Marshall Donation to Create Transformative Complex at Iowa Western

COUNCIL BLUFFS, IOWA  --  Iowa Western Community College baseball and softball athletes will soon be suiting up and competing on their own field of dreams thanks to a generous donation from a retired Council Bluffs doctor and his wife.

Dr. John and Jean Marshall have committed $3 million for a lead gift to create a one-of-a-kind sports facility for athletes at IWCC. A public groundbreaking for the Dr. John and Jean Marshall Baseball and Softball Complex will take place Thursday, August  26, at 3:00 p.m. at the college. The Marshalls also were responsible for the lead gift and creation of the Dr. John and Jean Marshall Wellness Center located on the campus in Council Bluffs.

"The new baseball and softball complex is a transformative project that will provide our student-athletes with first-class facilities for many years to come," said Iowa Western President Dr. Dan Kinney. "The generosity and vision of Dr. John and Jean Marshall will positively impact this institution and our student-athletes and set us apart from our peers in the National Junior College Athletic Association."

The new complex, located on the western edge of campus, will feature field turf throughout the infield and outfield for both sports, along with new fencing, backstops, field lights, restrooms, and digital scoreboards. A press box will also be reconstructed on the baseball side of the complex.

The Marshalls, long-time supporters of Iowa Western and recipients of the college's elite Investment in Excellence Award in 2011, have been key contributors to the annual Black Tie Harvest for Scholarships event. Dr. Marshall also sits on the Board of Trustees at Iowa Western and the Foundation Board.

"Jean and I feel fortunate to be in the position to help Iowa Western grow and serve students in Council Bluffs, Omaha and Southwest Iowa," Dr. Marshall said. "Iowa Western is a premier educational institution and we believe helping to provide facilities like the Wellness Center and Baseball-Softball Complex only expands on the many great opportunities for students.

"I want to thank Marc Rardin (IWCC baseball coach) for his commitment and drive in building a winning program and pursuing this project on behalf of the college. I believe this complex will help elevate both baseball and softball programs to greater heights in the years ahead."