March 1, 2008

Frederick and Charlotte Hubbell, along with James Jr. and Helen Hubbell, all with longtime ties to Simpson College, have committed $1.75 million to Simpson toward the construction of a new campus center.

The Hubbell family has a long history of supporting the college. Frederick Hubbell, a retired executive of ING Group and Equitable of Iowa Companies, has served on the Simpson College board of trustees since 1984. He was named chairman of the board in 2007.

His father, James Jr., a dedicated philanthropist, served on the board from 1973 to 2005. Previously, James chaired a $35 million endowment campaign for Simpson. He and his wife Helen are honored benefactors of the college.

Simpson College President John Byrd said the Hubbell family’s contributions have been invaluable to the college.

“The Hubbell family’s commitment and generosity over the years has been remarkable,” Byrd said. “Simpson has prospered during Jim’s and Fred’s service on the board, and the Hubbell family has supported the college in countless other ways. They truly believe that a Simpson education changes lives for the better. Their support makes that happen.”

Frederick Hubbell said his family is proud to support the new campus center.

“This project is very important for Simpson’s future,” Frederick Hubbell said. “The college must grow and expand to meet the needs of current and future students. President Byrd has exciting plans for Simpson, and we are proud to work with him to make those plans come true.”

The campus center, set to break ground in 2010, will provide a much-needed gathering and meeting space, where students can connect with each other and with faculty and staff. The facility will include offices for student organizations and student development staff, a café and an enhanced dining space.

The new 50,000-square-foot space, with an additional 18,000 square feet of remodeled cafeteria space, will connect Barker and Kresge residence halls and extend the current Pfeiffer Dining Hall and Great Hall to the north toward Buxton Park. The project will cost an estimated $21 million.

“The Hubbell family understands what a tremendous asset a new campus center will be for the student body,” said Bob Lane, vice president for college advancement. “We are grateful for their generous gift and for the momentum it provides going into our fundraising campaign.”