Class Gifts

As each newly graduating class exits Iowa State University, 1876c

it leaves behind a thank-you gift of sorts. This has been the tradition since members of the very first Iowa State class accepted their diplomas in 1876.

Each gift is presented to the university during a ceremony or during the Alumni Days class reunion. Many gifts represent memories, while others serve as long-lasting tributes.

Gifts also vary in expense, location, and type. Some classes raise thousands of dollars to give toward scholarships and loan funds; others raise money to help renovate buildings that would have otherwise gone untouched. Some classes dedicated their gifts to faculty or staff.

Click on a the appropriate decade to get more information about the class gifts:

Class Gifts 1876-1899
Class Gifts 1900-1909
Class Gifts 1910-1919
Class Gifts 1920-1929
Class Gifts 1930-1939
Class Gifts 1940-1949
Class Gifts 1950-1959
Class Gifts 1960-1969
Class Gifts 1970-1979
Class Gifts 1980-1989
Class Gifts 1990-1999
Class Gifts 2000-2008

Photos were taken by Celeste Smith unless otherwise indicated.

Special thanks to everyone who contributed time, effort and resources to this project:
Alumni Association, Iowa State University Foundation, University Archives (Parks Library), Iowa State Center, Memorial Union, Farmhouse Museum and University Museums.