lyons. “While the transaction itself is somewhat complex, I believe the end result will allow the University to move further down the path of attaining the objectives of its strategic plan. Personally, I have a significant level of affinity for both higher education and small-town Iowa. It is gratifying to know that this project with Upper Iowa University will advance the interests of both in this community.”

Ideal Industries is an ISO 9001:2008-certified contract manufacturer of fabricated metal products, specializing in mild and stainless steel and aluminum. Based in Vinton, Iowa, the company also has a plant in Oelwein, Iowa, and a full-service machine shop in Quasqueton, Iowa. In August 2016, Ideal was named to the 2016 Inc. 5000 list of the fastest growing companies in America. For more information on Ideal Industries, go to www.idealii.com.