September 27, 2001

COLLEGE RECEIVES BUILDING FROM LONG-TIME SUPPORTER

A long-time supporter of Iowa Lakes Community College has turned over ownership of a building to the college.

Steve Christensen of Christensen Construction and Design of Estherville built a facility across the street from the college and named it in honor of his parents – Don and Wanda Christensen. 

He approached the college about an arrangement where he could give the college a substantial portion of the value of the building as a gift.   After an appraisal of the facility, Christensen agreed to donate more than half of the appraised value of the Christensen Activity Center to the college in exchange for a payment from the college for the other portion of the facility.

The facility was appraised at $710,000.  Christensen donated $402,000 and the college paid $308,000. 

The facility has been used for a variety of purposes including community events (such as a model railroaders meeting and a quilt show); and as an indoor facility for both college programs and high school events.

The Donald W. and Wanda M. Christensen Activity Center was officially dedicated in a ceremony at the facility Tuesday afternoon.  In addition to Steven, Don and Wanda Christensen, participants in the ribbon cutting included President Jim Billings; Board of Trustees President Jack Tatman and Board of Trustees Member Jan Lund; student senate representative Kim Haack (HAWK); Executive Dean Ellengray Kennedy; and Athletics Director Darin Moeller. 

While two framed certificates were displayed, Kennedy read the inscription on them:  “In deep appreciation to the family of Donald W. and Wanda M. Christensen for their support of Iowa Lakes Community College and its mission to provide quality lifelong learning and economic development for our communities … The Donald and Wanda Christensen Activity Center is hereby officially dedicated on Tuesday, September 25, 2001.”  The certificates were presented to family members by Jack Tatman, President of the Board of Trustees, and by Jan Lund, Member of the Board of Trustees.

In comments during the ceremony, College President Jim Billings said “We thank you for being an integral part of moving Iowa Lakes Community College forward through your gift to the college.”