11/02/17
For Immediate Release
Harlan and Amy Asmus Receive 2017 Emerging Philanthropist Award
Harlan and Amy Asmus were presented with the 2017 Order of the Knoll Emerging Philanthropist Award on Friday, Oct. 13. This award recognizes individuals or couples who have provided philanthropic support and creative leadership to the Iowa State University Foundation and Iowa State University through the advancement of philanthropy.
“We are thankful for this opportunity to share our story and love for Iowa State,” said Amy. “When it came time for Harlan and me to celebrate the 50th anniversary of our family-owned business, we wanted to give something back to the agriculture industry that we work in. It was natural to look to Iowa State as a vehicle for that giving.”
The Asmus’ graduated from Iowa State in 1987; Harlan with a degree in management and Amy with a degree in graphic design. After graduation, the Iowa natives returned to work at the Asmus family business in Rake, Iowa. In 2004, they purchased Asmus Farm Supply, and their leadership has helped the company rise to the rank of number 58 in CropLife Magazine’s Top 100 List of Retailers in the United States. The couple is also involved in SecureTracs, a collaboration of experienced agronomists in the field of asset tracking and tank reconditioning.
Harlan and Amy have maintained a close association with Iowa State, crediting their time here as the stepping stone to their life success. Said Amy: “Iowa State presented me with a lot of lifetime experiences. It helped me gain (I)ndependence, (S)ocial opportunities and lifelong friends, and (U)nderstanding and knowledge that continue to serve me.” Harlan added, “Iowa State prepares you for life, if you become involved. You get back what you give in effort.” The couple’s daughter and two sons, Erin, Holden and Garrett, also hold Iowa State degrees.
The Asmuses’ ongoing relationship with Iowa State Extension and Outreach has been key for Amy in her continuing education as a Certified Crop Advisor. In turn, her expertise has led to invitations to serve on many boards for extension and beyond. The two have also given generously to areas they feel passionate about at Iowa State. When they learned the marching band needed new uniforms, they made a gift to help purchase them. They also established the “Into the Field” fund in the department of agronomy to provide field training for students.
“Our giving is for the good of the whole,” said Amy, “whether for new band uniforms or the field agronomy initiative, we like supporting groups rather than individuals. That type of giving isn’t always as visible, but we hope it makes a difference in the lives of many people.”
The Iowa State University Foundation is a private, nonprofit organization committed to securing and managing gifts that benefit Iowa State University. The Forever True, For Iowa State campaign, with a historic goal to raise $1.1 billion, will help support Iowa State in becoming the premier land-grant university for the 21st century and beyond.
Contacts:
Karen Simon, Communications, ISU Foundation, 515.294.7263
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