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Pride, excitement dominate groundbreaking for Roy G. Karro Athletics Hall of Fame
Posted April 15, 2000
IOWA CITY -- A sense of pride in accomplishments past and present, and a building excitement about what is to come in the future dominated the comments made during groundbreaking ceremonies held this April 15 at the site of the Roy G. Karro Athletics Hall of Fame Building. More than 400 friends and fans of the University of Iowa and its intercollegiate athletics programs for men and women gathered on the plot of land immediately west of Finkbine Golf Course to salute Karro, a 1942 graduate of the University of Iowa, who last year contributed the leadership gift of $3 million to the project. They also heard firsthand from University administrators, students, student-athletes and others their vision for the hall of fame and recreation project. "This is truly a great day for the University of Iowa," said Mark Jennings, assistant athletic director for development and the executive director of the National I-Club. "Today we celebrate the start of a project that will benefit our entire student population at the University of Iowa as well as our student-athletes. This athletics and recreation facility is the most ambitious project ever undertaken by the UI Foundation on behalf of the University and the University of Iowa Athletic Department." University officials said the budget for the project has been set at $37 million. More than $15 million of that total will be generated through private giving. Construction of Phase 1 of the project -- the Roy G. Karro Athletics Hall of Fame Building and a varsity soccer complex -- will begin this summer and is expected to be completed in approximately 15 months. Phase 2 of the project includes new swimming and diving, and indoor and outdoor tennis facilities in addition to bike and walking paths and other open space. It is anticipated to be completed within three years. "The earth will be moving in Iowa City today. With groundbreaking here and ground shaking at Kinnick Stadium with the playing of the annual spring football game" said Owen J. Newlin, president of the State of Iowa Board of Regents. "This project celebrates the past, celebrates the present, and celebrates the future," added Newlin. "It is fitting that the hall of fame will be physically connected with the larger recreation complex. It associates the past with the future and shows the connection between the University of Iowa and its outstanding intercollegiate athletics program." "'The hall of fame will be a visual reminder of the black and gold tradition of our intercollegiate athletics program. And, the entire complex will be a confirmation of the University of Iowa's commitment to its students," remarked Andy Stoll, president of the UT's Student Government and a members of the Recreational Services Committee. "Facilities do make a difference," said Sara Kiefer, a member of the UI's soccer team. `'They bring us great pride. This facility (the new soccer field) will be a concrete symbol of the University of Iowa's commitment to excellence." "The Hawkeye Athletics/Recreation Facilities Complex affirms the value of sport and recreational opportunities to a complete and healthy lifestyle," said Dr. Christine Grant, director of the UI's Women's Athletic Department. "I am struck by the potential of this particular area. I believe this project will be an outstanding gateway to our University." "We are tremendously excited about this project becoming a reality. It will be a great place for our student-athletes, for our student population, for our faculty and staff, and for the general public," said Bob Bowlsby, director of the UI's Men's Athletic Department. "This project will move a number of our varsity sport programs light years forward while providing friends and fans of the University of Iowa and the Iowa Hawkeyes an opportunity to celebrate the many outstanding achievements of our male and female student-athletes and coaches." Bowlsby said Karro's lead gift started a "chain reaction of events" on the UI campus and in the community that will result in a athletics and recreation complex second to none upon completion. Bowlsby also lauded Karro's "wonderful perspective on philanthropy." "Roy wants us all to appreciate what we've accomplished in the past while providing a real opportunity to have an impact on the future. His lead gift has afforded us those very opportunities," said Bowlsby. "I had no idea that I'd be involved in this kind of project," Karro said when reminiscing to his arrival on campus in January 1939. "I didn't even know if I'd graduate. "Make no mistake, the country knows about the Hawkeyes," he added. "We don't win every game, but boy we can give someone a problem, can't we! We do want to honor the athletes of the past. Being on this campus the same time as Nile Kinnick...what a highlight. "We also have something to look forward to by realizing the impact future students and student-athletes will have on the state of Iowa and the country." UI President Mary Sue Coleman was particularly pleased with the collaborative effort that took place to move the project to where it is today. She applauded the efforts of UI administrators, athletic department staff, Board of Regents staff, city and state government officials, and Karro. "This truly is a collaboration. A lot of different people had to come together and work together and they did," she said. "Things are going to happen here," she said to the project's lead benefactor. "I have a deep gratitude for your generosity. It was the catalyst that made it all possible." Related information: Contact Information
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