Message From the Chairman

On behalf of the Iowa College Foundation’s Board of Trustees, I would like to extend our thanks and gratitude to the many individuals, foundations and business partners that have contributed to ICF’s success this year. To our donors, your generous contributions have allowed ICF to exceed its annual campaign goal, raising $3,264,497 in FY 2008-2009. To ICF’s Board of Governors, member college presidents, development officers and volunteers, you have provided ICF with both leadership and commitment – two elements that are equally vital to its health and ability to respond to the needs of Iowa’s students.

More than half of the funds ICF distributed to Iowa’s 23 private college members last year were in the form of direct scholarships to Iowa students. In addition, ICF administered 30 scholarship programs. Each unique in its design, these programs are broad reaching in the scope of funding they provide. The Coca-Cola First Generation Scholarship, the Dale and Lois Bright Foundation Scholarship Program, the Hormel Foods Scholarship Program, the Pioneer/George Washington Carver and Henry A. Wallace Scholarship Program, the Prairie Meadows Scholarship Program and the Westmar Endowment Scholarship Program are among the means by which ICF and its member schools help create bright futures for students in Iowa.

We cannot state strongly enough the many ways ICF’s member institutions impact and enrich Iowa. Students of ICF schools have a higher graduation rate and a lower individual debt load in comparison to Iowa’s state universities. They enter the work force more quickly and most importantly, they stay in Iowa following graduation. Private colleges and universities offer smaller classes and a personal approach to higher education. By fostering communication, critical thinking and an appreciation of humankind, they prepare students for significant roles in the future of Iowa’s communities.

In its 57 year history, ICF has raised over $63 million to ensure that educational opportunities in Iowa remain strong and abundant. We are pleased to have this opportunity to acknowledge the many people who continue to make our efforts possible.