Morningside University announces development plans for $1 million gift

SIOUX CITY, Iowa ( KCAU ) — Morningside University has announced that a gift received from two of the school’s alumni will be used to establish the Larry and Joan Arnold Center for Entrepreneurship and Economic Business.

According to a release, the gift was received from alumni Larry and Joan Arnold, who graduated from Morningside University with Bachelor of Arts degrees.

“We are incredibly grateful for the generous support from Larry and Joan Arnold,” Morningside University President Albert Mosley said in a statement. “This center will cultivate the entrepreneurial spirit and drive economic development both within our university and the broader community.”

The Larry and Joan Arnold Center will be located in the new business building, which was initially funded by Tom Rosen in March 2024. The Center is intended to foster innovation, support business start-ups, and contribute to economic growth, the release says.

Larry Arnold graduated from Morningside in 1965 and was the president of Tau Kappa Epsilon. He also served on the Morningside University Board of Directors from 2010 to 2017. Meanwhile, Joan Arnold graduated in 1967 and was a member of Alpha Delta Pi.

The couple went on to make many entrepreneurial accomplishments, leading them to be interested in supporting entrepreneurial initiatives at Morningside. The release states that they expressed their desire to invest in creating an entrepreneurship program.

“Our gift is meant to enhance the vibrant ecosystem of innovation and practical learning already found in the Morningside University School of Business while reinforcing Morningside’s role as a catalyst for regional economic vitality,” the Arnolds said in a statement. “It is our firm belief that entrepreneurship is the economic backbone of our country, and we look forward to watching the vision for the Center unfold in the months and years to come.”

The release notes that Morningside University is looking forward to the Center’s contribution to the business landscape and the lasting legacy it will create in honor of Larry and Joan Arnold.

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