Giving to Honors

The University Honors Program promotes an enriched academic environment for students of high ability, regardless of major, who are interested in taking advantage of educational and intellectual opportunities and challenges. These include the pursuit of an expansive education, the ability to individualize the student’s program of study, access to graduate-level courses, and the opportunity to be involved in hands-on research.

The honors program is a powerful tool for bringing some of the brightest and most motivated students from around the nation to Iowa State. Honors students improve the academic rigor across the university, benefitting every student on campus.

Private support is essential to the program’s success. Examples of philanthropy in action in the University Honors Program include:

  • Annual gifts of all sizes
  • Several privately supported scholarship accounts
  • Martin C. Jischke Honors Building

Your Gift in Action

Private financial support is crucial to advancing the mission of the Iowa State University Honors Program. Your gift benefits the program’s students, faculty, and staff. Donors have the option of making a gift to one of several honors designated funds.

Ways to Support the University Honors Program

Gifts support general programming, academic initiatives, undergraduate research, and student engagement, including:

  • Honors Student Board programming and initiatives
  • Grants for research or creative activity undertaken as a part of an honors project
  • Grants for first-year mentored research projects, as well as the continuation of those projects 
  • Outstanding student awards and scholarships
  • Student professional development
  • Out-of-classroom, experiential learning opportunities for students (e.g.,  attending a performance at Stephens Auditorium or traveling to the Amana Colonies) 

Gifts support high-impact experiences, such as travel to present research, creative activities at an academic or professional conference, or publication fees.

Gifts support undergraduate research initiatives and student research grants. Students working in animal science or related fields in agriculture and the life sciences receive priority funding.
 

News and Notes

Find out what's happening with Honors alumni, students, faculty, and staff.