Gerdin Business Building: A Hub for Innovation and Learning
Acting as a distinguished landmark of business education within Iowa State University is the Gerdin Business Building. While the Gerdin Business Building is distinguished by its modern architectural design and technological integration, it is also well known for its collaborative atmosphere. The Gerdin Business Building’s aesthetic appeal and modern facilities greatly benefit the Ivy College of Business and serve as motivation to students and business professionals to think outside the box and transform conventional business practices.
If you are a student, academic researcher, or a business professional, in this guide you will be able to gain a better understanding of the Gerdin Business Building’s significance as a model of learning.
Table of contents
The Gerdin Business Building: History and Vision
A Legacy of Support
With the generous donation of Russell and Ann Gerdin, the Gerdin Business Building was opened in 2003 and expanded in 2021, furthering their vision of a collaborative business student space.
Mission and Purpose
The Gerdin Business Building was designed with the intention of serving as a corporeal structure with the purpose of functioning as a hub for innovation, critical thinking, and leadership. This vision is in alignment with the Ivy College of Business’s mission and purpose of building and nurturing business leaders.
Exceptional Sustainability and Brilliance in Architecture
Reflective of Functionality in Design
The Gerdin Business Building spans over 100,000 square feet and incorporates:
- Smart classrooms fitted with real-time data displays
- Multi-purpose auditoriums
- Glass walls for illumination and transparency
- Student lounges and breakout rooms
The college’s business education continues to surpass industry standards with the 2021 expansion of over 40,000 square feet.
Green Initiatives:
- LEED-certified construction materials
- Sustainable HVAC systems
- Sustainable lighting and recycling programs
These features enhance indoor air quality and contribute to the global sustainability goals.
Key Facilities and Learning Resources
High-tech Classrooms
- Over thirty classrooms in Gerdin Business Building are equipped with:
- Interactive smartboards
- Lecture capture
- Integrated audio/visual conferencing
Student Success Center
The Student Services Hub, situated on the ground floor, provides:
- Career counseling
- Internship placement
- Resume and interview workshops
This single access resource promotes real-world student success.
Research and Data Labs
Finance Lab: Real-time market simulation tools
Marketing Lab: Behavioral research instruments
Analytics Lab: Proprietary business data and intelligence access
These, among other, student research supporting industry collaboration facilities are the hallmark of the Ivy College of Business.
Gerdin Business Building as the Epicenter for Networking
Events and Conferences
Gerdin holds the following events during the academic year:
- Business, Industry & Technology Career Fair
- Young Women in Business Conference
- Entrepreneurship pitch competitions
Students are able to engage with industry professionals and advance their careers through networking.
Corporate Partnerships
Deloitte, Principal Financial, and John Deere are a few of the industry leaders that actively engage with students through:
- Guest lectures
- Mentorship programs
- Sponsored projects
These partnerships integrate classroom instruction with experiential learning.
Academic Programs Attached to Gerdin
Undergraduate Programs
Ivy College of Business hosts top-ranked programs in:
- Accounting
- Finance
- Marketing
- Supply Chain Management
The Gerdin Business Building is the designated academic facility for these programs, containing faculty and advisor offices as well as collaboration and work spaces.
Graduate and Professional Education
MBA students and students with other specialized master’s degrees enjoy:
- Graduate-specific lounges
- Private study areas
- Mentorship with faculty
These factors promote a positive learning environment through immersion and focus.
Student Life and Community
Collaborative Workspaces
Huddle rooms and tiered classrooms are just a few workspaces where students can actively collaborate and practice leadership.
Student Organizations
Gerdin is home to over 25 student clubs and associations including:
- Business Council
- Women in Business
- Investment Group
Through these organizations, students are able to enhance their soft skill competencies and seek mentorship.
Career Development Through the Gerdin Experience
Internships and Employment Outcomes
Iowa State’s Ivy College of Business is recognized for:
- 90%+ placement rate for graduates
- Internships secured with Fortune 500 companies
- Alumni in over 30 countries
The Gerdin Business Building significantly influences these results by offering the necessary infrastructure to support career readiness.
Career Fairs and Employer Days
The building frequently transforms into a networking hub and hosts over 150 companies during the major career events. The interactions are instrumental for securing offers and developing self-confidence.
Classified as ‘ testimonies’, the following excerpts have been taken from the Gerdin Community.
Student Perspective
“More of a launchpad than a school, the Gerdin Business Building offers an environment and resources that propel you to reach your goals,”
— Emily Tran, Marketing Major.
Faculty Insight
“Enabling us to not only teach the required education, but also to shape the future business world, Gerdin just makes that,”
— Dr. Michael Crum, Associate Dean.
Why The Gerdin Business Building Matters
It is impossible to categorize The Gerdin Business Building as just a facility on campus. With state of the art features, the business building also balances academic traditions, the business
world, and intellectual rigor, which effectively cultivates a rich learning culture that equips the students to face future challenges.
Conclusion
The Gerdin Business Building is not merely an edifice on the Iowa State University campus. It is a masterpiece which embodies the educational excellence, innovation, and the entrepreneurial spirit of business and future business leaders the University nurtures. In the process of preparing future leaders, the building not only houses smart and interactive classrooms, but also features labs and partnerships with industries that are critical in fostering collaboration and leadership.
The Gerdin Business Building houses advanced graduate programs and undergraduate courses, which provide students access to industry and cutting-edge resources. In addition, students are provided hands-on learning through labs and other resourceful networking avenues. As a landmark for aspiring entrepreneurs and business professionals, the building’s top-of-the-line facilities have bookmarked the university’s incredible vision in providing aspiring business leaders with strong tools to advance in the industry.
Whether you are studying finance, marketing, management, or supply chain analytics, the Gerdin Business Building is equipped with the resources to ensure you excel in the global economy. The faculty, staff and students commend the unparalleled synergy that the building fosters.
Start at the Gerdin Business Building if you want to expose yourself to a rich academic environment or are looking to delve into the vast world of business. Experience this phenomenon for yourself by witnessing the building’s profound impact on the entrepreneurial world.
FAQS
1. What makes the Gerdin Business Building a standout facility for business education?
The Gerdin Business Building distinguishes itself through modern architecture, LEED-certified sustainability features, and high-tech learning environments. With over 100,000 square feet of space—including smart classrooms, breakout lounges, and research labs—it supports the Ivy College of Business’s mission to foster innovation, leadership, and global business readiness.
2. How does the Gerdin Business Building support student career development?
The Gerdin Business Building enhances career readiness through its Student Success Center, internship placements, and regular career fairs that host over 150 companies annually. Its corporate partnerships with firms like Deloitte and John Deere provide students with real-world experiences through guest lectures, mentorship, and sponsored projects.
3. What academic programs are housed in the Gerdin Business Building?
The Gerdin Business Building is home to top-ranked undergraduate and graduate programs in finance, accounting, marketing, supply chain management, and more. It provides tailored resources such as private study areas for MBA students and labs for data analytics and market research, creating an ideal ecosystem for academic and professional excellence.
