Upper Iowa University achieves 'Betty's' endowment goal

Fayette, IA (08/04/2021) — The donations of over 650 supporters have helped Upper Iowa University (UIU) reach its goal to endow the Andres School of Education Dean's Fund (Betty's Team Fund). This achievement further recognizes the Andres family legacy at UIU and marks the third Dean's Fund endowment to reach the $250,000 level at the University.

Named for the late UIU alumna Betty Andres '46, Betty's Team Fund can be used in a variety of ways, including to support students and faculty in attending professional conferences; award funds to students to pay for professional exams; create an alumni speaker and professional network within the Andres School of Education; and purchase tokens of appreciation for cooperating teachers and internship site supervisors.

"There are no words to express our gratitude for the generosity and support of the Andres family throughout the years," Dr. Billie Cowley, dean of the UIU Andres School of Education, said. "This amazing family's passion and philanthropy has inspired many individuals to be part of the effort to endow Betty's Team Fund, which will provide support to the faculty, staff, and students of the Andres School of Education for generations to come."

Both Bill '48 and Betty Andres dedicated their time and resources to enhancing the UIU learning environment. Beginning in the '90s, the couple's vision and benevolence was at the forefront in revitalizing Fayette Campus. Among these projects, a master landscaping plan was developed and 13 original sculptures were selected for installation throughout Campus.

In addition, Betty envisioned and spearheaded the completion of the Andres Center for Business and Education. With the help of fellow board member, the late Jerry McCauley, '61, and working alongside then executive director of operations Ron Crooker, the Clermont, Iowa, native thoroughly researched the elements that would need to be included in the state-of-the art facility. The latest technology was installed and the environment continues to offer UIU business and education students few distractions, while providing a comfortable, relaxed, and aesthetically pleasing atmosphere.

After her husband's death in February 2000, Betty remained committed to ensuring the highest quality education was made available to all students attending UIU. Among the heartfelt contributions provided by Betty and the William and Betty Andres Foundation, based in Medina, Minnesota, was a $4 million donation to name the UIU Andres School of Education.

The Andres family legacy continues today, with son Richard Andres having served on the UIU Board of Trustees for over a decade and daughter-in-law Chris helping to spearhead the annual President's Fundraising Ball as co-chair of the event. The Andres family also continues to support student scholarships and other initiatives throughout the year.

"We appreciate everyone's efforts to achieve this milestone of fully funding the Betty's Team Fund," said Richard Andres. "I am touched that my mother will always be remembered through this important avenue of support for students in the Andres School of Education at Upper Iowa."

"We would like to share our great appreciation to the Andres family, and to the many donors, who have supported the effort to endow this and all of our dean's funds over the years," UIU President William R. Duffy II added. "The Peacock family has been the driving force behind the successful efforts to endow not only the Betty's Team Fund but also the School of Business Firth Dean's Fund and the Churbuck Dean's Fund supporting Science and Mathematics. We are equally proud of the efforts that continue to be made to fully endow the Liberal Arts Dean's Fund and the Cabby Dean's Fund supporting Student Life."

The Dean's Fund endowments have been established as part of an effort to increase UIU's overall endowment, which has grown from $10 million to over $22.5 million since 2013, and to provide consistent and recurring support to UIU academic programs and students. Funds have been used to purchase new equipment and technology, defray costs associated with faculty professional development and help fund student travel, leadership training, career development and civic engagement opportunities.

Persons wishing to donate to a Dean's Fund, UIU scholarships or programming, can choose their fund designation by visiting uiu.edu/GiftForm.

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