Russ and Ann Gerdin

Who better to drive the College of Business initiative than transportation leader Russell Gerdin and his wife, Ann? The couple, from Coralville, Iowa, started the initiative with their $10 million lead gift in the fall of 1998. In honor of the Gerdins' commitment and leadership, the new College of Business facility was named the Gerdin Business Building.

Both Russ and Ann Gerdin were born in Minnesota and earned their degrees from Moorhead State University. Ann received a degree in elementary education and is a former teacher. Russ received a degree in business. He is president, chairman and chief executive officer of Heartland Express, Inc., a trucking firm he founded in 1978.

Russ is a member of the College of Business Dean's Advisory Council and he and Ann support several community projects including the Variety Club of Iowa, Special Olympics, Iowa City Children's Museum, and the Shriner's Children's Hospital.

"It has been our desire to be fortunate enough to give toward the advancement of higher education, particularly in Iowa. We made the fit to Iowa State because we feel it is heading in the right direction. And for the College of Business to grow, its number one priority is a dedicated, prominent facility," said Russ.

Read the Press Release for the Gerdin Business Building Announcement.