The University of Iowa

Gerdin Athletic Learning Center

Russell and Ann Gerdin

Honorees: Russell and Ann Gerdin

Russell: 1941—2011

Achievements:

  • Russell Gerdin was founder, president, and chief executive officer of one of Iowa's most successful businesses, the Coralville-based trucking company Heartland Express
  • Heartland Express was named one of America's 200 best small companies by Forbes magazine in ten of the last 13 years
  • A former teacher, Ann Gerdin continues to make a difference in the lives of students and others through her philanthropic and community service efforts
  • The family also has made gifts to the UI to fund the UI Athletics Hall of Fame and Visitors Center, the J. Hayden Fry Center for Prostate Cancer Research, athletic scholarships, the renovation of Kinnick Stadium, and the Russell and Ann Gerdin American Cancer Society Hope Lodge in Iowa City. Most recently they made a $12 million gift commitment to support the new UI Children's Hospital
  • Gifts and Support to the UI

Gerdin Athletic Learning Center

 

Description of facility:

The privately financed, state-of-the-art Gerdin Center—opened in 2003 with a library, tutorial spaces, computer laboratory, and more—and enables the UI Athletic Student Services office to fully integrate the athletic and academic development of more than 600 Hawkeye student athletes each year. 

Address: 402 Melrose Avenue
Year built: 2003
Additional building information: Gerdin Athletic Learning Center

Aerial View of Building