University of Dubuque Receives Three Grants
Aug 18, 2004 | University of Dubuque Theological Seminary
The University of Dubuque has received three grants totaling $6,000 to support important University endeavors.
The Alliant Energy Foundation awarded a $2,000 grant to aid in the rebuilding of the music program; U.S. Bancorp Foundation awarded a $2,000 grant for the annual Service Learning Fair; and American Legion of Iowa has awarded $1,985 for the Army ROTC program.
John Stewart, vice president for academic affairs at the University of Dubuque, describes the importance of these grants, "We're very grateful to these organizations for their assistance. With the help of grants such as these, the University of Dubuque is able to continue to enhance its educational objectives and its outreach to the wider community."
The Alliant Energy Foundation grant benefits the University of Dubuque's revitalized music program, helping to provide students with a variety of opportunities to cultivate their interest in music. The grant also helps assure that music will be an integral part of life on campus for years to come. This past spring, students in the University Choir performed at eight churches on an east coast tour culminating in New York City. The group made national television when they were introduced on the Today Show by weatherman Al Roker. Tri-state area residents also have benefited from UD's free concerts and performances that are open to the public.
The U.S. Bancorp Foundation grant provides funding for UD's first annual Service Learning Fair that showcased sophomores' semester-long service learning projects. Students researched and learned about different nonprofit agencies and performed various service projects for these agencies. Students then communicated what they learned to the entire campus community at the Service Learning Fair held on April 5, 2004. As a result of students' efforts throughout the semester, more than $1,000 was collected, 70 individuals donated blood, and close to 200 registered to vote. UD believes that service learning is an important educational tool to help connect students to the wider community and its needs.
The American Legion of Iowa Foundation grant provides flags and furnishings for the Army ROTC office. In 1978, an Army ROTC program was established on campus, commissioning 53 graduates before it discontinued in 1992. In the fall of 2002, the University of Dubuque reactivated its Army ROTC detachment. Students from Dubuque's Tri-Colleges as well as the University of Wisconsin-Platteville enroll in Military Science classes held on the UD campus. Currently, nine students are participating in this program, anticipating another eight being contracted to begin this fall. The first commissioning ceremony for the re-instated ROTC program was held during commencement weekend 2004, with three graduates being commissioned.
