Steve and Diane Harms make lead gift for Rec Center Project

A pair of alumni have provided their alma mater with a healthy start on the Upper Iowa University and City of Fayette $1.15 million Recreation Center Project. Steve ’73 and Diane ’73 (Kinkead) Harms of West Des Moines, Iowa, have donated $750,000 to the improvement project, which will benefit both the rec center and indoor pool located at UIU’s Fayette Campus.

“Diane and I were pleased to support the Recreation Center construction back in 2000, and it has proved to be a tremendously important facility not just for UIU but for the City of Fayette and surrounding communities,” Steve Harms said.  “The enhancements of new, multi-purpose flooring and air conditioning included in this project will increase the utility of the building and provide a more comfortable environment for users throughout the year.”

“Many alumni have fond memories of the indoor swimming pool in Edgar,” Diane Harms added. “It is amazing that generations of UIU maintenance staff have kept this pool in operation since 1920, and these improvements are important to keeping this amenity open and available to all who benefit from it.”

In addition to the communitywide impact, UIU Athletic Director Rick Hartzell noted the significant benefits the new flooring and rec center enhancements will provide to both traditional students and student-athletes.

“The generosity of Steve and Diane Harms and their continued support to Upper Iowa University is truly inspiring,” Hartzell said. “We are indebted to the Harms’ for this wonderful gift.”

 The Rec Center was constructed in 2001 and includes a weight and fitness room, UIU’s wrestling facility, a group fitness room, an upper and lower three-lane track, ceiling-suspended batting cages, male and female locker rooms with showers, and basketball, volleyball, tennis and badminton courts. The renovations include enhancing the surface throughout the 40,000 sq. ft. facility with multipurpose flooring and upgrading the HVAC system to include air conditioning throughout the building.

Constructed in 1920, the pool is located in the basement of the Edgar Fine Arts building at Fayette Campus, featuring four 20-yard lanes and a variety of recreational and aqua workout equipment. The pool area will be enhanced with upgrades to water filtration and chemical storage, in addition to renovations to the pool walls and decking.

In addition to the Harms’ gift and over 150 other private donations, the University has secured a $30,000 contribution over three years from the City of Fayette and a $5,000 pledge from Fayette County. Recently, Andrew Wenthe, UIU Vice President for External Affairs and Mayor of Fayette, presented a grant proposal to the Iowa Economic Development Authority Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) Board seeking $230,000 in funding support.

“The Recreation Center and the indoor swimming pool in Edgar are two great examples of how UIU and the community work together to share resources whenever possible,” Wenthe said.  “The relationship between the City of Fayette and UIU is unique, and we are hopeful that the CAT Grant Board will support this project that will deliver more visitors to Fayette while creating a more healthy community.”

“UIU continues to be overwhelmed by the ongoing support of the entire Peacock family when it comes to this and similar projects and endeavors,” UIU President William R. Duffy added. “When completed, these latest enhancements will benefit the students, faculty and staff of Upper Iowa University, Fayette residents and the broader UIU community who utilize the rec center and pool for personal health and wellness, training camps, job fairs and social activities.”

Wenthe emphasized that even if grant funding is secured, a fundraising gap of approximately $100,000 exists.  The community’s continued support is an important criteria that the CAT Grant Board considers when making funding decisions.  Community members who utilize the Rec Center are encouraged to consider a donation to this enhancement project.  Donations can be made online at uiu.edu/alumni/give.html or be sent to the UIU Alumni Office at P.O. Box 1857, Fayette, IA 52142. Information about naming opportunities may be directed to Andrew Wenthe at wenthea@uiu.edu or 563-425-5348.